A advertising poster for Electronic Arts PS2/PSP title Burnout Dominator has been labeled "irresponsible" by the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. Thirty-seven complaints were filed regarding the ad, which featured a wrecked car surrounded by broken glass with the slogan "Inner peace through outer violence." According to an ASA spokesperon;

The complainants described the advert as offensive as it condoned and was likely to encourage violence, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour such as vandalism... The Advertising Standards Authority determined that the implication of the advertisment was likely to cause serious or widespread offence.

Electronic Arts said the ad wasn't condoning violence, but is going to change to ad to comply with the ASA. What's more, the ASA also recommended that in future EA get advice regarding its ads. The game was released earlier this spring, and I haven't seen this poster and couldn't find it online. It doesn't sound so bad. Are people really that uptight?

Stupid question. Brian Ashcraft

Eds Note: Multiplayer editor Ludovica was kind enough to send along the ad image. Many thanks!

Irresponsible Ad [Games Industry]