It seems that Rule of Rose is becoming Europe's version of Bully. Last week, the Mayor of Rome called for the game's ban and now it has escalated into a Europe wide issue. The controversy has even managed to make it to the front page of the UK Times right next to a story about prisoner abuse. The article comes with the shocking headline "Violent children's game investigated by Europe"

Europe's Justice Commissioner, Franco Frattini, was so disturbed by Rule of Rose that he's contacted all of the European government leaders to put a stop to games that he feels "display and even glorify violence, sometimes extreme violence."

"Games where you are supposed to shoot down ordinary people walking on the streets or where you have to bully children at schools are other examples of obscene and perverse games.

I've played Rule of Rose and there is no doubt that it is both obscene and perverse (In the best possible way, in my opinion). Live rats being shoved in the faces of young girls, children tied up in sacks while insects, spiders and snakes are dropped in with them, it was truly disturbing. But, the game also carries an "M" rating in the United States and an 16+ rating in parts of Europe, making it impossible for minors to purchase it in the first place. Nevertheless, Mr Frattini has called for a closer look at how games are rated and distributed to minors at the upcoming Home Affairs ministers meeting on Dec. 5.

I was surprised that Jack Thompson didn't latch on to this one when it came out, but he was obviously so entrenched in unsuccessfully trying to ban Bully that it slipped under his radar. It will be interesting to see if he tries to pick this one up and run with it as well. Flynn De Marco

Torturing this child is a game too far, says appalled EU boss [The Times]
[Thanks to Lesley for The Times cover pic]