The Mortal Kombat – Shaolin Monks (Blood on the Carpet) online advert has been accused of glorifying violence which showed a worker’s heart is ripped from his chest in an office scene while another is beheaded with a flying hat.
Made to be circulated amongst internet users via referrals the ad was banned by Advertising Standards Association (ASA) after it received complaint from a journalist. The industry watchdog found the substance of this online viral advertising material offensive and irresponsible.
In a statement it said the ad was likely to cause fear, distress serious and widespread offence.
Midway Games seeks an apology, but that’s not the point here. The question here is, is it becoming an easy way out for these kinds of successful interactive entertainment software publishers (NBA balers, MLB Slugfest, Area 51) who are facing spiraling business (and financial) problems ahead.
A massive loss of $ 95 million and lay off of 11% workforce is not a joke. Productivity going down. Share’s falling. Notwithstanding a deal like SCI Entertainment, Maverick wanted to earn some fast cash at the cost of what? The PR report also says that the advert was meant to be humorous.
The disastrous fact is that whether it’s fun or not, sex, shock value and violence has always been every sellers dream weapon. Its now imbibe in our culture. Cant escape. And opportunists are ready to make money while it shines.
