India Falls Out With Fallout 3

[DangerousDaze]

Gamingindians.com (http://www.gamingindians.com/2008/10/fallout-3-controversy-india-release-cancelled/) (via Gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/fallout-3-withheld-from-india)) are reporting that Microsoft India have cancelled the 360 version of Fallout 3 in the region. Microsoft India stated the following as reason for the decision:
Microsoft constantly endeavors to bring the best games to Indian consumers in sync with their international release. However, in light of cultural sensitivities in India, we have made the business decision to not bring Fallout 3 into the country.

[H.Bogard]

I don't know why I'm happy, but I am.

[President Fred]

The article doesn't really say what exactly is offensive about it. What do they have against radioactive dystopia's.

[Johan]

Queue Johan in 5, 4, 3... ;)[/i]

That's inflammatory. I'm sure I'll be blamed for your post. :rolleyes: I'm glad to see trolling approved in news posts now, too. :rolleyes:

Edit: I'd suggest closing the thread and starting with one that actually stays on topic in the news post. Just a suggestion...and I'm out for the duration of this one. Enough drama.

[LordDon]

What's with the Johan baiting? The dude's been behaving himself.

[Squidbot]

Have to agree, that was pretty unfair on Johan.

[DangerousDaze]

That's inflammatory. I'm sure I'll be blamed for your post. :rolleyes: I'm glad to see trolling approved in news posts now, too. :rolleyes:

That's not trolling, it's an affectionate nod to a respected member of the community. :)

[LongStepMantis]

The article doesn't really say what exactly is offensive about it. What do they have against radioactive dystopia's.

Nuclear wastelands are against their religion?:confused:

I got nothing.

[Goronmon]

Probably don't need the jabs towards specific posters right in the news post.

[fitbabits]

I removed the comment and PM'd DD about it. Let's concentrate on the news, not the comment.

Thanks.

[Superman's Dead]

India has a large population. Maybe they're scared that the game would train too many for the apocalypse too well.

[President Fred]

India has a large population. Maybe they're scared that the game would train too many for the apocalypse too well.
Unless this is really a scheme planned by Microsoft Pakistan to make sure they're not trained well enough.

[Food Nipple]

The article doesn't really say what exactly is offensive about it. What do they have against radioactive dystopia's.

I'd guess it had more to do with the Brahmin, the two headed cows who share the same name as the priest caste in Brahminic Hinduism, as well as the similarity to Brahma, one of the three gods that makes up Hinduism's holy trinity.

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images//thumb/f/f5/Brahmin.jpg/250px-Brahmin.jpg

[LongStepMantis]

I'd guess it had more to do with the two headed cows who share the same name as the priest caste in Brahminic Hinduism, as well as the similarity to Brahma, one of the three gods that makes up Hinduism's holy trinity.

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/fallout/images//thumb/f/f5/Brahmin.jpg/250px-Brahmin.jpg

Ahhh, now I remember that. The first time an instructor in college asked us "What is a Brahmin?" I was so tempted to answer "2-headed cow mutated by radiation"...but in retrospect, I don't think anyone would have found it amusing but me. Mostly would have prompted blank "wtf is he smoking?" stares. That class was serious business, and my 70 year-old bow-tie wearing professor probably didn't play Fallout.

Anyways, I'd bet money that you're right. Good catch.

[NoName]

Wow, denying the game to over a billion people because of a cow? (assuming this assumption is correct).

I think they'd make a special India edition with the cow's name changed rather than loose this big a market. (True, the market of people who own a 360 in India is significantly smaller than a billion, but it still must be fairly large)

[Xerxes]

Wow, denying the game to over a billion people because of a cow? (assuming this assumption is correct).

I think they'd make a special India edition with the cow's name changed rather than loose this big a market. (True, the market of people who own a 360 in India is significantly smaller than a billion, but it still must be fairly large)

Changing the cow's name wouldn't have helped. Maybe making him a man named Doug would have though.

In India, cows are serious business.

[LordDon]

Half of me wants to say "Nobody has a RIGHT to not be offended" and the other half sees the prudence in cultural sensitivity, especially when no human rights are being violated.

[ClannerDelta]

I dunno, it seems like the right thing to do now that Foodnipple has probably figured out what the problem would be.

There is a difference between censorship and realizing your product probably wouldn't be well received. It simply seems to be a prudent move.

[LongStepMantis]

Changing the cow's name wouldn't have helped. Maybe making him a man named Doug would have though.

In India, cows are serious business.

http://sounfocused.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/doug01.jpg

I demand that they remove references of "Doug" from Fallout if they wish to avoid a NickToons-based boycott! They can have Skeeter though...blue-skinned freak. ;)

[kropotkin]

It would appear that the 21st century will be the century of the ever so sensitive. It's a freaking COW. A COW. I weep for the species I really do.

[Ludoc]

In India, cows are serious business.

You're saying: In India cows = serious business

I've heard that: The internet = serious business

Ergo: In India Cows = The Internet

[agentgray]

That's inflammatory. I'm sure I'll be blamed for your post. :rolleyes: I'm glad to see trolling approved in news posts now, too. :rolleyes:

Edit: I'd suggest closing the thread and starting with one that actually stays on topic in the news post. Just a suggestion...and I'm out for the duration of this one. Enough drama.

Yes, that OP went well in hand with the "professionalism" mantra that was expressed when the site started.

EDIT: Doh! I'm late to the party. Thank you, James.

[Xerxes]

http://sounfocused.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/doug01.jpg

I demand that they remove references of "Doug" from Fallout if they wish to avoid a NickToons-based boycott! They can have Skeeter though...blue-skinned freak. ;)

I think a "blue skinned man" named Skeeter might be offensive too. There are a few blue skinned gods in Hindu.

[Xerxes]

It would appear that the 21st century will be the century of the ever so sensitive. It's a freaking COW. A COW. I weep for the species I really do.
I say that about humans but they won't let me piss on human kind as much as I like either. Or wait I'm American... Hmmmm.

You're saying: In India cows = serious business

I've heard that: The internet = serious business

Ergo: In India Cows = The Internet

I wonder how does limiting their bandwidth work. :rolleyes:

[LongStepMantis]

I think a "blue skinned man" named Skeeter might be offensive too. There are a few blue skinned gods in Hindu.

Well dammit.

They should make a list of things that are acceptable then. It might be shorter. ;)

[Food Nipple]

I think a "blue skinned man" named Skeeter might be offensive too. There are a few blue skinned gods in Hindu.

Patty Mayonnaise and Porkchop are probably out too. Rename the Brahmin "Roger Klotz" and tell people it's an ox. Problem solved.

[Xerxes]

Well dammit.

They should make a list of things that are acceptable then. It might be shorter. ;)

I wonder if it's even possible to create a kick ass game about the Hindu gods with out them have a bitch fest. I can see how it's insulting to though. But my take is why do outside reference effect someone's internal beliefs. It's got to be hard not being able to shrug shit off.

Spigot's not going to like this...
http://www.comicsbulletin.com/rage/images/050327/godysseypages4and5.jpg
But there. Most Christians aren't going to go protest Liefeld. Anybody that likes comics should, but that's a different story. But that's Jesus Christ fighting Zeus. Just wow.

[Scaryfaced]

Wait, Jesus beat up Hercules? I must have ditched class the day my Classical Mythology covered it. No wonder everyone wears a cross around. It's a symbol of the day Jesus kicked some ass.
________
BIG TITS SEX (http://www.fucktube.com/categories/10/big-tits/videos/1)

[Xerxes]

Wait, Jesus beat up Hercules? I must have ditched class the day my Classical Mythology covered it. No wonder everyone wears a cross around. It's a symbol of the day Jesus kicked some ass.
Jesus is badass.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/becs1/jesusv.jpg

I'd like to think the deity I believe in finds this stuff is pretty funny.

[National Kato]

I'd guess it had more to do with the Brahmin...

Or the fact that there is currently nuclear tensions between India and its neighbor Pakistan? Both are nuked up and as recent as 2002, had some serious tensions.

[Morangie]

Jesus is badass.

Jesus does better when he just stays out of Battle Pope's way.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/6875/32251qc8.jpg

[muddi900]

Fun Fact,er,Speculation: That's a bad news to the 19 people that own a 360 in India.

Most people who want to play will play a pirated version. Nobody'll give a fuck.

[DiBiddilyBop]

Jesus is badass.
I'd like to think the deity I believe in finds this stuff is pretty funny.

Wait... I knew there was a Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter movie, but there's a comic? Awesome.

[Johan]

This thread is a pretty decent example of the double-standard in our society, and of the impunity we feel toward some religious imagery, and the lack of impunity toward others. Would people be enjoying this thread if the Danish cartoons were posted? I think not...there'd be accusations of racism, prejudice, hatred, and the like.

Pretty sad. Everyone deserves to be mocked...equally. It's the American way to pillory any and all comers. :D

And no, I'm not criticizing y'all, so unwad your panties, please. I don't give a shit if you mock stuff. I expect it on the Internet, and I can deal with it or leave the place of mockery. Ultimately, that's the key in my mind...people should CHOOSE what they expose themselves to, NOT choose what others are allowed to produce.

[TheFlyingOrc]

This thread is a pretty decent example of the double-standard in our society, and of the impunity we feel toward some religious imagery, and the lack of impunity toward others. Would people be enjoying this thread if the Danish cartoons were posted? I think not...there'd be accusations of racism, prejudice, hatred, and the like.

Pretty sad. Everyone deserves to be mocked...equally. It's the American way to pillory any and all comers. :D

I disagree, I don't think there would be IN THIS THREAD.

However, in the general public...

[Johan]

I disagree, I don't think there would be IN THIS THREAD.

Nobody has done so, have they? It's like a pile of eggshells, and everyone dances around them. That's an infringement on our own rights, honestly. An externally-imposed limitation.

Some of the biggest defenders of freedom of speech on this site and in the West are also the first ones to declare that those who are upset at censoring content to avoid offending some Muslims are wrong, racist, trolls, prejudiced, hateful, and the like.

It's just schizophrenic and absolutely nutty.

[Morangie]

This thread is a pretty decent example of the double-standard in our society, and of the impunity we feel toward some religious imagery, and the lack of impunity toward others. Would people be enjoying this thread if the Danish cartoons were posted? I think not...there'd be accusations of racism, prejudice, hatred, and the like.

Pretty sad. Everyone deserves to be mocked...equally. It's the American way to pillory any and all comers. :D

You go write Battle Muhammad and if its any good, I'll read it. There isn't a double standard here, there just isn't any good comedy material based on Islam; the Danish cartoons were shit which is a far more compelling reason to stop bringing them up over and over again.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Nobody has done so, have they? It's like a pile of eggshells, and everyone dances around them. That's an infringement on our own rights, honestly. An externally-imposed limitation.

Some of the biggest defenders of freedom of speech on this site and in the West are also the first ones to declare that those who are upset at censoring content to avoid offending some Muslims are wrong, racist, trolls, prejudiced, hateful, and the like.

It's just schizophrenic and absolutely nutty.

http://musing-minds.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/jyllands-posten-mohammed.jpg

BAM. I just went there.

[Johan]

...the Danish cartoons were shit which is a far more compelling reason to stop bringing them up over and over again.

I disagree. I found them thought-provoking and several were amusing, as political and religious cartoons are supposed to be. The nice thing is that, having the actual right to see them, people can make up their own minds about that!

Of course, not a single American newspaper was willing to carry them, so most Americans wouldn't know much about them. They were censored.

Oh...not censored. That's not censorship. It's sensitivity and cultural understanding.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I disagree. I found them thought-provoking and several were amusing, as political and religious cartoons are supposed to be. The nice thing is that, having the actual right to see them, people can make up their own minds about that!

Of course, not a single American newspaper was willing to carry them, so most Americans wouldn't know much about them. They were censored.

Oh...not censored. That's not censorship. It's sensitivity and cultural understanding.
I mean...they don't want to get blown up. That's pretty much it.

[Food Nipple]

Some of the biggest defenders of freedom of speech on this site and in the West are also the first ones to declare that those who are upset at censoring content to avoid offending some Muslims are wrong, racist, trolls, prejudiced, hateful, and the like.


I don't see any of that going on in this thread, but if any of those hypothetical strawmen show up, they better watch out because I'm aiming to give them a piece of my mind.

[Johan]

I don't see any of that going on in this thread...

Good thing I didn't say it was going on in this thread, then! :)

[menage]

Is the PS3 available in India? Will that still be sold then?

[DangerousDaze]

PS3 and PC versions were never planned for release in India, just the 360 version.

[TrackZero]

In a country where it becomes a national fuckshow when someone has sex with someone else and it's caught on cell phone video and passed around. They really aren't ready to handle a piece of their majorities religion slammed around with the cows in Fallout 3. Whether you consider that a double standard, or just an obvious business decision not to even bother to publish the game there, that's all she wrote.

Edit: Oh, or a country where you and your kid can be kidnapped by your church because your husband is of a different religion, and no one (not the cops, or governemnt) does anything to save you. I mean, that's the type of society we're talking about here.

[nonchalance]

Anyone who really wants it in India will be able to import it reasonably cheaply, right?

So it's self-censorship, but reasonable enough, I guess. Clearly there aren't enough non-Hindi Xbox360 owners in India to justify the expense of publishing.

[Bad Buddha]

There is a difference between censorship and realizing your product probably wouldn't be well received. It simply seems to be a prudent move.

This is the way I look at it. It's like not advertising hamburgers in a vegan magazine

It would appear that the 21st century will be the century of the ever so sensitive. It's a freaking COW. A COW. I weep for the species I really do.

Some people think that a freakin' cow is pretty important.

'Indian Mutiny', 1857-1859
Causes
The 1850s saw a deterioration in relations between the British officers and the Indian other ranks in the East India Company’s Bengal Army. Many Indians believed that the British were seeking to destroy traditional Indian social, religious and cultural customs, a view shared by the sepoys of the Bengal Army, a substantial number of whom were high-caste Brahmins. ...matters were brought to a head by the introduction of the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. The rumour spread that its cartridges were greased with pig and cow fat, thus offending both Moslems and Hindus.

'Indian Mutiny': Main Events 1857

May 10 - Mutiny at Meerut.
May 11 - Europeans massacred at Delhi.
June 27 - Cawnpore falls to the rebels. British prisoners massacred.

Seerius bizniss!

[Reverant]

India has a large population. Maybe they're scared that the game would train too many for the apocalypse too well.

Unless this is really a scheme planned by Microsoft Pakistan to make sure they're not trained well enough.

Late to the game here, but that made me laugh.

[Johan]

Some people think that a freakin' cow is pretty important.

I know I do. They're delicious.

[KingGorilla]

I know I do. They're delicious.

Very important animal. The cheese on my nachos, the coat on my back, the succulent strip steak I had for dinner last night.

I am sure someone mentioned it, or thought it. But did you ever consider that fewer people would starve in India if they ate the cows, used their milk, sold the leather, instead of worshipping them?

[Superman's Dead]

Very important animal. The cheese on my nachos, the coat on my back, the succulent strip steak I had for dinner last night.

I am sure someone mentioned it, or thought it. But did you ever consider that fewer people would starve in India if they ate the cows, used their milk, sold the leather, instead of worshipping them?

What's that thing Bob Barker always said about how many dogs and cats die in pounds every year?

[/messeduphumor]