Atari plans to fight Getting Up ban @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on February 16, 2006

News: If The Simpsons and Paul Hogan have taught me anything, it's that Aussies are always ready for a fight.

Yesterday, Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was effectively banned in Australia by their film ratings board when it refused to give the game a rating. Much like the AO in America, an "unrated" game in Australia is basically unsellable. The game has been banned for promoting criminal activities, a charge Atari finds particularly funny considering Getting Up's revolves around a revolutionary fighting an opressive government. Hint: Atari's calling Australia an oppressive government.

They've even issued a statement to the Australian film board concerning this non-rating. For those interested, here it is:

"The Australian Government's recent ruling to ban Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure is an ironic instant of Life imitating Art in that Getting Up takes place in a world where freedom of expression is suppressed by a tyrannical government. It is unfortunate that during this day and age a government will implement censorship policies which are tantamount to book burning practices from the past. Banning any form of artistic expression suppresses creativity and begs the question "Where does it end?" Atari prides itself on providing innovative entertainment experiences like Getting Up and does not condone or encourage any criminal act.

Just as classic works of art such as music, books and paintings or modern forms of entertainment such as films and television shows present fictionalized entertainment depicting stories, cultures, characters and actions that may be exaggerated versions of "real-life" people or events, video games such as Getting Up provide amusement and escape in a fantasy world where players can vicariously experience different lifestyles.

The game environment and narrative present a unique setting and look based on the lifestyle and legend of graffiti artists and their chosen art form. The look and feel of the game reflect many aspects of this culture, including its music, fashion, and language, giving the player the ability to "experience" the graffiti art form in a safe and legal setting. The focus of the game is on expression through art and Atari will vehemently fight its censorship."

I couldn't agree more.