Outcry at rape computer game

SA rights groups mobilise to boycott sales

SOUTH AFRICAN civil rights organisations have weighed-in on the proposed release of a controversial computer game, Rape Day, saying it undermined efforts to eradicate violence against women and children.

Rape Day, developed by Desk Plant, allows players to rape and kill women in story mode.

According to Desk Plant, the game was aimed at “4% of the general population (who) are sociopaths” and would enjoy playing a “menacing serial killer rapist during a zombie apocalypse”.

“Annoy, murder and rape women as you continue the story. It’s a dangerous world with no laws. The zombies enjoy eating the flesh off warm humans and brutally raping them but you are the most dangerous rapist in town,” it said in a statement.

Online gaming platform Steam have pulled the game after complaints following its release on February 19.

US game developer, publisher and digital distribution company Valve said it would not distribute Rape Day.

“Much of our policy around what we distribute is and must be reactionary, we simply have to wait and see what comes to us via stream direct.

“As Valve we respect developers’ desire to express themselves and the purpose of Steam is to help developers find an audience.

“This developer has chosen content matter and a way of presenting it that makes it very difficult for us to help them do that.”

Despite this, Desk Plant has indicated plans to launch it at the end of this month.

Tina Thiart, director of local NGO 1 000 Women Trust, said her organisation would mobilise women and men to boycott the companies and sales of games that exploited women and their bodies.

“This is outrageous and we call on all women in South Africa to speak out and join our movement to stop the launch and its distribution here.

“It is claimed that one in three South African women are survivors of sexual violence. It was reported by the police that 41 % of reported rape is of children under the age of 12.

“Rape is not acceptable, we are all working hard to create a new culture of no violence, to eradicate violence against women and girls, and this game should not be available in South Africa.

“We call on all mothers, daughters and sisters to stand together, to unite and to join us to keep the game from our shelves,” Thiart said.

Annoy, murder and rape women as you continue the story

Desk Plant: Developers of Rape Day