14 DAY TRIAL // Publisher Electronic Arts has responded to accusation coming from television channel Fox News, saying that it is not marketing the game to children and that the violence and other mature content in the game is squarely aimed at adults.
Fox News sought to sensationalize the launch of the game, saying that Bulletstorm has the potential to damage the minds of children and, of course, lead to real world violence.
In response, EA’s vice president of public relations told Game Informer “Epic, People Can Fly and EA are avid supporters of the ESA and believe in the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rating system. We believe in and abide by the policies put in place by the ESRB.
The statement adds, “Much like Tarantino’s Kill Bill or Rodriguez’s Sin City, this game is an expression of creative entertainment for adults.”
A response statement from Electronic Arts says that “Bulletstorm is rated M for Mature for blood and gore, intense violence, partial nudity, sexual themes, strong language and use of alcohol. The game and its marketing adhere to all guidelines set forth by the ESRB; both are designed for people 17+. Never is the game marketed to children.”
The company goes on to mention that it, as the publisher, Epic Games and People Can Fly are supporters of both the ESA and the ESRB and believe that the ratings given out by the organization are the best way for parents especially and all other customers to evaluate what content might be in the game they are purchasing.
Bulletstorm is constructed around the idea of breaking traditional first-person shooter rules and asking players to use a range of weapons and abilities to kill enemies in innovative manner, with the name of various kills displayed clearly on screen.
Bulletstorm is set to appear on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 and the PC.