Re: [piecepack] Re: Games with adult themes

[Chris Sullivan <feedle@...>]

On Apr 16, 2005, at 5:22 AM, Leo M. Lalande wrote:

> I for one am not offended by adult-themed material; but I do
> understand and respect the fact that some people are offended by such.

To some extent, I would agree: however, one could make an argument that 
the "rest of the First World" generally doesn't share our puritanical 
views towards sex in the US, and would be sitting there scratching 
their heads that we're making an issue out of a couple mildly 
sexually-themed games.  Comic Sutra seems no worse than Twister on the 
face of it, and certainly no worse than many of the adult party games 
sold on the shelf at places like Barnes and Noble.  (Advice: don't play 
Pictionary with freaks)

> Also, like Mike and Ron, what gets included in MG's commercial
> products is purely their decision. Under the pretense that MG is
> working to expand the piecepack's exposure and market, I would support
> their decision to exclude adult-themed games from their pp CDs.

I would even support a decision by them to exclude games that just 
don't "play well" or have problematic instructions (note that at the 
moment, I don't have any concrete examples of same).  Anything that 
makes Piecepack more "accessible" by more people is a Good Thing, not 
only for Mesomorph's business, but for our community at large.

> Of course, this also brings up the subject of other 'potentially
> offensive' themes/subjects.  What happens if someone created and
> posted a game with a racist theme, or some anti-religion based theme?
>  While I don't believe it has happened yet, as the piecepack community
> grows, it could very easily happen.

This is the crux of the problem, really.  As Piecepack grows, there are 
going to be games that people are going to write that will definitely 
offend, and in far worse ways than a little sexual innuendo.  Where are 
we going to draw the line?

Obviously, anything that encourages any illegal activity should be 
right out.  For my vote, anything that encourages violence or hate 
towards others should be scrutinized.  Sexuality should probably remain 
right at the threshold of innuendo, and perhaps Comic Sutra could use a 
little touch-up to make it more.. um.. *nudge nudge* in tone.  
Actually, it probably would improve the read of the rules.  If the 
author would like some help on working with that, I'd be happy to 
volunteer some time.. in a short time, it's become kind-of a popular 
game around here.

In short, I think the general guiding principle should be: if you think 
a major retailer like Barnes and Noble (or even Spencer Gifts) would 
have problems putting it on the shelf, it likely will be an "issue."

I do have faith in the moderators of the group to exercise their 
discretion.  Additionally, should there be a demand for "offensive" 
Piecepack games, somebody will certainly create a website for it, and 
that should solve the problem ("unofficial" rulesets).

> My 2 cents on the matter.

Mine's only worth 2/3rds that.