Last week the International Nanny Association (INA) released an official statement regarding the soon-to-be released Dante’s Inferno Video Game which features a baby killing achievement, or trophy, called “Bad Nanny.”
Susan Tokayer, president of Family Helpers and co-president of INA issued this statement:
“INA feels this video game component of Dante’s Inferno was created out of poor taste and bad judgment. INA is opposed to video games that promote and encourage players to “kill” babies, even in fantasy play. It is our opinion that this type of play may promote violence towards children. The name of the trophy or achievement, “Bad Nanny,” is offensive to our association in that we strive to promote and educate the public regarding the selfless work nannies do to support families by providing quality in-home child care.”
INA has received a response statement from the Entertainment Software Rating Board regarding this topic:
“ESRB appreciates the sentiment being expressed in response to recent reports about the content in the Dante’s Inferno Game. This game has not yet been rated by ESRB. If and when it is submitted, ESRB will assign rating information that will enable consumers to make an educated decision as to whether it is one they deem suitable. In fact, ESRB’s new rating summaries go beyond a game’s age rating and content descriptors to provide a more detailed description of content in a game that factored into its rating, further empowering consumers with specific information about game content. All that being said, it should be understood that our job is not to censor potentially tasteless or objectionable content nor dictate to publishers what type of content they may include in their games. ESRB’s role is to objectively evaluate a game’s content and assign age and content ratings that will be helpful in allowing consumers to make informed choices.
INA is asking that EA either not release the game or use alternate titles for the highly objectionable and inappropriate concepts of “baby killing” and “bad nanny.”
A Google word search of “Dante’s Inferno Nanny” will show you the massive response INA’s statement has created in the gaming and tech world. To read Be the Best Nanny’s blog posting on this topic, as well as links to relevant violence in media websites and clinical studies proving the adverse effect of violent video games on children:
http://bestnannynewsletter.blogspot.com/2009/10/ina-is-right-to-speak-out-against.html
To learn about the soon-to-be released Dante’s Inferno Video Game, click here.
To learn about The Divine Comedy, which Dante’s Inferno Video Game is based, click here: