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Burnout ad too violent for the London Underground
- June 27, 2007 09:57 AM PST
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A U.K. advertising watchdog agency has banned a somewhat "racy" ad for EA's Burnout Dominator on the grounds that it has the potential to encourage reckless driving and wanton violence.
By Eugene Huang
Electronic Arts has recently had to answer to U.K. authorities over a controversial advertisement depicting a smashed-up sports car and a burning tire. Above the tire is the slogan "Inner peace through outer violence."
Was the banning a necessity or an overreaction? You be the judge.
According to a report from the Metro, the U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority is not amused with the ad, claiming that it may encourage its many viewers to "cause serious or widespread offence". The watchdog group has effectively banned the ad from the London Underground and from the eyes of the thousands of commuters that walk through it each day.
EA contends that the message of the ad is in reference to the relief of stress and tension through the play of Burnout Dominator, but the ASA maintained its stance.
"We considered that the images of a car that seemed to have crashed at high speed and a burning tyre, together with a reference to violence, could be seen to condone a violent lifestyle, anti-social behaviour or dangerous driving. We concluded that the ad was irresponsible," a spokesperson for the ASA said.
