New York City Council Member Peter F. Vallone has attacked Atari for its upcoming
Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, a game which centers around a graffiti tagger's quest to leave his mark in the most visible places in the city. The councilman takes issue with what he sees as the game's agenda to promote graffiti tagging in real life.
"From what Atari's putting out, it appears they want to make crime exciting and to teach children how to get away with breaking the law," said Vallone. "I think irresponsible corporations like Atari must get the message loud and clear, we don't want them supporting criminals and punks and if they do we won't support them."
Vallone's speech against the game publisher contained a few colorful remarks, such as his ominous warning that "I think Atari will soon learn that they are going to be a 'Company Under Pressure,'" and his highlighting of a message-board argument on Atari forums, "between the criminals on one side who believe your game will result in too many novices spraying graffiti over the "tags" of the veterans, and the punks on the other side who believe that any game that promotes graffiti is a good game. What a wonderful debate you have sponsored! I hope you are very proud of the contribution you have already made to society."
The councilman also expressed his sentiments in a direct letter to Atari executives, including Chairman Bruno Bonnell. Under Vallone's supervision, New York's Public Safety Committee has doubled the fine for defacement of public property, as well as banned the possession of spray paint for those under 21.
In other
Getting Up news, Atari announced a slew of high-profile voice talent contributing to the game. In addition to Talib Kweli, who voices the main character, the game will feature the voices of Adam West, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Rosario Dawson, Brittany Murphy, George Hamilton, Charlie Murphy, The RZA, Michael "MC Serch" Berrin, and Andy Dick.
