Virtual Gangster Gets Censored

The Tamagotchi craze has not gone unnoticed in Hong Kong, where there are enough knockoffs of Bandai's virtual pet to fill a zoo. However, one virtual pet has garnered much attention in China because it is based on a Chinese triad gangster who needs more than food, sleep, and playtime to survive.

The toy was originally supposed to be based on Chan Ho-man, the star and narrator of a local comic strip, who unlike any other virtual pets, participates in illicit behavior such as knife fights, cigarette smoking, and (in the comic) sex.

Strong public criticism has swayed toy manufacturer King's Fountain Ltd. to tone down the game and make it look and act nice and inoffensive. Instead of smoking and drinking beer, the character will take up an ice cream habit. Tamagotchi and other virtual pet toys have been banned in schools in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and even the US.