Mayor of Rome seeks Rule of Rose ban

Psychological horror game draws fire from local politician; mayor quoted as saying "this game must not enter Italian homes."

Sony Computer Entertainment International's PlayStation 2 psychological horror game Rule of Rose has already found a home in Japan, the US, and the UK, but its tale of a girl kidnapped by a secret society of orphans is apparently unwelcome in the capital of Italy. An article on Life in Italy credited to the Italian news agency ANSA reports that the mayor of Rome last week vowed to do whatever he could to get the game banned in his country.

Will Rose be banned?

"There is no way that a violent video game should be sold and distributed in our country...this game must not enter Italian homes," Roman mayor Walter Veltroni is quoted as saying.

While Sony created the game, it has left it to third-party publishers to release the game outside of Japan. Atlus picked the game up for distribution in the US, while 505 Gamestreet is handling the UK and Italian releases.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's Corrado Buonanno reportedly responded to the mayor's comments by saying that SCEE had completely disassociated itself from Rule of Rose.

"Probably, the sense of what's acceptable in Japan and what's acceptable in Europe are different so our Japanese division did not feel the need to block this game's production and distribution [in] its own market," Buonanno was quoted as saying. "But from our point of view, this game is unsuitable for the Italian and European public because of its content."

For more on Rule of Rose, check out GameSpot's full review.

129 Comments

  • mariokartguy

    Posted Jan 1, 2007 8:24 pm PT

    i havent played it yet, whats so graphic about it anyway?

  • xatman911

    Posted Dec 29, 2006 7:05 am PT

    Politics is rubbish anyway. This just shows that the mayor is a physco. By playing burnout doesnt mean that I am going to drive like than in real life. Some people are just crazy against gaming.

  • Cloud737

    Posted Dec 29, 2006 4:11 am PT

    Heh, so this ban still wasn`t lifted. Oh well, the only thing the mayor achieved is to make the headlines. The games will STILL be available in Italian homes, through piracy or imports (my guess is that the first would be the most frequent), and the government just lost money from the taxes they could collect by allowing the game to sell in stores. Great decision, mayor!

  • Lanzi

    Posted Dec 6, 2006 3:22 am PT

    That's the same old story...
    It's always videogame's fault!

    Italy is full of hypocrites and bigots. The real problem is: the education. You can't blame all the videogames industries if you are unable to educate your children.
    If a game or a movie is "M" rated, no one cares! A 15 years old child can buy it in a store! Someone told about "Cannibal Holocaust"... yes... that's the same... you could buy it without any problem!

    Who controls the children then? Nobody! Parents and school are useless!
    But if a politician tries to tell me what morality is... well "No, Thanks!"

  • gamer_girl15

    Posted Nov 26, 2006 4:58 pm PT

    @ Squabo46

    I really hate it when politicians blame video games for society's evils. I'm not even going to start

  • Squabo46

    Posted Nov 23, 2006 11:14 pm PT

    Maybe it's banned in rome because there is a secret society of orphans working for the mayor who kidnaps people and he feels this game would lead the people of Rome to discover his little society.

  • gigiluigipigi

    Posted Nov 21, 2006 11:02 am PT

    Hi i'm an Italian guy..Now in Italy we have some problems with the bullies in the schools and the politicians think that the reason of that are violent-game
    That's why..

  • cuitexcutei

    Posted Nov 21, 2006 12:55 am PT

    So that means that ALL violent games that we have heard or played aren't sold in Italy? boy, those Italians must be really boring just playing FIFA..

  • bushidoboi1

    Posted Nov 19, 2006 9:13 pm PT

    cry me a river italy

  • Pink_Moggle

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 2:05 am PT

    Its another fat cat on a crusade. You don't hear him complaining about Call of Duty. Let alone Bully, GTA games, Hitman, or Scarface. This is why games had ratings. If parents buy the games for there children, then its sole responsibility for them to supervisor them. What do they expect children to play PONG!!! Next there be saying Space invaders is violent. We the gamers should be the ones to past judgement on games. We are the ones that buy the games. We are the ones that rate this games as playable and give reviews.

    I think they should ask us what we think and give it to them straight. Stop banning games that they personally dis-like. We all have the right to freedom of speech. So to those FAT CAT Mayors & EU Ministers. Read the gamers reviews and see what we have to say before passing judgement

  • JusticeCovert GameSpot staff member

    Posted Nov 17, 2006 4:51 pm PT

    The first rule of Rule of Rose is: You don't talk about Rule of Rose. The second rule of... etc. etc.

  • Dinghy_Dog

    Posted Nov 17, 2006 3:05 pm PT

    what's up with people freakin out over children playing video games that are rated M? i grew up playing games before real ratings came out, such as Road Rash, Mortal Kombat, DOOM. I haven't killed anyone (that I'm aware of) or rode around on a bike hitting people in the face with chains. Kids should play whatever the crap they want and it shouldn't be some stupid "ban" anywhere. Ban movies. They suck anyway.

  • GsR_lives

    Posted Nov 17, 2006 10:41 am PT

    The game is rated M (Mature audiences 18+) in the U.S. I don't know what backwater ratings system Italy has...but it shouldn't be sold to "children" over there either. So guess what Mr. Mayor? You committed the ultimate faux pas. Saying that a legal act (buying the game) was immoral, and something should be done to stop the act (even though, again let me say..it's not legal to sell to minors in the first place), and not doing any research to see that you're wrong.
    Mayor of Rome brain = FAIL
    He runneth off with the mouth, without checking the label on box. Shamefully dull, i'm sure the blue-haired Grandmas will give him all their votes.

  • PantsOfFury

    Posted Nov 17, 2006 4:46 am PT

    usedtype is right, the game is horrible.

    It's not that big of a deal really. Europe doesn't accept violence too well, and America doesn't accept sexual content too well. It's cultural differences people.

  • U1

    Posted Nov 16, 2006 11:22 pm PT

    Here's an update on this http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2207229.stm
    Now an EU Minister wants a part of the action!

  • vamroc

    Posted Nov 16, 2006 9:45 pm PT

    How many times do we have to tell the Europeans don't put crack heads in positions of power. Nothing good ever happens

  • usedtype

    Posted Nov 16, 2006 11:44 am PT

    Maybe he doesn't want it released in Italy because it's a pretty crappy game.

  • forever_freedom

    Posted Nov 16, 2006 8:42 am PT

    Ladies and Gentleman...

    Rule of Rose will be release in Italy on November 24....

    Not from Sony.... but it 's not so important... VIDEOGAME 1 - 0 POLITICIANS

    Ahaahahaha

  • pencilpusher69

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 9:33 pm PT

    Scorpion16
    "I think those who create and make such games must have perverse minds." What ignorance, I dare him to go say this to any horror fan and chances are he'll get *****slapped all the way back to the Vatican."

    Actually, if a person couldn't handle somebody saying they have a perverse mind, without resorting to violence, then this mayor guy would be completely vindicated.

    I don't agree with him at all, but I'd point out that many, many, many people who want to censor videogames are not just religious people. If you believe they are the only ones who would censor or block content, then you would have to ignore people like Tipper Gore, Joe Lieberman, Hillary Clinton, and Joeseph Goebbels.

    There are people on the far right, and the far left, who both wish to control us, and they are equal in their stupidity, and voracity.

  • Scorpion16

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:39 pm PT

    Wow this is just amazing

    It's funny how this blowhard didn't have any problem with GTA, Saints Row, Hitman, Mortal Kombat, Dead Rising, Gears of War, or even Resident Evil or Silent Hill, yet when a virtually unknown horror game is about to release he's acting like there is going to rampant rioting and mayhem when it comes out. Who is this idiot to tell people what is and isn't suitable for kids. That's what parents are supposed to do, not some gray haired, bible thumping politicians who don't know **** about what they are talking about.

    "I think those who create and make such games must have perverse minds." What ignorance, I dare him to go say this to any horror fan and chances are he'll get *****slapped all the way back to the Vatican. By who's definition of perverse? Obviously not the people who bought the game. If there wasn't an audience for this kind of stuff, than it wouldn't be made.

  • aots_twilight

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 7:38 pm PT

    Thats why it has the "M" Rating... Ive seen more violent games than this... Heck... There are Content as Disturbing as this in the News....

  • Jaeme

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 4:28 pm PT

    I`ll never understand how the people with the least idea of what`s going on always have the loudest voices. The one law that should be UNIVERSAL is that you must be able to prove you have a clue about what you are talking about before you open your mouth. Being caught with an open mouth and empty brain should be punishable. And talking to the media with your brain parked in the idea passing lane for political or other profit should be grounds for public humiliation. Now that is reality TV I`d watch.

  • capthunt

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 3:02 pm PT

    WTF! This game of all the other violent ones out there. This guy is an a$$. How is he to speak for a WHOLE country of ppl on such a pathetic topic as this. A horror game of all things. GOD WTF!!

  • AJay25

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 2:46 pm PT

    Not that i'm greatly fussed as i think you itailians are arrogant little gits and deserve what you get but . . . .In a way i feel a little sorry for you. Your Mayor is a prick

  • theshoveller

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 1:22 pm PT

    None look, but it's actually Jack Thompson incognito, complete with fake moustache and a monocle! He couldn't win with Bully, so now he's taking this approach, a.k.a. the "Little Orphan Annie" route.

  • forever_freedom

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:38 am PT

    Yeah.. Postal 2.. hihihi...

  • GrimGravy

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:31 am PT

    sure there are worse games then this lol

  • forever_freedom

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:23 am PT

    We had in Italy the same problem for Resident Evil 2 ( 1998 )...

    But.. after a couple of months.. the game was re-sell in shop...

    No problem.. for Resident evil 4 in Rome...

    I bought special pack for gamecube in 2005...

  • GrimBee

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:23 am PT

    Its coming out in the UK right? I mean, Bully was renamed to Canis Canem Edit (maybe a reason why it hasnt totally sold brilliantly well so far..) and thats about it really

    What is so scary about this game then?

  • ApisBee

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:22 am PT

    Just another little dictator want-to-be

  • dominae

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 11:10 am PT

    Krasskomments -

    A few things wrong with your "komment". First, it's only illegal to sell the game to minors in a couple states, and the means to enforce and promote those laws aren't in play yet. I can think of at least one that doesn't come into effect until January. Also, those states where the sales are illegal are right now in Appellate Court fighting whether or not to repeal the law.
    Also, the M for mature says 17+, not 18+.

    I do agree that the Mayor, along with many others, have a gross misconception of the video game industry. It's not just about kids anymore. Adults play just as much as children now.

  • Kravyn81

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 10:55 am PT

    Wow. Where has this mayor been living for the past forty years??

  • Lord_Regnier

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 10:41 am PT

    this guys a stupid idiot!

  • WolfSkill5544

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 10:15 am PT

    Even if the fighting mechanism is lame, I still want to get this game.

  • mattallen666

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 10:05 am PT

    Sounds like he has shares in the distribution company! This game has only got exposure since he opened his mouth!!

  • Upryse

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 9:22 am PT

    Just your generic old man not knowing that games are no longer viewed as something "the kids do."

  • krasskommentz

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:56 am PT

    ummm...let me re-state this so if the mayor of Rome is reading this..LMFAO
    This game is rated M, for Mature, here in the U.S. Children under 18yo are not allowed to buy it by law. It was rated that way because of it's content.
    So yeah, ban it for the children..LAWLz it is already illegal to sell to minors.
    Just don't ban it from me..because I'm over 18 & the major should shut his yapper before shooting it off. And keep his sidearm holstered as well. There are lots of thugs in Italy that might get out of jail with this jerk in charge. LOL @his political wisdom.

  • Sheegot

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:49 am PT

    "there is no need for massive doses of horror to entertain our children"

    get off your lazy a** and raise your kids, if they arent suppose to buy games they arent even old enough to buy. Seriously, he's an idiot. The sales will bring in founds, and founds are good. How many little kids play horror games`?

  • maquefort

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:38 am PT

    Must be election going on..

  • StillWingless

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:34 am PT

    again with the stereotype that this game is intended for children... it makes me a little uncomfortable every time.

  • snarple_basic

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:27 am PT

    Its amazing at what countries goverments will waste there time on. Its a video game for adults there should be something else more important to pay attention..... Just stupid!

  • anamnawshad

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:11 am PT

    Never heard of this game.....

  • cheater2000

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:09 am PT

    I find it funny that many many of the so called "video nastys" came from Italy such as Cannibal Holocaust, Cannibal Ferox and many other splatter fests. But they want to ban this game.

  • LordAndrew

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 8:00 am PT

    What the hell is up with this guy? Is there not a rating system that tells people that game is not appropriate for children?
    Is this the only video game that he's ever heard of?

  • Cheledar

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 7:07 am PT

    This is making me laugh so hard. Did Resident Evil 4 come out in Italy? If so there must be something special to this game and it's making me want to buy it. Good job Mr. Mayor. All you managed to do is get more people interested in it.

  • afrotrigger

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 6:48 am PT

    I bet the guy probably has not even played the game, someone personal most likely just said to him "I dont like it, ban it" and he made a fuss to get some brownie points with 'em.

    Also, I swear Italian film makers have been known to make some quite messed up horror movies (I'm sure Dario Argento is from over there if anyone knows who he is).

    Bunch of clowns I say...

  • carlopret

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 6:42 am PT

    im 26, does that make me a child?

  • eggsiboss

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 6:32 am PT

    just because this is game doesnt mean it should be played by children, where did he get that idea from, and it isnt good to entertain children on massive doses of horror then why does he not turn his attention to films (seen some pretty dark italian gore fest and horror movies, mario fulchi is it?)

  • forever_freedom

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 6:29 am PT

    For user Shi...ll03

    When some assassins can be out of jail after only 8-10 years....

    After killed childrens or woman.. i dont' think a good country for "get in"...

    I wanna a gun for walking in Italy !!!

  • sieg6529

    Posted Nov 15, 2006 6:21 am PT

    Why single out a sub-par game like RoR? Why single out any game? I'm sure the mayor of a city the size of Rome should have some bigger fish to fry.

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