Postal's Killer Launch

Curiosity surrounding the first-person mayhem-laden shooter Postal is increasing as the game's developer gears up for the more-or-less simultaneous release of the boxed game and multiplayer shareware demo.

As the buzz on the no-holds-barred title builds, Running With Scissors' Vince Desi has had his hands full. Besides completing work on the title, he's had to entertain the likes of ABC, CBS and Fox TV as they descend on the company's Tuscon, Ariz. offices in search of a story. Based on conversations with Mr. Desi, it's unlikely the networks went home empty-handed. "We are the baaaad software company," Desi reminded one reporter recently.

Desi revealed one aspect of the game's launch overlooked by most - replying to the many e-mails directed to RWS. When asked how the public is responding to the upcoming title, he gladly sent the following thread our way. And yes, the name has been changed to protect the inquisitive.

Hi,

I just thought that I would tell you about my woes concerning your game. My name is John and I am a Postal Worker (sigh). When I first heard about your game I thought that it would be terrific. Finally, a game I/we can all relate to. After all, it's much better to kill everything in a game than actually do it in real life!...as much as we would like to (hehehee).

Unfortunately the contract that I am employed under forbids me to engage in any discrediting situation against the Post Office. This includes playing your game (double sigh).

I want to play your game. It sounds just like what I am looking for but I am afraid of losing my job. What can I do?

Any advice that you can give would be greatly appreciated! Please help me!!!!

Desi's response:

Seriously, wow!...I thought we were living in America. Anyway, I must tell you: 1) the game is not about a USPS worker nor does it have anything to do with the USPS, and 2) I sincerely suggest you do what every other interested and smart computer player who is with the USPS is doing - PLAY IT! Thanks, we really appreciate your support.

But is the game as gruesome as RWS's publicity - which includes the catch copy "watch victims run around on fire, screaming for help, until their charred corpses fall to the ground" posted on its web site - makes it out to be?

Gamers will be in a position to judge for themselves when the title makes it on to retail shelves next week. According to Desi, the game was indeed designed to push buttons.

"People got tired of managing resources and killing aliens. So, we went over the edge 'cause that's what people wanted," he said.

Postal will be released by Ripcord Games for PC and Mac and will sell for US$49.95.