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CNN Live Sunday

New Violent Videogame About to Be Released in Asia

Aired March 03, 2002 - 18:23   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN ANCHOR: Violent videogames are certainly nothing new, but a new release that's about to hit Asia takes twisted storylines to a new level. CNN's Andrew Brown has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREW BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Many people would be shocked to learn themes like these have been recreated in a computer game. The game is called "Hooligans Storm Over Europe." The company that developed it says the content does not promote violence.

JASON GARBER: We do not think that the message is to become a hooligan. It's basically playing a strategy game against the background of hooliganism.

BROWN: Players can enlist gangs to go on the rampage.

GARBER It's rather sarcastic and you know a lot of irony is in it as well.

BROWN (on camera): Soon this hooligan game may sweep Asia, a region that's not had much experience with soccer thugs, at least not so far.

BROWN (voice over): British police recently expressed concerns that many convicted hooligans have not been banned from traveling to Korea and Japan for this summer's World Cup finals. The Japanese public is already bracing for an onslaught from hooligans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): It is very scary. I feel helpless."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I heard they use violence, fight, and are prone to wanton destruction.

BROWN: This woman was frightened to hear about "Hooligans Storm Over Europe."

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Oh, it gives me goose bumps.

BROWN: Dark Sabre, the publisher of the game still expects a positive response from consumers in Northeast Asia.

GARBER: The World Cup, which is in I believe in June is also a very good time to release such a game.

BROWN: That means it could generate sales comparable to those in Europe, where it mowed down everything in its path. Andrew Brown, CNN, Hong Kong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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