The English language version of 'Rapelay,' a Japanese video game that features stalking and raping a woman and her 'virgin schoolgirl' daughters was pulled from Amazon's offerings after just two days on the Amazon UK site. A spokesperson for Amazon said that there was nothing wrong with the game, but decided not to allow it to be offered through Amazon.
Illusion, the Japanese company that makes 'Rapelay,' also makes 'Battle Raper' and 'Battle Raper 2.' Both feature sexual assaults.
Implications - In a new digital age, where consumers have the opportunity to buy just about any type of product, and companies spend money developing niche products knowing they can find an audience online, sometimes major companies like Amazon can let something slip by unnoticed, through no fault of their own.
Kudos to them for realizing and immediately rectifying their error.
Violent & Offensive Video Games
'Rapelay' Removed From Amazon After Public Objects
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Video Games - There is a growing trend of controversial video games that push boundaries and test the limits of what is acceptable, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation to develop new guidelines for the gaming industry.
2. Increased Scrutiny on Online Marketplaces - As controversial products become more visible on online marketplaces, there is a trend towards increased scrutiny and regulation, presenting an opportunity for disruptive innovation to develop new tools and systems to monitor and control these products.
3. Demand for Ethical and Socially Responsible Products - The backlash against violent and offensive video games highlights a growing trend towards demand for ethical and socially responsible products, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation to develop new standards and guidelines for the industry.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming Industry - As the controversy surrounding 'Rapelay' shows, there is an urgent need for disruptive innovation in the gaming industry to address the ethical questions surrounding violent and offensive video games.
2. E-commerce Industry - The brief availability of 'Rapelay' on Amazon's website highlights the need for disruptive innovation in the e-commerce industry to regulate and monitor controversial products that are being sold online.
3. Consumer Goods Industry - The backlash against 'Rapelay' reflects a growing trend towards demand for ethical and socially responsible products, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in the consumer goods industry to develop new products that address these concerns.