Bulletstorm controversy boosted sales, reckons Epic

Epic Games president, Mike Capps, has suggested outrageous coverage for Bulletstorm from Fox News did nothing to dissuade buyers. In fact the company reckon it boosted sales of the game.

Fox news ran a piece entitled ‘Is this the worst video game in the world?’ last month, where TV psychologist, Carole Lieberman, claimed that the popularity of certain adult games was linked to an increase in rape.

“For a game that’s over-the-top, they probably helped sell more units than they convinced people to pick at us,” said Capps.

“What was most exciting about it for me [was the reaction from the media in the industry defending us]. Every journalist said this Fox report is junk… It’s wonderful to see a media that’s defending free speech. As for what it does for the industry as a whole I think it’s terrible,” Capps continued.

“There are people who really respect Fox News’ opinions and look at that and are [convinced that video games are bad].”

I could possibly understand the suggestion that violent games promote violence, but rape? Really? How does shooting virtual bullets relate to sexual abuse in any way?

Thanks to industrygamers for the info.