Molleindustria has been producing hard-hitting satire relating to global social issues for years. They have games based on the second amendment, trademark law, petroleum oligarchies and pedophilia in the Catholic church. Phone Story however, is the only one that's actually been censored by the very corporate overlords that it's often taking to task - Apple, in this case, who banned it from their store. But at least you can't fault them for being inconsistent. After all, in reference to their stance on video games, their App Store guidelines clearly state that "if you want to criticise a religion, write a book." Which is certainly very boldly dismissive of an entire medium for a company that dares its consumer base to "think different". Then again, maybe they're just declaring themselves as a faith-based organisation and proclaiming that the draconian conditions that support their business model at companies like Foxconn are a holy ritual. Foxconn being the place where worker Tian Yu -along with many others every year - chose suicide rather than another day at the factory. She lived thankfully, and Molleindustra even raised six thousand dollars for her medical expenses. How much did Apple raise? Well, apparently they do "not discuss such matters" so that pretty much means a big, fat zero. Because sometimes being offensive is the noblest thing you can be. But obviously these guys are pretty smart. Meanwhile, if you'd prefer to see what engaging with social issues looks like when done by the hilariously inept, we've got a game for you too...
Eric Day co-hosts the Murderville Podcast at www.welcometomurderville.com
Give it a listen. Five minutes. Maybe you'll dig it. Maybe you'll hate it. But at least you'll have tried something new.
