"Don't Set That Game In My City!"

Posted by Robert Janelle Apr 8, 2007

While most cities are delighted by the extra revenue and free tourism advertising that comes from having a movie filmed there, they're not so kind to video game creators who use the same city as their backdrop.

Recently, the game world has seen three examples of video game NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard):

Las Vegas

Las Vegas was most unhappy that Tom Clancy's elite commando force was battling terrorism along the strip. Apparently what happens in Vegas doesn't stay there when it applies to the video games.

New York

New York City was displeased upon the release of the Grand Theft Auto IV trailer, showing the game set in Liberty City, Rockstar Games' fictional metropolis that bears a striking resemblance to the Big Apple.

It begs the question though, where was the outrage when GTA III was set in the same city?

They must be even less thrilled by the real life remake of the trailer.

Mexico

In the most extreme case, Mexican authorities are reported to be seizing copies of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, as the main plot involves battling Mexican rebels.

So, why is there nothing wrong with showing the negative aspects of a city in a movie but everything wrong with setting a video game there? I'd love to know.