Visceral Games’ upcoming adaptation of Dante’s Inferno has been a lightning rod for controversy. Since the official reveal, it’s been one big ado after another. The game has been decried as an affront to the revered poem, and Electronic Arts’ marketing tactics haven’t been safe from scrutiny either. Of particular note was the ill-advised “Sin to Win” contest, a lust promotion the publisher and developer later apologized for.

There will come a time when critics run out of things to poke and prod, but until then, I’ll be here watching the fireworks.

The latest to board the hate train is the International Nanny Association, an organization that probably seems like a nickname for the Chinese government, or a lame attempt to elicit a cheap laugh. I assure you though, it does in fact exist. Go figure. What’s next, the North American Alliance of Pop-Tart packagers?

The INA has posted a message on it’s blog, expressing concern over the Bad Nanny Achievement/Trophy in Dante’s Inferno, which requires players to kill “a yet undetermined number of unbaptized infants.” The in-game milestone was originally reported by UGO’s Chris Plante, based on information provided by Dante’s Inferno executive producer, Jonathan Knight.

According to the INA, Bad Nanny could “promote violence toward children.”

I certainly understand the concern, but find the logic to be a bit flawed. The INA doesn’t offer any research to back its claim, and seems to merely jump to a conclusion. As I’ve said before, games don’t turn people into killers. The creatures in Dante’s Inferno are quite distinct from real beings, and any individual who doesn’t regularly stick his/her hand in a toaster could tell the difference. I’m living proof, as are my friends.

In this situation, context is the key. Dante’s Inferno is set in hell, so don’t expect to walk into a nursery full of defenseless infants, giant scythe in hand. Expect vile creatures with blade arms. Wicked little things that will end you if you don’t kill them. Given those options, I know what I’d choose.

The INA requests that “EA either not release the game or use alternate titles for the highly objectionable and inappropriate concepts of ‘baby killing’ and ‘bad nanny.’

I have two problems with the latter request. First, it makes it seem as if the group is primarily concerned with the title, not the content. Second, there is nothing objectionable about the concept of a “bad nanny.” Those exist. There isn’t a single profession devoid of negligent clods.

I would never advocate violence against children, but given the context of Bad Nanny, I’d say it’s pretty harmless. To me, it seems that the INA is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Besides, by speaking out, the group is actually giving EA free publicity. Dante’s Inferno has a ton of marketing muscle behind it, but I’m sure the Redwood City-based company doesn’t mind the extra push.

Sources: International Nanny Association via GamePolitics, UGO

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