Skip to main content

Banned Xbox game picks up prestigious award in UK

A computer game banned by Xbox for what it perceived to be risqué content picked up a top award in the UK recently.

The game, which is designed to educate teenagers about sexually transmitted diseases, bagged the prize at the British Academy Children’s Awards, organized by BAFTA, late last month.

Privates, described by its Brit-based developer Size Five Games as “a sex ed shoot-‘em-up romp,” requires the gamer to “lead a teeny-tiny gang of condom-hatted marines as they delve into peoples’ vaginas and bottoms and blast away at all manner of oozy, shouty monsters.”

It was commissioned by the UK’s Channel 4 Television as a way of heightening awareness about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases.

Privates comprises five levels of “bug-busting action” that takes place among “a variety of gorgeous 3D locations, with a fully-voiced comedy script and a nutso soundtrack.”

“You never know,” the game’s blurb says, “you might even learn something handy about your downstairs-department.”

Asked at the award ceremony about the response to his game, creator Dan Marshall said, “I get more fan mail about Privates than for anything else. People love it…and are blown away by its audacious nature.”

Marshall said he had been hoping to get the game released on the Xbox 360 but when he sent details of it to the gaming platform, it was rejected. “The original design document broke a vast number of Xbox’s rules,” Marshall said. “I sent a copy to the very nice people at Xbox, who loved it, but decided that the rules needed to hold steady.”

Anyone who wants to try it out is in luck though, as Privates is available for download to PCs for free.

[via Daily Mail]

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
A fan-made Space Jam beat-’em-up game is coming to Xbox Game Pass
Bugs Bunny fights robots in Space Jam a New Legacy The Game.

The upcoming new Space Jam movie is getting a surprising video game adaptation. Space Jam: A New Legacy - The Game is a fan-made beat-'em-up game that will be free for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers starting on July 1. Microsoft is launching a trio of Space Jam Xbox controllers alongside the new film as well.

In December, Microsoft launched a contest where fans could submit ideas for an "arcade-style video game" inspired by the upcoming film Space Jam: A New Legacy. Winners would have their ideas turned into a full game, which would be released as a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

Read more
Xbox Games Showcase: 6 highlights from Microsoft’s E3 follow-up
Parris hosts an Xbox showcase.

With E3 behind us, Microsoft decided to delve deeper into its recently announced updates and titles at a post-event Xbox Games Showcase.

Not only did we see more gameplay from upcoming Xbox games, but we also got more information on the decisions and work behind the scenes on certain titles, along with a few release date reminders and some surprises. Microsoft also went into more depth on games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Battlefield 2042, and more. Here are six highlights from the broadcast.
Forza Horizon 5 early access
Forza Horizon 5 - Game Overview | Xbox Games Showcase

Read more
Target Gaming Sale: Cheap games for Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One
Two people playing a video game.

What’s better than two games? Three games. Luckily, Target is currently running a sale in that vein with the lowest item being free. A wide variety of select games are on offer for gamers to dive into, no matter what their preference. There’s something for everyone, with games on offer for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Not only that, but some of these titles are currently running at discounted prices, ensuring you'll be getting more for your cash. The incredible story-driven Death Stranding is currently $30, making for a $20 savings. Adding already discounted games into the mix is really going to ensure you get the most out of the sale.

Read more