Racist car in Forza 2 causes controversy

Written by Joe Martin

July 4, 2007 | 11:03

Tags: #360 #auction #driving #forza #gotham #hitler #motorsport #nazi #online #ps3 #race #racing #racist #swastika

Companies: #microsoft

User-generated content has proven a consistent thorn in the side of game developers since the first scandal, known as HotCoffeegate, hit the presses all those years ago and the controversy around the issue is still going strong today, as proven by recent troubles with Forza 2 fans.

Microsoft has had trouble moderating and controlling some racist fans of the new console driving sim, Forza 2, who continue to create objectionable material in spite of Microsoft's Live Online User Policy.

Under the terms of the User Policy, gamers are not allowed to;

“Publish, distribute or disseminate any topic, name, material, file or information that incites discrimination, hate, or violence towards one person or a group because of their race, religion, nationality, transgender status, homosexual status, or HIV/AIDS status, or that insults the victims of crimes against humanity by contesting the existence of those crimes.”

So, it's the standard 'No Nazis, plz' clause. Seems fair enough to us.

Since the launch of the game though some minorities have flaunted this agreement, the most recent example of which is the auctioning off of a user-designed 1957 Mercedes 300SL adorned with the colours of the NSDAP and SS and Nazi logos.

Reportedly there are racist statements which cover the car, ranging from 'White Power' and 'Heil Hitler' to other more disgusting remarks which aren't fit to print. Turn 10, the developers of Forza 2, has attempted to tackle the issue by closing offensive auctions and providing abuse reports for offended gamers.

Most worrying of all is that this isn't the first time the car has apparently been on the auctioning block.

How should developers tackle user-generated content? At what point does personal responsibility end and corporate responsibility begin? Let us know your thoughts.
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