Sony kills goat for God of War II promo

[Gamereviewgod]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=451414&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

What the hell are you thinking when you come up with something like this Sony?

[DigitalSpace]

EDIT: Nevermind.

[njiska]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=451414&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

What the hell are you thinking when you come up with something like this Sony?

They were thinking like the Greeks. Sorry Matt but this makes sense considering the launch was themed like a Greek feast.

[Gamereviewgod]

They were thinking like the Greeks. Sorry Matt but this makes sense considering the launch was themed like a Greek feast.

No. It has to do with promoting a game, and there's nothing in either God of War that has anything to do with slaughtering animals, let alone do it for a cheesy press event.

[Celestial Avenger]

Heard this story was fake as the site is a tabloid.

[heybtbm]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=451414&in_page_id=1770&ct=5

What the hell are you thinking when you come up with something like this Sony?

Distasteful...but your headline, "Sony kills goat for God of War II promo" is misleading. Apparently you didn't read through the entire article. Sony didn't kill the goat. The headless goat was already dead and bought from a local butcher. Anyway, it's still bizarre. I'm sure a few heads will roll over this one (not counting the goat...heh).

[njiska]

No. It has to do with promoting a game, and there's nothing in either God of War that has anything to do with slaughtering animals, let alone do it for a cheesy press event.

It's Greek culture Matt. Read a history book.

[slip81]

surely someone here must be a subscriber and can confirm if this was actually in the mag?

[Gamereviewgod]

It's Greek culture Matt. Read a history book.

It's irrelevant what the history is here. It's a promo for a fictional video game. The game doesn't deal with the subject matter. It's senseless killing.


Heard this story was fake as the site is a tabloid.

I thought that as well, especially with the tone of the article. I'm still keeping that possibility open.

[Gamereviewgod]

Distasteful...but your headline, "Sony kills goat for God of War II promo" is misleading.

Yep, missed that line. Can't change the title now though apparently.

[njiska]

It's irrelevant what the history is here. It's a promo for a fictional video game. The game doesn't deal with the subject matter. It's senseless killing.

It does matter. The game is set in ancient Greece. What happened in ancient greece is important, especially for promotion. You wouldn't promote a roman product with out gladiators would you? Except they can't kill each other because that's illegal. Getting a goat froma butcher isn't.

You're just nitpicking based on your personal beleifs about animals.

[Gamereviewgod]

It does matter. The game is set in ancient Greece. What happened in ancient greece is important, especially for promotion.

The game is fiction. It's based on mythology, not fact. Big difference. Again, and for the last time, the game itself has nothing to do with animals being killed.


You're just nitpicking based on your personal beleifs about animals.

Nitpicking? Are you serious? Ignoring the animal beliefs which of course play a role, how can you possibly see this as a good thing for the industry? Overly violent game, baffling promo, dead animals. It's flat out suicide for them.

[exit]

I really don't see how a decapitated goat and eating of it's insides has anything to do with promoting a game, no matter how accurate it is to ancient Greek culture. If this is indeed true, it was just for the "WOW SHOCK!" factor that Sony knew would get attention.

[RPG_Fanatic]

I'm sure a few heads will roll over this one (not counting the goat...heh).

You almost made me fall off my chair with that one!!!!!!:above me:

[slip81]

If this is indeed true, it was just for the "WOW SHOCK!" factor that Sony knew would get attention.

well golly, I did done not know what gawd of warz 2 was be 'fo today. but i done heard about how evil it wuz so i got myself 2. one to play on my gamestation and one to sell at the flea market for $100 because it's the rarez now.

[njiska]

The game is fiction. It's based on mythology, not fact. Big difference. Again, and for the last time, the game itself has nothing to do with animals being killed.

Fine, in that mythology Lamb was feasted upon. It was slaughter and placed on the table. This has nothing to do with animals behind killed. Fuck that could've just served lamb steaks, the fucker's still dead. The only difference here is that that didn't have the animal cut up after it was slaughtered, they just kept it whole.


Nitpicking? Are you serious? Ignoring the animal beliefs which of course play a role, how can you possibly see this as a good thing for the industry? Overly violent game, baffling promo, dead animals. It's flat out suicide for them.

I don't see it as a good thing for the industry. I don't think it's a bad thing either. It's irrelavant.

[davidbrit2]

It does matter. The game is set in ancient Greece. What happened in ancient greece is important, especially for promotion. You wouldn't promote a roman product with out gladiators would you? Except they can't kill each other because that's illegal. Getting a goat froma butcher isn't.

You're just nitpicking based on your personal beleifs about animals.

I hear they're going to kill a bunch of Jews as a promo for the next Medal of Honor game but it's cool since it really happened like that and it's relevant.

[slip81]

I hear they're going to kill a bunch of Jews as a promo for the next Medal of Honor game but it's cool since it really happened like that and it's relevant.

that would be wrong, unless EA gets the Jews from the butcher, then it's cool cause they're already dead.

[Gamereviewgod]

Fuck that could've just served lamb steaks, the fucker's still dead. The only difference here is that that didn't have the animal cut up after it was slaughtered, they just kept it whole.


At least the goat is used for feeding someone and put to use when used as a steak. This is pointless slaughter that again, has nothing to do with the game being promoted. The mythology is irrelevant. If it was some ancient Greek culture festival, maybe it would have been okay. Using it to promote a video game on sheer shock value is simply absurd.

[Gamereviewgod]

that would be wrong, unless EA gets the Jews from the butcher, then it's cool cause they're already dead.

Brilliant.

[scorch56]

I hear they're going to kill a bunch of Jews as a promo for the next Medal of Honor game but it's cool since it really happened like that and it's relevant.

njiska would probably help them.

[RPG_Fanatic]

well golly, I did done not know what gawd of warz 2 was be 'fo today. but i done heard about how evil it wuz so i got myself 2. one to play on my gamestation and one to sell at the flea market for $100 because it's the rarez now.

???? Could you please repeat yourself @_@ @_@ @_@

[RPG_Fanatic]

that would be wrong, unless EA gets the Jews from the butcher, then it's cool cause they're already dead.

:above me: :above me: :above me: :above me: :above me: :above me: :above me:

[njiska]

I hear they're going to kill a bunch of Jews as a promo for the next Medal of Honor game but it's cool since it really happened like that and it's relevant.

Actually i think invading Poland would be more accurate.


that would be wrong, unless EA gets the Jews from the butcher, then it's cool cause they're already dead.

Do you normally get your jews from the Butcher?


At least the goat is used for feeding someone and put to use when used as a steak. This is pointless slaughter that again, has nothing to do with the game being promoted. The mythology is irrelevant. If it was some ancient Greek culture festival, maybe it would have been okay. Using it to promote a video game on sheer shock value is simply absurd.

Let me get this straight. It's ok if everyone is dressing up like Greeks for the sake of remembering greek culture, but not ok if everyone is dressing up like greeks for the sake of promoting a game that deals with greek culture?

Nit picking man.

[Gamereviewgod]

Let me get this straight. It's ok if everyone is dressing up like Greeks for the sake of remembering greek culture, but not ok if everyone is dressing up like greeks for the sake of promoting a game that deals with greek culture?

Nit picking man.

Yes, because it's a promo. It's an advertisement. Also, it's not dealing with Greek culture, it's Greek mythology. Fiction.

I didn't say it would be okay in the other case, but at least it was relevant. It's along the lines of people who hold a religious belief that slaughtering animals is a sacrifice. I don't agree with it, but the animal in that case is being killed for a purpose that someone feels was neccesary, right or wrong.

GOD OF WAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY SCENE WHERE A GOAT IS KILLED. This is a senseless waste of life. Simply because the game deals with Greek mythology doesn't suddenly make this right. It's a pitiful argument. Are you going to sell more copies of the game because of this?

I'm still holding out that this is fake though. Any Daily Mail readers want to chime in? Joystiq has pointed out that we would of heard of this a lot sooner if it's a published article given lead times.

[slip81]

Do you normally get your jews from the Butcher?

only if I'm too tired to go hunting.

[njiska]

Yes, because it's a promo. It's an advertisement. Also, it's not dealing with Greek culture, it's Greek mythology. Fiction.

I didn't say it would be okay in the other case, but at least it was relevant. It's along the lines of people who hold a religious belief that slaughtering animals is a sacrifice. I don't agree with it, but the animal in that case is being killed for a purpose that someone feels was neccesary, right or wrong.

GOD OF WAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY SCENE WHERE A GOAT IS KILLED. This is a senseless waste of life. Simply because the game deals with Greek mythology doesn't suddenly make this right. It's a pitiful argument.

Why does God of War need a dead got scene in order to have a dead goat at a promo. David Jaffe's team did a massive amount of research into greek culture and mythology and all they are doing at this feast is trying to bring some reality to an otherwise cheesy "dress in a toga" press conference. It gives the event far more class.

I understand that you don't agree with the killing of animals for most things. We argued last year about the seals, but in the end it doesn't really matter. Beyond your moral apprehension Sony did nothing wrong. It wasn't in poor taste. It's just a fact of life. Greek Life.

The arguement is far from pitiful. It's logical. Your arguement is based on passion and moral indignation. Those are commendable traits, but they don't make you correct.

[Gamereviewgod]

It gives the event far more class.
.

I'm done with this one before it goes any further. It wouldn't be pretty.

Respect points -100.

[goemon]

I've never tried goat before, and I don't plan to. If it tastes anything like lamb or mutton, though, I'm in.

I don't see anything wrong with serving goat meat at a promo. People need to stop making a big deal out of this. Calm the goat meat, min.

[scooterb23]

A few random thoughts...

1. The story is allegedly in the current Official Playstation 2 magazine in the UK. British readers represent?

2. The game was released this week, but the party allegedly happened nebulously "last month" in Athens, Greece...what's the lead time for a magazine?

3. Don't you think if the party was a month ago...somebody would have said something before now?

4. If it was an official press party, wouldn't there be video somewhere?

5. Why don't any other UK news sites have this story? Everyone is picking this story up from this one site which seems to have a heavy gossip bent.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled shouting match.

[diskoboy]

I actually hope PETA has a field day with Sony.

And this is from someone who hates PETA with every fiber of his being.

[Griking]

It does matter. The game is set in ancient Greece. What happened in ancient greece is important, especially for promotion. You wouldn't promote a roman product with out gladiators would you? Except they can't kill each other because that's illegal. Getting a goat froma butcher isn't.

You're just nitpicking based on your personal beleifs about animals.

So should Take 2 steal a car or rape a prostitute to promote the new GTA game when it comes out?

Just because people may have really sacrificed goats in Greece doesn't mean that it was right and that we should be doing it now. Bottom line is that it was inappropriate. There's a difference between acceptable violence in games and what's acceptable in real life. the fact that some here don't think that it was inappropriate makes me feel that some times Jack Thompson (or whatever his name is) may not be completely out of his mind.

[Dangerboy]

So this is what's got everybody's goat...

(rimshot)

[Darren870]

So should Take 2 steal a car or rape a prostitute to promote the new GTA game when it comes out?

Just because people may have really sacrificed goats in Greece doesn't mean that it was right and that we should be doing it now. Bottom line is that it was inappropriate. There's a difference between acceptable violence in games and what's acceptable in real life. the fact that some here don't think that it was inappropriate makes me feel that some times Jack Thompson (or whatever his name is) may not be completely out of his mind.

QFT..

[ubikuberalles]

So this is what's got everybody's goat...

(rimshot)

That was Baa...aaa...aaad

[Lothars]

So should Take 2 steal a car or rape a prostitute to promote the new GTA game when it comes out?

Just because people may have really sacrificed goats in Greece doesn't mean that it was right and that we should be doing it now. Bottom line is that it was inappropriate. There's a difference between acceptable violence in games and what's acceptable in real life. the fact that some here don't think that it was inappropriate makes me feel that some times Jack Thompson (or whatever his name is) may not be completely out of his mind.

:rolleyes:

[Kitsune Sniper]

Uh, guys? The goat was dead. If it had been alive, then there would be trouble.

BUT IT WAS A FUCKING DEAD GOAT.

So unbunch your freaking PANTIES ALREADY.

[Xizer]

Sony's marketing department strikes again!

[Vinnysdad]

I hear they're going to kill a bunch of Jews as a promo for the next Medal of Honor game but it's cool since it really happened like that and it's relevant.



Oh yes you are so right. Comparing people to a goat is stupid. Nice post.

[njiska]

What the fuck is the problem with you people? Seriously. The goat was legally killed, but a butcher and it was used in a historical fashion. I swear to god if i hear one more <insert random shit about killing humans> i'm gonna fucking flip.

Of course rockstar wouldn't rape and kill prostitutes, that's ILLEGAL. Getting a goat from a butcher is far from it.

[goemon]

The question I have is why are they promoting a game in Greece? Last I heard, video games were illegal there. Did things change, or did they just mutilate a perfectly good goat carcass for no reason?

[njiska]

The question I have is why are they promoting a game in Greece? Last I heard, video games were illegal there. Did things change, or did they just mutilate a perfectly good goat carcass for no reason?

I'm fairly sure that was repealled.

[Kitsune Sniper]

The question I have is why are they promoting a game in Greece? Last I heard, video games were illegal there. Did things change, or did they just mutilate a perfectly good goat carcass for no reason?

If I recall correctly, that was only regarding gambling games and slot machines, not videogames in general.

[Three-P]

Heard this story was fake as the site is a tabloid.

Wouldn't surprise me if Weekly World News tried something similar to this.

[jajaja]

It's irrelevant what the history is here. It's a promo for a fictional video game. The game doesn't deal with the subject matter. It's senseless killing.

If the goat was bought from a butcher, how is that senseless killing? It was for sale so ppl could eat it, it was not killed for this promo (atleast what i read here).

[Mayhem]

In terms of its authenticity, still trying to determine that. I'm sure someone else here from the UK might pipe up if they know more in due time...

[scooterb23]

The simple fact that not one single news source outside of the video game "journalism" circles have picked up on this story says a lot.

[Buyatari]

1. its most likely not true.

2. might have been a waste of food if they didn't eat the goat (I hope they did because I'm really hungry right now) I'm sure your local micky Ds wastes more in the dumpster each and every day.

3. who cares about that anyway I'm more concerned about the painted breasts in the picture.

[davidbrit2]

Sounds like it might possibly be true, judging from Sony's response.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/god-of-war/sony-decapitates-goat-raises-ire-256198.php

[scooterb23]

That response was in the original article. So, I don't put much stock in it being real either.

[YoshiM]

In regards to mythology-if I'm not mistaken, isn't mythology a part of culture? If y'all are gonna nitpick, better nitpick right.

So where's the person who screams "my god...what a waste of food"? Folks, the animal was from a butcher-therefore it was considered "food". Sony was, in a pretty wild way, playing with their food.

Of all the things to get riled up about. Sheesh.

[davidbrit2]

Yeah, there's a huge difference between killing a goat on stage and buying an already-dead goat from a butcher. But what was described is still in pretty bad fucking taste either way, assuming it's real (which is rather dubious at the moment).

[Johnny_Rock]

Hey guys all this goat slaughtering talk got me hungry for some kabab or maybe a gyro.

Any suggestions for greek resturaunts around the Boston area?

[davidbrit2]

Hey guys all this goat slaughtering talk got me hungry for some kabab or maybe a gyro.

Any suggestions for greek resturaunts around the Boston area?

Have you tried your local Sony factory outlet?

[Johnny_Rock]

Have you tried your local Sony factory outlet?


Actually yes, their mutton was good but when I bit into the Sony brand Baklava that I ordered for dessert it burst into flames caught the tablecloth on fire and had to be recalled.

Last time I order food from them I tells ya!

[NE146]

This is a senseless waste of life.

I guess I don't understand why you're pointing this out vs. if they had served meat or steak at the party. Goat was bought dead.. just not cut up. Explain what's the difference? :p

[badinsults]

I think that the promo is awesome. Sony +1

[djbeatmongrel]

3. who cares about that anyway I'm more concerned about the painted breasts in the picture.

See thats what first caught my attention. I dont know about the other guys. I am concerned with the goat obsession when theres more pressing matter like a pair of tits.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I guess I don't understand why you're pointing this out vs. if they had served meat or steak at the party. Goat was bought dead.. just not cut up. Explain what's the difference? :p
The difference is in the attitude. This goat's life was ended for the sole purpose of promoting a video game. It's the most disgusting extreme of crass exploitative capitalism. Don't we, as human beings, have any respect for life in itself? Not that you can't ever kill something, not that you can't kill it and eat it, but maybe that we should draw a line somewhere before making a joke out of it's life and a spectacle out of its death (or worse than that: a commercial). This has nothing to do with "Greek culture," njiska, and everything to do with marketing, capitalism, greed and money. You're free to defend it on those lines if you want. It also doesn't matter that the goat came form a butcher shop. So they had someone else kill the goat for them, the ethical lines are still the same and so is the lack of basic respect for life shown.

I hope the story is fictional and it probably is, but the fact that there's people here who would defend it--or worse, not even understand what could be wrong with it--seems to be a fact and it's certainly just as bad or probably worse. If the story is made up, I guess we can take some solace in the fact that we're not yet at a point where a company would do this sort of thing as a form of marketing. Probably not far from it, though, if the responses from so many people are so mild.


...word is bondage...

[njiska]

The difference is in the attitude. This goat's life was ended for the sole purpose of promoting a video game. It's the most disgusting extreme of crass exploitative capitalism. Don't we, as human beings, have any respect for life in itself? Not that you can't ever kill something, not that you can't kill it and eat it, but maybe that we should draw a line somewhere before making a joke out of it's life and a spectacle out of its death (or worse than that: a commercial). This has nothing to do with "Greek culture," njiska, and everything to do with marketing, capitalism, greed and money. You're free to defend it on those lines if you want. It also doesn't matter that the goat came form a butcher shop. So they had someone else kill the goat for them, the ethical lines are still the same and so is the lack of basic respect for life shown.

I hope the story is fictional and it probably is, but the fact that there's people here who would defend it--or worse, not even understand what could be wrong with it--seems to be a fact and it's certainly just as bad or probably worse. If the story is made up, I guess we can take some solace in the fact that we're not yet at a point where a company would do this sort of thing as a form of marketing. Probably not far from it, though, if the responses from so many people are so mild.


...word is bondage...

You know you're entitled to you're opinion, but i really don't understand your point of view. If an animal should only be killedfor a good cause, who draws the line?

Killing a goat for food is ok
Killing a goat for clothing is ok
Killing a goat to use it as a centre peice for serving Offal (which is cooked organs, in this case lamb organs) apparently isn't.

I'm afraid i just don't see the difference. The animal was bred to be slaughter, was slaughtered. This particular one was just purchased from the butcher before being cut up into proper meat cuts. I don't see it as being any different then buying a side of beed.

The fact it was used during a feast to promote GoW2 is completely irrelevant to me. I see it as no different then a family buying a goat for a themed party they were having.

Also you're not talking ethics, you're talking morals. There's a big differnce and morals are very much unique to individuals and to groups.

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

You know you're entitled to you're opinion, but i really don't understand your point of view. If an animal should only be killedfor a good cause, who draws the line?

Killing a goat for food is ok
Killing a goat for clothing is ok
Killing a goat to use it as a centre peice for serving Offal (which is cooked organs, in this case lamb organs) apparently isn't.
That's not what I said at all, was it?


I'm afraid i just don't see the difference. The animal was bred to be slaughter, was slaughtered. This particular one was just purchased from the butcher before being cut up into proper meat cuts. I don't see it as being any different then buying a side of beed.

The fact it was used during a feast to promote GoW2 is completely irrelevant to me. I see it as no different then a family buying a goat for a themed party they were having.
The fact that you choose not to recognize the very significant difference really has no bearing on the matter, if you're not capable of understanding how it's different, then you should probably stay out of the discussion. However, I'm sure that if you thought about it briefly rather than defending this stuff on reflex, you'd see pretty clearly what the difference is. And at the same time answer your own question of who's to draw the line.


Also you're not talking ethics, you're talking morals. There's a big differnce and morals are very much unique to individuals and to groups.
There's no difference. That's an imaginary distinction people like to make sometimes if they still want to believe in ideals, but don't want other people's ideals to have to apply to them. Ethics and morals are the same thing. Or more specifically, ethics depends on morals for meaning.


...word is bondage...

[scooterb23]

The fact that the story is most likely fake still seems to be lost on you blowhards.

[njiska]

That's not what I said at all, was it?

That is my interpurtaiton of it.


The fact that you choose not to recognize the very significant difference really has no bearing on the matter, if you're not capable of understanding how it's different, then you should probably stay out of the discussion.

That's a very pig headed an arrogant stance. You state that there's no difference but you don't really prove it. YOu're just stating your beleifs over and over again.

You're entitled to your opinions and i'm tried of arguing what's essentially opinon. So i'm going to bow out of this argument just like Matt did. I still beleive you are wrong, but it's not worth my time to keep responding.

Oh and there is a real difference between Morals and Ethics. http://atheism.about.com/od/philosophybranches/p/Ethics.htm


The fact that the story is most likely fake still seems to be lost on you blowhards.

I'm of the mind that the story is most likely fake. For me the discussion is more about rather it would be right or wrong, not whether or not it happened or if any one should be disciplined for it.

[scooterb23]

I'm just glad that someone finally read one of my posts in this thread :D

[Buyatari]

I think for GOWIII they should have an orgy. Anyone here object?

[scooterb23]

I'm in.

[cyberfluxor]

3. who cares about that anyway I'm more concerned about the painted breasts in the picture.

+1. I clicked on the link looking for a goat but only saw breasts.

[Push Upstairs]

Saw painted breasts too.

That website is an electronic tabloid rag. Kate Moss? Why do people care about her?

Already dead goat served at a Greek themed party...as long as the meat didn't go to waste who cares?

[playgeneration]

It is true, and was a really dumb move. If your going to throw some decadent party with women with their tits out, and a dead animal lying around just keep it amongst yourselves, don't publish pictures of it in a magazine little kids buy.

I wonder if so many people would be defending it if the event had naked men waving their penises about and a dead dog to eat instead (yes they eat dogs in some parts of the world). It's essentially the same thing.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I am left wondering. How many goats would Sony have to "sacrifice" to get these PS3's moving off shelves? I'd say about 300 goats... or 20 Jews. :o

(Before I get flamed, I'd like to point out, that was complete sarcasm. IF Sony did do anything in distaste, I'm honestly not suprised. Though I'm not thrilled about any mistreatment of animals.)

All I want for Christmas is a dead goat and a PSP! Way to screw the pooch there guys... again. :P

[goemon]

I wonder if so many people would be defending it if the event had naked men waving their penises about and a dead dog to eat instead (yes they eat dogs in some parts of the world). It's essentially the same thing.

Dogs are overrated and nude hetero-bonding man parties sound like a great way to get closer to other men without involving sex.

[Flack]

It does matter. The game is set in ancient Greece. What happened in ancient greece is important, especially for promotion. You wouldn't promote a roman product with out gladiators would you? Except they can't kill each other because that's illegal. Getting a goat froma butcher isn't.

I completely agree.

Oh, and by the way, there were a few other ancient Grecian rituals I think they should have incorporated. Like homosexuality. In ancient Greek culture, homosexuality was very common. In fact, many Greeks partook in pederasty (sex between an older man and a younger boy, which had often been kidnapped). Plato once described Socrates as "boy crazy," and it is suspected that he was executed for having sex with one too many little boys.

For God of War III I hope to see not only more headless goats but also a huge bath house with a whole lotta lovin' goin' on.

(Cue, Iron Dragon ...)

[Oobgarm]

In fact, many Greeks partook in pederasty (sex between an older man and a younger boy, which had often been kidnapped).



"What's a pederast, Walter?"

[FantasiaWHT]

My first thought was that this was an Onion-esque online newspaper, all satire.

Then I saw a teaser for another article about Saudi's having a beauty pageant for camels, which I had seen on yahoo news.

So, I dunno! Could be that they mix wacky fake stories with wacky real stories.

And three cheers for the painted breasts! Now if they could just paint her skirt, too...

[Daltone]

Messed that one up. Double post.