GCDC 2007: Crytek threatens to leave Germany

Crysis by Crytek - Image 1 Before the Leipzig Games Convention, Far Cry developers, Crytek, expressed that they will leave their home base in Germany if the authorities choose to tighten its rules against violent video games. The Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, which handles that area, is currently considering changing their stance from banning “violence glorifying” games to simply banning “violence dominated” ones.

Crytek, who had a brush with the Ministry in the past for Far Cry, is already considering other areas to move to. Some countries have already contacted them, like England, Scotland, Austria, and Singapore. The rise of video games as a major industry would make Crytek’s decision a very profitable one for the country they choose. It is predicted to become a US$ 48 billion industry by 2011.

The decision to move may have been spurred on by Crytek’s new game, Crysis, which cost EUR 16 million (US$ 22 million) to produce and, like Far Cry, has its own share of violence. Far Cry‘s first version was banned in Germany for its violence, and a second version had to be written to downplay the gore. A tighter grip on the ban wouldn’t bode well with Crysis‘ developers.

Crysis is slated for a release on November 15.

Crysis by Crytek - Image 1 Before the Leipzig Games Convention, Far Cry developers, Crytek, expressed that they will leave their home base in Germany if the authorities choose to tighten its rules against violent video games. The Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, which handles that area, is currently considering changing their stance from banning “violence glorifying” games to simply banning “violence dominated” ones.

Crytek, who had a brush with the Ministry in the past for Far Cry, is already considering other areas to move to. Some countries have already contacted them, like England, Scotland, Austria, and Singapore. The rise of video games as a major industry would make Crytek’s decision a very profitable one for the country they choose. It is predicted to become a US$ 48 billion industry by 2011.

The decision to move may have been spurred on by Crytek’s new game, Crysis, which cost EUR 16 million (US$ 22 million) to produce and, like Far Cry, has its own share of violence. Far Cry‘s first version was banned in Germany for its violence, and a second version had to be written to downplay the gore. A tighter grip on the ban wouldn’t bode well with Crysis‘ developers.

Crysis is slated for a release on November 15.

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