EA Provides “Girls”, Asks Gamers To Sin To Win

@Ultramoose: when a dissproportionate number of women take off their clothes or have sex for money relative to the number of men then there is absolutely something sexist about prostitution and stripping. in a fantasy world without the cultural history of this planet an act of prostitution or stripping can take place in a vacumn but we do not live in such a world, we don't exist in a vacumn. you have to take those activities within the context of the society as a whole, when more woman than men sell their bodies for sex there's more going on than just an ordinary act independent of sexism.

Contrary to what the majority of commenters on here believe, I wouldn't say the contest is sexist at all.

All EA are encouraging competitors to do is take pictures with their booth babes, something they probably wouldn't done anyway - and then to submit them. Nowhere in the T&C of the contest does it mention to "grope", "plunder" or "pillage" them.

They definitely could've chosen their wording better - that way, the booth babe that kicked off probably wouldn't be so hurt that she wasn't chosen as a "hot girl".

@Ultramoose:

I actually I agree with what you say about the sex industry and sex work, but I still think the contest is sexist.

Actually, I think the contest is also homophobic.

... in order to enter you have to be photographed "committing acts of lust" with the 2 models.

The models are presumably woman. They're also presuming the only people interested in the content are straight men.

Female gamers aren't as huge of a minority as before. Certainly, plenty of gay men play.

Both groups, in order to enter the contest have to "be lesbians" or "be straight men".

Obviously, this isn't an outright act of malicious bigotry but short-sighted exclusionary discrimination.

@neoyaku: It's just a joke. :p Jennacide said "no self respecting woman would stoop to this idiotic contest," and I edited the famous picture of Jessica Chobot licking her PSP which landed her a gig at IGN as a means of stating that there will always be people willing to do just that.

@Kobun:

What does this picture even mean?
This is not "Sexy"... licking box art? Dante's Inferno Box Art at that!?

Just from all the over-compensating marketing bull that EA is pulling, I'm pretty sure it's a BAD game.

neoyaku

@Danved:

Agreed.

neoyaku

@singing pigs in elevators: Is this a promotional contest or a monkey's paw?

@Fnor:
Thank god this is a business and not politics. Because if it were politics people who screamed and whined and moaned might get paid more attention to.

But this is where people speak with there wallets(Thank goodness). So we will have to wait and see what happens.

--Core--

@ithyphallus of his own will recommends Kotaco!...: Oh that is just too bad....you missed the best part of the contest!!

m2ky2fo

@Fnor: Yeah but you know what...that is the point of games...to have fun and live vicariously through the characters. I don’t think 30 somthings play video games to be adult like...it’s an escape...and what better way to do that than via the bosom of hot booth babes!!!

m2ky2fo

Encourage people to harrass women who are just trying to do their job isn't very mature or considerate to said women.

Oh well, at least we can be certain that gamers will still be viewed as dateless spotty teens for the foreseeable future.

CharlesNelsonReilly

@Jbourne37: *Re-reads* Hey, I guess I was wrong. I'll admit. I will choose my words better next Capitan! By my point of how all these fuckers talking about objectifying women probably watch porn.
And hey dude, relax. Serious business indeed!
Asshole :P >:(
P.S. what's wrong with my post history?

†FunkBrothaDee†

this kinda irritates me

The PR folks for Dante's Inferno are really trying too hard. First the fake protests and then this...

It's all pretty pathetic stuff.

GorbyGipper

@dudeman5000:Sorry, not a star-commentor. Gawker-bug.

People are over reacting. Really over reacting. It's silly

I was happy to give the Dante's Inferno game a chance, but EA just keep making it seem tackier and tackier.

So we go from fake protesters to this. EA has lost their freaking minds, and the ad campaign they are putting on for this game is definitely making me not want to purchase it.

@†Satanyoka†: Point out the comment where someone complained about appreciating the female figure.

Actually, don't bother. I know you're full of shit, everyone else who's been following the comments knows you're full of shit, and after looking at your post history I don't really think you're worth the time. Peace.

@Jbourne37: Yeah I read. In fact I went through all the comments. And that's exactly what people where saying. Why don't you fucking read m'kay? Wanker.

†FunkBrothaDee†

@Fnor:

And yet, we have similar stunts being pulled all the time outside of gaming. Sasha Cohen Baon's ludicrous promotions of Bruno, "wardrobe malfunctions", all the crap that happens at awards shows, etc.

This is hardly unique to the gaming industry, and in no way should anyone come away from this single promotion thinking it eclipses videogames and their players as a whole. Besides, this at least is limited to Comic Con. There are worse things done on television that are broadcasted to millions in the name of promotion.

All that's happening here is EA has created a small, limited contest that is in theme with a game they are trying to promote. Radio stations and more do the "Night out with..." contests all the time, and many have just as ridiculous a goal as this one. Not to mention the game is an "M" rated endeavor to begin with, so this is hardly out of line with the audience they hope to reach.

The last thing I plan on doing next time a game receives bad press is point my finger at this trivial contest promotion, even if I agree it's not the most classy way of promoting the title.

@†Satanyoka†: No one's really talking about that.

Try reading. It's fun.

@Fnor: While you have a good point, I have to completely disagree with you.

Things like this happen in the music scene during different annual tours and what-have-you, yet, in recent memory, I don't recollect anyone saying a word about it.

It's comic-con, there's booth babes.

No one hates boobs.

rhinohumper

Runner-ups win handjobs.

phantomax

Shit the feminazi supporters are out in full force. I bet a lot of you douchebags watch porn don't ya? Well some of us have no problem with appreciating the female figure if the female has no problem with it.
EA, I'll buy two copies of your game!

†FunkBrothaDee†

@eclipsegryph:
Dude STFU, i'm sick this treating women like objects shit. There is nothing with appreciating the female figure.

†FunkBrothaDee†

@ShadowOdin isn't american: That horse sure is high!

†FunkBrothaDee†

@IgorKolkata:

I assume you work for EA?

Adhominem

@ShadowOdin isn't american:

Wow, you are a tool.

You want the people involved to lose their jobs? You want it to faill badly?? I think those are words that "just went to far."

I think the elitism of that star is getting to you.

I hope this game succeeds. I hope it gets fantastic ratings and there are sequels. And I'll put it on my shelf right next to my copy of the book!

@Adhominem:

I think a guy of any age would enjoy winning the contest. Saying the only ones who want to win would be 11-15 is a joke.

You're right. Sex can be fun. Perhaps if you have a relationship, you'll come to see that a very healthy sex life should be a priority - unless you dig those unhappy and sexless relationships.

I haven't read Divine Comedy, but I'm pretty sure this was not what Dante had in mind.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, will be why gamers won't be taken seriously in the foreseeable future.

People will eat this up. Magazines will wail and gnash their teeth and commenters will complain about stereotypes and sexism, and most gamers will eat it up.

I'm not saying that this is necessarily a good or bad thing. Just that this reinforces pretty much everything everyone says about childish video gaming is.

So next time you see gaming getting bad press or widespread criticism, don't just reflexively hate the media. Hate EA, and the vast number of gamers that aid, abet, and prove that criticism right.

@Anarchist_Gamer:

No! prostitution and stripping are not sexist.

There is nothing sexist about taking your clothes off for money or having sex for money.

First off, both industries are unisex. open to both men and women. Secondly, there is nothing sexist about becoming a sexual object(unless you are seen as a sexual object because of your sex).

I am not saying the industries arent rife with sexist. Specifically in places where sex trade is illegal(like the US). Where the industry is dominated by those looking to subjugate others regardless of sex, but still because of it..

it is a logical fallacy to say that because this contest(or sex trade in general) is about the sexual actractiveness of its participants that the industry(ies) is(are) sexist.

it is people like yourself, that insist that there is no power or that the power is 'misguided' that perpetuate sexism.

Ultramoose

@Anarchist_Gamer: I've never found a strip tease any more degrading to a woman than a man, or vice versa. In fact I'm not sure why it would be degrading to either.

edit: grammar

liquidnumb

I smell a lamer Sir, you talk like Dantes Inferno is your fathers best creation ( I mean the book).

Take a chill pill, its 2009, sex sells, so please dont act like a virgin.

People like you are the worst, you want everyone to see how "smart" and "intelligent" you are and how you "politicaly correct" you are...

Im sure you some sort of Tree Hugger Hippie

SunitiBabas

@Ultramoose: Amen. You said it right.

liquidnumb

The paparazzi? That's supposed to be a bonus?

Also, I have to feel bad for the booth babes. Like they don't get enough weirdos hitting on them.

LordPoochie

If I was there and even attempted to win it I'd probably guess "Right, nothing's gonna happen because it can't happen and you're not paid to make it happen, so yeah we'll have a nice cuppa tea and a sit down, talk things over and try and come up with a convincing story as to how it DID happen so the press will buy it and the public will hate EA even more than it already does!"

Seriously, EA's that embroiled in their tug-of-war with Activision for dominating the "we're the most hated publisher" market headlines that they couldn't care how many people they anger by such a campaign.

There are a lot of EA employees who do not support this marketing choice. Sadly, we are all lumped in with this dumb ass move.

IgorKolkata

@Adhominem: I do. But most of the comments I've read so far to this article make it pretty clear just what type of guy reads Kotaku. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

It's like they forgot about all the strict laws our society has involving sexual harassment. Good to go, EA. I hope this BS ends up on the evening news, you freaking imbeciles.

Well this is disgusting. Come on EA, I thought you were different now. You're better than this.

@Antiterra: be glad it's not the same team, then. dead space was done by a different group - the group that's currently working on extraction. ;)

curly haired boy

@ithyphallus of his own will recommends Kotaco!...: You clearly aren't sinful enough to win this contest. ;)

@ShadowOdin isn't american: You have just earned a heart from me.

Really, I was interested in the game at first, allowing EA to slide a little when it came to a fairly adequate formula for Dante's Inferno to translate into a game.

Now I'm just disappointed in EA and their marketing towards their game. I'll reserve my final judgment for when the game debuts, but right now my opinion of both EA and this game keeps declining, sliding down the slippery slope of idiocy.

As others have said, this is truly setting the perception of gamers back 20 years.

Atomsk88

@MysidianMan: All I have to say is HA! And a +1 to you good sir and/or madame.

@Gaff: I was going under the assumption that none of the average attendees would actually enter, you know, first time out of the basement and all.

I jest though. This does seem like a weird contest, and agree with your confusion at their definition of sin.

hammerhand

@jayntampa: "they're making it hard"

That's what she said.

@Mastrix: Actually, it's a totally innocent night...but it takes place on the Sabbath.

Man, that's sinful AND insidious.

@nrXic: Ohhhhh yeeeaaaahhhh (chik, chika chikaaaa)

i was too distracted by the details of the contest to notice that it's inked on boobs

This is pretty tasteless, but couldn't they at least given the option of rewarding the winner with two hot guys? Just saying. :P

sweetie55

I think it would be awesome if the prize ended up being totally the opposite of what the winner expects. Like they get into the limo and there are these two fat, nasty girls in track suits who haven't showered in days. And the "chest full of booty" is just a box with asses in it. Sin and consequences...

@Mastrix: I would probably be more okay with the contest if that's what happened.

If this works out for EA, maybe we can look forward to the 'Booty Call of Duty Sweepstakes,' 'LEGO Panty Raiders of the Lost Ark Contest,' or 'Little Big Planet in My Pants - Enter to Win!' Fingers crossed.

It's not completely unlike my 'friend' Vinny's nightly deal. Bring a car from his 'play to win list' down to the docks and get a free PS3 with a copy of GTA-IV.

Novellion

Good thing I'm not going...their ladies would be all over ME. That would totally screw up their little contest.

*pops on shades, adjusts neon headband and rollerblades into the sunset*

@sunpop: Sinful night can be read many ways. I'm guessing the two girls will enjoy an evening out with a contest winner and then murder him.

Mastrix

@Lovestationzero:
oh I can't wait to see what type of embarrassing dudebro stunts they're going to pull at the Spike video game awards this year

Just_as_planned

So if I'm reading this right 100 people get ea to buy them 2 hookers? This cant be legal

@AgentMoskau: Yay, thank you EA for treating women like objects! It's about time someone put those women in their place and show them that they're just accessories for men!

While I personally detest this sort of contest, you have to give credit to EA; look at how much publicity they're getting out of this. (see amount of posts below.)

Mastrix

@anabbeynormality:
hearted!
Very well said.

Just_as_planned

I wonder if any of the booth babes even know about this contest. I'm sure the Dante's Inferno ones where informed, but what about the other ones? Where they all informed when they where in the process for being hired? Did EA send out a memo to them all saying "We have a contest in which to enter the contestants must take pictures of them "commit[ing] acts of lust" towards you, so be warned that some may take it too far and sexually harass you." ? I'm sure they have enough problems to deal with in a normal day, with out some stupid contest ENCOURAGING people to take of them selves doing lude things with them. For shame EA, for shame. Also, does anyone else have the urge to take a picture of them selves with a booth babe treating her respectfully and send it is as a entry for this dumb contest?

ChannaBeWheeze

@ShoopDaBoofs: acually i think it's from a jeff foxworthy thing (sad i know this).. "...where nekkid means you've got no clothes on AND you're up to something."

@Ultramoose: Dude, prostitution and stripping are sexist. Regardless of your post-feminist arguments, both activities benefit males more than the apparent benefit of the female. In both cases, women are reduced to sexual objects - whether they get paid for it or whether they get some kind of feeling of power (a misguided one) out of it, it is ultimately detrimental to the power dynamic between men and women. This contest disturbs me and is yet another example of the industry's blatant masculine obsession.

And we want to be taken seriously? Well, I guess if nothing else, we match the world of pro-sports for their portrayal of women.

@ShoopDaBoofs: You think they have balls?

What are you? A beer-drinking machoman whose ideal is Marcus Fenix?

This isn't balls, my friend, this is balls for brains

The only thing they are doing is "Hey, let's be just like God of War but WORSE"
And then they go YEEEEAAAAH and flatten their can against their forehead.

There's no thought. There's no bending the limits. They're not taking a stand against everything PC.

They just want to make fucking God of War all over again so that they can be proud over having made a game with titties. Because they like titties.

@lightmartyr: It's not just about girls wanting/not wanting to participate. It's about EA saying that they view girls as rewards, not valued customers.

anabbeynormality

I didn't notice they were boobs, I was too busy reading!

SinisterUrge13

heres what i find really funny.

all these people saying EA is 'pawning off girls' 'OH EM GEE THATS SO SEXIST'

EA had a casting call. They invited women in to talk. they asked them if they were interested in being one of the 'hot girls'.

they werent kidnapped off the street and sold as part of a contest. these women chose to do this. There is nothing sexist about it.

it only becomes sexist when people look at the women and say they have no self-respect, or they are failures as women because they allow themselves to be part of a prize.

There are prizes for contests that include all expenses paid trips to see a musician and meet them.

that is essentially the same thing, but its not sexist then because the contest isnt marketted on the platform of sex.

It's like saying prostitution is sexist, or stripping is sexist.

Not sexist, sexy. The only people who can't make that distinction are people who are afraid of sex.

Ultramoose

@anabbeynormality: Thank you for providing some common sense and perspective into this craphole of a thread.

So basically, what we have here is further proof from what I wrote on the article concerning Dante's anal adventures yesterday, which can be read here.

EA, in it's complete lack of ignorance, is trying quite heavily to market it off as their answer to God of War. And to do this it seems they made sure to put their most juvenile people on the job.
These people, in return, copied what they saw in God of War, over-the-top violence, sex and religion and thought "Hey we can do that too" quite obviously believing these were the sole factors to the game's success.

Like Antiterra down below, I've never quite wished for a game to fail before I saw this. This is absolutely disgusting that they'd exploit the work to this level and every new thing I hear from them just makes me feel more and more horrible. To be extreme, I want the people behind this fired, both the people in the marketing, as well as excecutive producer who thought it was "just so damn cool" that Dante was gonna become Cerberus' buttplug. The man is clearly not the kind of guy you'd entrust something with at all, the very least he shouldn't even be allowed to lead a project based upon anything of value.
Because his statement sums up everything that is wrong with this game.
Dante isn't "cool." He's not "awesome" and he's not at all "hardcore". So why is he the main character? He was just unfortunate to have made a pretty substantial journey to the Christian Hell, probably the most hardcore place in christian mythology, and thus would become their answer on the role greek mythology played in God of War.
The anally obsessed producer didn't seem to stop for a moment to realize that even though they journey to Hell, there's nothing really going on that would fit in an actiongame, and if he did, then he just didn't care. He pulled off the summary from Wikipedia and filled in the blanks himself. Probably along the lines of "Let's have him buttfuck Death and steal his scythe" rewriting Dante to another character and just put everything else the Inferno stood for in the rectum of a three-headed canine.

This is not Dante's Inferno. It has nothing to do with Dante's Inferno. And it's a sick joke that it aspires to be Dante's Inferno.
Because as long as that name stands, and as long as the people involved with the game acts like they do, then yes I want the game to fail. I want it to fail badly.
I want the people involved with it to loose their jobs, or at least be demoted.
And I want the game to be remembered in the same way we remembered ET.
As a situation when they just went to far. Were they took an important piece of history and literature, and literally shat on it, without any thought of restraint.

@Archaneus: This has more to do with objectifying and demeaning women than any sort of Christian morals. You don't need religion to see that this is some pretty pathetic and disgusting marketing.

I don't know what's worse:
Having a picture taken with a booth babe qualifies as a sin.

Or that they assume that an average convention attendee is that desperate.

I know loads of people are complaining about this, but kudos to EA for having the balls to do something that would create such a backlash. The PC attitude that causes your furor have had a death grip on this country for too long.

AgentMoskau

I'd have to see what the girls look like before I enter.. :p

kint

@Jennacide:

"conventioneers need to 'commit acts of lust' by taking photos with the models working the Dante's Inferno booth or any other booth babes at the show. "

...wat. So I can lewdly embrace a booth babe and have somebody take a picture for a contest? and she won't all upset by it?

Awesome.

@Jennacide: I doubt it. No self respecting woman would stoop to this idiotic contest.

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: Yeah, but she had a reason, she was kidnapped by Gypsies and forced to get the tatoos, or what was the story she told her parents again?

Maybe she didn't learn her lesson and she's the same person from the EA ad.

@MrFuzzyPants: YOU WON A FUCKING INTERNET!

It kind of disgusts me that they're selling Dante's Inferno this way, to be honest. I first read the Divine Comedy when I was in like 8th or 9th grade ... it made a huge impression on me.

I'm trying to keep an open mind, but they're making it hard.

EA is so fucking edgy and extreme!

anim8rjb

@lightmartyr: Except self-respect, decency, disgust that EA is pawning off girls, dignity, disappointment at the new depths of "boys club" mentality that EA has managed to sink to, need I go on?

Of course, these are all things that would stop self-respecting men from partaking as well, but there are plenty of pathetic people out there. I guess EA has established who this game is intended for.

anabbeynormality

So... what? Do people need to ask the booth girls if they can motorboat with them?

Lebensengel

Phairly Phresh

Erran M Harris

"Approximate Retail Value of Grand Prize: $595.00."

Those must be some pretty cheap hookers for the winner.

jim_booth

Hmm I hope the girls end up with someone who is hot as hell (no pun intended) and interesting and who'll treat them with respect.

Pudgie'sSmokerGivesAGoodTongueing

@Alessar: Wow now. Let's get one thing straight: girl on girl action is never wasted. NEVER!

(*rocking back and forth in a huddled position*)
Naked pillow fights are real, naked pillow fights are real, naked pillow fi....

@Adhominem: Sadly, there are many out there that would indeed be falling over each other to get a chance to win this... Sorry about the pessimism.

A chest full of booty?

Is that code for girl on girl on guy action?

@OW-Holmes:Enemy of R.O.A.C.H.: this seems pretty stupid...sin to win...but don't because you can be disqualified for any reason the judges see fit...right...

"inappropriate for any reason"

@OW-Holmes:Enemy of R.O.A.C.H.: there's a wrinkle in your comment that I'm not sure should be there.

@Adhominem:
I'm pretty sure this is the most ridiculous thing I've heard of this year. And I've seen quite a few ridiculous these past few months.

And you were doing so well in my eyes, EA.

looks like their marketing department took a cue from the amazingly successful N-gage E3 announcement...

@Adhominem: Yes. Mainly the shaft.

I just hope whoever wins really makes these girls hate themselves for agreeing to do this. They're being paid (probably a healthy amount) to HANG OUT IN A FUCKING LIMO. Make them earn that paycheck.

So much hate in these comments.

I thought it was hilarious.

JustJake

@ThickSkinned: I am a lesbian. Being attracted to women isn't the same as being a misogynist.

anabbeynormality

I wonder exactly what the judges are looking for in these pictures then. "
Be sinful, but don't do anything of the sort."

Perhaps it's the self punishment of posing with two women you'll never have a chance with.

@Archaneus: Wow, look at you go. It's a contest, and contests have themes. I'm Christian and you don't see me with my pitchfork and noose. Afterall, it's not me that's sinning ;P

TBH, I find it more offensive to women than Christians. At least I wasn't much of a shallow tool to realize that.

The ironing of doing this for a game based on a poem that really defines the modern picture of hell is truly delicious.

But I guess "Live Justly to be Rewarded in the Afterlife" doesn't have the same ring to it.

OW-Holmes:Enemy of R.O.A.C.H.

@Stealth_chill: Oh hay I didn't know Tony Romo hung out on Kotaku

@ach77:

I'm an undersexed teenage boy and even I find this crass and tasteless.

Well, I guess undersexed and pathetic/desparate for female attention are different, and it's obvious that EA is fishing for the latter.

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: Looks like my girlfriend after i bust all over her face.

Adhominem

Geez, the bad ideas just keep coming from these guys.

Bakeroo

@Johnofthedead: You know what would be awesome? 2 girls winning at the same time.

Adhominem

@Archaneus: Rationality over religion? This is just plain imbecilic. Nobody wins.

@kylenalepa: I've seen these kinds of contests go down at those beer-sponsored "secret location" parties, à la Coors Light Mystery Mansion; you know, where you can only get in if you find an invitation in a beer case kinda thing and you go spend a weekend in a remote location to party? The times I've seen that kind of thing, they're promoted as scavenger hunts-type deals.

@fryerjackets: To take this just a bit further, what if the winner has sex with the girls, one gets pregnant, they get married to make it legit, and ten years later the child asks how Mommy and Daddy met.

Could be an awkward conversation.

A contest that condones sex for (possible) sex? Sign me up

Japan_Time

@Jbourne37:
Disclaimer for the women in the limo: Just because I won this contest doesn't mean that I will give up my seed freely. You will have to work for it.

Adhominem

This idea is so f'ing stupid it has come full circle and become exceedingly awesome....and then comes the disclaimer, which forces it to overshoot awesomeness and even bypass stupidity and head into completely new territory.

I shall call this new territory "EA Marketing Department."

@anabbeynormality: You can also include gamers with any sense of morality in that message from EA.

@Archaneus:

The Christian protestors would be paid actors employed by EA.

Adhominem

Haha, beautiful. I hope this gets all the Christians up in arms and there is a nice big protest. This really is a good sign though, that a company is willing to do something that is such an affront to such a huge swath of the people in this country, maybe we really are successfully secularizing. I know it seems minor, but even 10 years ago it doesn't seem like they would do this. I say this is a win for rationality over religion.

For a game that depicts excessive violence, demon aborted babies and more sexual related monsters/imagery than you can shake a big sexy-stick at, they are being incredibly limited in this comp.
Luckily they forget to mention religion, Inferno's main influence, in these rules so maybe a faux crucifixion of one of the booth-babes still isn't out of the question.

Anyone feels that Dante Alighieri is rolling in his grave over this? Or is is just me?

PatrickHizer

@Jbourne37: I'd like my role to be the limo. Nobody disrespects limos. Say what you will, but it's true.

There's no doubt that the contest is sexist as hell, but I have to give EA kudos for coming up with an original idea for a contest (I haven't heard of any promotion like this before) and having the balls to go through with it despite the obvious controversy that would erupt around it.

kylenalepa

@Adhominem: If girls enter that makes it extra sinful i guess.

They should have struck a deal with Spike TV on this one. It's their exact same flavor of "real guy" stupidity.

Lovestationzero

@anabbeynormality: There's nothing stopping the girls from comitting sinful acts with the girls.

I bet Dante Aligheri's Divine Comedy is cursed so that whoever tries to exploit the IP by making movies or games about it turn into complete fracking retards and make some of the worst decisions in the industry to date.

This would also make a good Dan Brown novel. You heard it here first folks.

Adhominem

@Jbourne37: You've just made my Friday and earned a heart click.

Know your role indeed!

@Sark: Well, those PR people had to go somewhere...

wirebrain

@ShoopDaBoofs: Because the game is a far, far stretch from Dante and Virgil's journey through hell. The game uses some of the depictions of hell, but Dante wasn't a scythe wielding badass taking hell back for the man!

@superberg: The "hottest girl at ComicCon", maybe to tie in with the ip the girl will be fresh from the fiery depths of hell, still practically burning.
'You will get to converse with her charred body over a delicious meal. Stare into her eyes which have seen the true abyss of the afterlife. She will escort you home in our complimentary limo where your awkward goodbye will not seem quite as bad as the torture she has suffered in hell.'

@Adhominem: plug in a synonym for something relating to the butt into the ...

Adhominem

@DukeOfPwn: I love Dead Space. I played through it 3 or 4 times (including Impossible mode or whatever it was called), it's one of my favourite games from last year.
That doesn't change the fact that, so far, everything I've seen related to Dante's Inferno (both the game and its marketing campaign) looks absolutely embarrassing.

And I'm all the more disappointed precisely because these are the people behind Dead Space. I'd rather they started to work on the sequel to that instead of wasting time with a very underwhelming project (again, based on my humble opinion of what I've seen so far).

@dudeman5000:

The only possible way someone would "secretly like to be the winner" is if they were between the ages of 11 and 15.

While sex can be fun, after a certain young age it stops becoming your main priority.

Adhominem

@DukeOfPwn: No, it's not just the marketing team. There was a kotaku post that was deleted where they have one of the devs being quoted:

""You're gonna love it. We've got bodies flying around. We've got Dante literally being shoved up a monster's butt.""

http://kotaku.com/5321485/dantes-inferno-cartoon-features-monster-...

Adhominem

A disclaimer for the winner: These girls are not going to have sex with you. They are being paid to hang out with you. And they are probably regretting it.

If I won, I'd drink until I threw up in the limo. Hopefully on one of the skanks. The world needs classes, know your role.

Anybody else find this marketing stunt offensive? I find it degrading to women. Also I imagine you have to be over the age of 18 to win this.

Who exactly are they trying to market this towards? It's becoming too risque for minors and adults are too smart not to see past this stupid stunt.

OH also forgot to mention,

EA set the public perception of gamers and the gaming industry back 20 years. Thanks for nothing. Now we're all perverted sex-starved virgins.

Adhominem

Classy.

Nobuyuki

@ThickSkinned: I doubt it. No self respecting woman would stoop to this idiotic contest.

Jennacide

@Antiterra: Agreed. EA's marketing department needs to be hung out to dry. So far all they've accomplished is make the publisher look like a bunch of idiotic frat boys pulling lame stunts.

Jennacide

@excel_excel: I had not heard she recanted, but I totally suspected she was lying.

@Foxstar is in love with Kotaku's two Brians.: You mean "Ew, dinner" or "Ew, two hot girls"?

Showmeyomoves!

@ohayou_kun: No kidding. To quote Will from Will and Grace, "Once again, girl on girl action, and it's wasted on me."

@Antiterra: Come on, these are the same people that made Dead Space! We should want them to make awesome content for as long as they can; it's not their fault that EA's marketing is terrible!

DukeOfPwn

@superberg: Most (north american?) media assume that "skank" is a synonym of beauty. I guess they haven't get that "taste varies" memo.

M.u.s.o.u.k.a

Oh you have GOT to be kidding me. That is creepy as balls.

Can they switch out the two hot women for a hot man? Because I'd I prefer if I won.

ohayou_kun

@misc.insanity: If the winner did take a nap, I wonder what they could use for pillows? Then again, saline fun bags aren't that comfortable to rest your head on.

ThickSkinned

The way they chose to hype Dante's Inferno is turning into the stupidest, most abysmally idiotic promotional campaign in the history of videogames. Brilliant job.

This time, when your new IP sells even less than Mirror's Edge, you'll know why, EA.
Seriously, I've never wanted a game to fail so bad. Come to think of it, this is the first time I actively want a game to fail...

So fucking pathetic. Maybe I've lost my sense of humour. Or maybe I actually have one.

@anabbeynormality: What about lesbian or bi female gamers? I know plenty of them who would love a sinful date with two hot chicks.

ThickSkinned

Yeah, it's totally incongruent with the IP itself, but I'm down with it. Who cares? It sounds like fun.

I'd wager *some* of you are feigning dumbfoundment or disgust when you'd secretly like to be the winner.

1. Get a Master Chief costume.
2. Get photo evidence of you in costume teabagging a model at Comicon.
3. ? ? ? ? ?
4. Profit by repeating again with two other models in the limo.

Telecinision

This is why I don't give EA my money. Well, actually it isn't, but it's the new reason that I will continue not giving EA my money.

Danved

I wonder what happens if a girl wins the contest. Does she get 2 Fabio-look a likes? Or are girls not allowed to enter.

Adhominem

EA message to female gamers: fuck you.

anabbeynormality

No thanks. Just ew.

@n00b_pwner: Star commenter FTW: This can only be as awkward as people (see: men, con atendees et al) make it.

I am wondering if the booth babes were warned, and how that meeting went. How many of them are now thinking "I don't get paid enough for this"?

@Ferkner: Or maybe it's just 2 girls with an heavy fever :P

slimky

Crossing my fingers for this ad campaign to end in lawsuits and sexual harassment/assault...

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

This is ridonkulous and creepy and scary all at the same time. I'm weirded out.

@Marker: Ahahaha. Nice current events reference!

Guitarzan2k5 - Bad puns are my business, and business is good!

Best promotion to help break up with my girlfriend.

Stealth_chill

@Hey_Blinkon: But still 300% further than anyone else is willing to go! Count it?..I got nothin else. Lol

@superberg: Why? Why should it have been given a different name? Why do you feel it necessary to whine about how it took a different route than the actual poem? You wanted a graphical recreation? Who the fuck are you?

ShoopDaBoofs

@ShoopDaBoofs: Negative, you left out Olivia Munn. How dare you good sir.

Raziel66

@ShoopDaBoofs: Right, but the disclaimer makes it pansy and pc. It goes halfway... even less than half way.

Hey_Blinkon

An ass grab would be more of an act of sin than just a picture with a model. You'll get arrested, but hey, you can blame it on EA for making you sin.

ph15h

@n00b_pwner: Star commenter FTW: Hey, at least you pwn the n00bs and has a star* :D

"A night with the hottest girl at Comic-Con...". So, what; is that the comic nerd chick who only weighs 250lbs?

Ferkner

@ShoopDaBoofs: Nobody wants to fucking roll through the reality of what Dante's Inferno was really meant to describe.

Which is exactly why they should have at least given the game a different name.

@ZenGaijin: I see it now too the boob cleavage threw me for a loop.

This and the fake protesters are really turning me off to this game. I was actually very interested before as a huge GOW fan. Should effective PR get you unexcited for a game? I am afraid to buy the game now because it would only appear that this PR B.S. works.

FriedConsole

@Erode: Seriously. This makes me sad.
Besides, how do they know they can get me the hottest girl at ComicCon? What if I find some random girl in a slave leia outfit to be hotter than their booth babes? What if I'm not into the skank look at all, and prefer my women clothed while on a date? This contest assumes so much.

I totally agree with all the comments here about how "classy" this PR stunt is. Maybe one day game companies will realize that their demographic isn't just undersexed teenage boys

ach77

EA is giving away hookers? I really don't know how to respond except to ask if it is even legal? >.>

TexasJack

@misc.insanity: Wrath. I'mma slap some bitches up. In my limo. Gleeeee

So I guess http://kotaku.com/5321485/dantes-inferno-cartoon-features-monster-... is out of the question....

so basically first prize is two hookers?

and here I was thinking this game had a shot

Best. Promotion. Ever.

Actually, having seen game play in action it's really quite a beautiful and fun looking game.

GalinaCleopatra

This is... awkward to say the least.

But then again, I can't even get a girlfriend at all :(

Classy.

@TC: No need to apologize. I wholeheartedly agree with you. In fact, when I see stuff like this, it makes me cringe to be associated with it in any way.

Cloral

@Guitarzan2k5 - Bad puns are my business, and...: You just used the word edge with out Tim Langdells permission. That's like stealing. You sir, are ahead of the curve.

Marker

this just in, EA proves to have missed the point of dante's inferno so hard that it physically hurts. seriously, who is in charge of their marketing here, they have had the dumbest, most juvenile garbage i have ever seen in marketing this game. as a gamer im pretty much insulted that they think im that stupid as to be interested in their stunts.

ryanfrost13

@ZenGaijin: Not a tramp stamp, it's a chest piece. I studied it carefully.

@fryerjackets: If they are all adults, then why not?

sandmanfvrreturns

@fryerjackets: What if the contest winner does have sex with the girls.

@ankhenaten: Sloth! Imma just take a nap.

The more I hear about this game, the stupider I think it is. I think they're on to something!

@luxfluxio: Well if the girls want to, why not? Free country it is not like they are hookers.

sandmanfvrreturns

@zgreenwell: You mean what half of this article's posts are about? Lol

ShoopDaBoofs

@Yamato: Did you hear the story? She IS stupid but hey, if thats what she wants

@Erode: Indeed. Or the stereotype of undersexed male gamers dominating the industry demographic. If we are to attract more females to this industry, we need to retire the misogyny cliches.

@ShoopDaBoofs: The contest is sacrilegious, thats part of the point. People getting upset is expected, but what would be ridiculous is for people to get upset because religious people are getting upset.

@fryerjackets: wait wat he doesnt?

timestep

@NKato: Sensitivity? Everybody knows religious people don't play video games! Just like they're not allowed to dance or hold hands, or use contraception.

ShoopDaBoofs

@Yamato:

Honestly I think she would prefer that.

Will they actually let you "do it with the girls"?If so, that is totally sweet.No seriously, this is the most messed up shit I know and yet it sounds so cool.

@Daniel @ playreadwrite.blogspot.com: The IP? There was no "IP" when Alighieri was alive. And it's not to be taken seriously, get over yourself.

By this standard, let's all take God of War seriously and expect polytheists to be really pissed.

Seriously, they're making a fucking videogame out of it. They're making it FUN. Nobody wants to fucking roll through the reality of what Dante's Inferno was really meant to describe. THAT'D BE LIKE THE MOST AWESOME 15 HOUR GUILT TRIP EVER, RITE? IT'D SELL TONS OF COPIES.

ShoopDaBoofs

So a sinful night with no sex, drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language...

That leaves rock and roll I guess. Maybe a concert? But a rock concert might have all those things!?!?! Goodness me, whatever will happen?

Edit: Maybe they are talking about the big seven sins. So Greed, Avarice, Gluttony, what else?

ankhenaten

@Erode: It's a total mishandling of the IP. It's turning the whole thing into a joke and a spectacle. But hey, it is the PR team and they're probably going to get this thing to sell with all the debauchery they can use.

@excel_excel: She has to be stupid, atleast when shes old half her stars will be covered by her sagging skin

@ShoopDaBoofs: I'm actually not religious. Just moderate - I'm talking about the lack of sensitivity on EA's part about this marketing they're doing.

@ShoopDaBoofs:Yeah but if you knew the IP you would be thinking that they're treating it with such disrespect. I know I'm confused by all of this, the monster anal, this contest, and I just can't take the whole thing seriously anymore.

What if the contest winner thinks he actually gets to have secks with one (or two) of the girls?

fryerjackets

Why do I have a feeling that EA marketing campaign for this game is going to be better than the game itself?

I love that they're courting controversy, but the game just looks generic so far.

diagorus

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: Yeah I know, a pretty funny story all together!

@Unplugged: The "tons more swag" has me tempted as well.

@excel_excel:

But her daddy got angry.

@zombiebashr: Me too, but I did it on the Sabbath. Looks like I'd get the edge.

Guitarzan2k5 - Bad puns are my business, and business is good!

That is the most elaborate tramp stamp I've ever seen be fun to try and read.

@NKato:

yeah, but then they wouldn't be getting featured on kotaku, or getting attention from all of us. Isn't that what the ultimate goal is, really? What's the point in having a contest if it's going to be mundane and not really get any media attention?

@Hey_Blinkon: Dumbfoundment? I like this. I like it a lot. It says "We've got some big brass balls to use this kind of language and controversy and we don't care how many people we upset."

AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED. MORE BALLS (metaphorically!), LESS PANSY POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.

And hell yes limo to steak dinner with babes and free shit. Where do I sign up for that trip!

ShoopDaBoofs

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: I love how it was fucking shocking frontpage news when she said that she asked for 3 stars but got loads after falling asleep, but when she admitted lying it was barely reported

Wow....this strikes me as really, really sad. Nothing perpetuates the creepy, greasy, fat guy gamer stereotype like a contest that offers women as prizes.

@gyoshi: lol +1 intard net points

@Pombar: Nekkid (Neck-Id) - An internet adaption of the word "Naked."

/wiki'd

ShoopDaBoofs

@ARVash: DEAD woman found in the gutters with her legs opened and her mouth opened wide with a surprised look on her face. Holes punctured and ripped with her body looking deflated..



That Doll never stood a chance!

@ShoopDaBoofs:

hah. That's what I was thinking. I'd take some pictures with booth babes to have a limo take me to a kickass steak dinner with hot women. Go figure, I guess :P

@NKato: And here's your expected religious outrage-fueled "I TAKE EVERYTHING IN LIFE SUPER SERIOUSLY HOW DARE YOU POKE FUN AT ANY TOPIC I CONSIDER SACRED RAAAAWR!" post.

Move along, nothing to see here.

ShoopDaBoofs

@ShoopDaBoofs: Not outrage, just dumbfoundment.

Hey_Blinkon

This is a really stupid promotion. It's like a PG-13 ploy that can only backfire.

Hey_Blinkon

The other day I coveted my neighbor. I think I've got a shot at this contest.

Two steps forward, one step back?

oh, that's a booby crack. didn't notice the collar bone's at first and though it was a butt crack.

@TheOmnitron:

@Assassin9: 9:30pm : drinks, cocktails
10:00pm: getting funky
10:15pm: getting your phreak on
10:30pm: making whoopee
10:45pm: make a doctor's appointment

I think that pretty much covers it.

Has EA decided to take from Acclaim's marketing book? Bad idea...

let see who can come up with some pics from this contest. lol even the fly on the wall would have fun with this one.....

I wonder how far somone would go with this, I mean there must be some horny undersex vergins at this event that would kill to be on a date with hot girls, hell just going on a date is a major thing. LOL

@wanion:

Abandon Hope, all ad campaigns that enter here... and their participants.

Where can see the picture that the person uploaded for the contest?

>.>

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: Between Chobot and the chick that does the Qore episodes, all my hot chick gamer fantasies are fulfilled.

ShoopDaBoofs

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming: Really? REALLY?! So am I the only who want his silver PSP licked by unassuming hot girls?


God this world is going down the toilet.

uchennaokafor

@TheOmnitron: Ew... nobody wins with that combination.

Raziel66

Oh, she's going to regret getting that tatoo...

Why is everybody producing fake outrage at this?

I actually find it rather amusing.

ShoopDaBoofs

Oh yeah! more sexism in video games!

Fernando Jorge

@Omnimon:

I can see it in the newspapers v___v;

ARVash

@Pult|Ost - Dark Days Are Coming:

I'm talking about my Penis.

@excel_excel: NEKKID? WIKKID

EA is the king of bad marketing ideas

...

...

@Pombar: Oh yeah I know, ya know nekkid women. NEKKID

@Finstern:

Oh yeah. She can lick my "PSP" any day, if you know what I'm getting at.

After I win this contest all I need to bring is some roofies and duct tape, the limo is already provided.

This could go wrong in so many ways...

You never know. The winner MIGHT be charming enough to actually get one or both of those girls into him.

...baseless optimism, I know. Still, the whole thing isn't nearly as bad as Sony's God of War party. Remember that?

Dead goats. Eww.

You know since it's comic-con I'd have asked them to find a Star Sapphire performing an act of lust if there's any around.

EA's got 2 girls, I got 1 cup- Easy win.

I think I'd rather be a runner-up than the actual winner.

Unplugged

Jessica Chobot better start running

Good lord. Perhaps I've been reading fark too much, but I'm willing to bet money some homophobe is going to complain the second a frisky female attendant decides to explore her wild side with a model.

Sorry, but when you sell it that way... I hope to god they warned the booth babes.

@excel_excel: There's a whole industry that would beg to differ. But people in general, sure.

this might cause some trouble for the booth babes.

so the winner gets to go all dante on the 2 "hot girls" booties and stuff them in a chest ?

Meanwhile, EA management is hosting their own office "sin to win" event.
No word on whether or not the booth models are in on the take this time.

I hope the booth babes are prepared to get groped on by tons of nerds.

@Assassin9: WoW I understand. Plain text, though? It's a mystery.

@Pombar:

And I'm with you, I'd be pretty damn embarrassed to win. Wonder what the agenda is like though.

Assassin9

@Giggers: Right you are, guv.

Um, can I eschew the girls, the paparazzi, and the sin and just go to dinner with my girlfriend and keep the treasure chest?

Dr. Nooooooooo

What kind of mutant girl has a chest full of booty?

...oh, that's not what they meant, is it?

Darn.

Now all they have to do is sacrifice a goat and they'll be good to go.

XenoRaven

@Pombar:

/sigh

Assassin9

I hope they realise people don't associate 'acts of lust' with having your picture taken.

@Cojo21:

Did they? Did they REALLY? You'll have to win to know for sure.

@Pombar: sigh.

Giggers

....No.

The biggest thing here is marketing it as though you're promoting sinful/illict activity - that is the worst way you could market it. I would have just simply marketed it as a normal game and as a normal contest.

Electronic Arts is asking Comic-Con goers to "sin to win" a dinner and "sinful night with two hot girls, a limo service, paparazzi and a chest full of booty."

....no.

To enter the contest, conventioneers need to "commit acts of lust" by taking photos with the models working the Dante's Inferno booth or any other booth babes at the show.

"Commit acts of lust". Uh, no. You realize that religion is a major component of daily American life, and outwardly promoting a game by saying "commit acts of lust" is like blaspheming every single belief humanity has held sacred. Honestly, I think EA could have done better by marketing it as a SIMPLE, plain contest without any "sin" theming whatsoever.

How? "If you want to enter this contest, take photos of yourself with Dante's Inferno's booth babes or any other booth babe, and submit it to Twitter, Facebook or the email address at Electronic Arts. Winners will be chosen and rewarded with the grand prize, and runners-up with swag."

Did EA lose their common sense in Cerberus' digestive tract when they planned this contest?

Wow... because Dante's Inferno was actually an enticement on the need to commit sins and go to hell...

Giggers

Chest full of booty? That girl is not normal.... of wait, they mixed a little pirate in there

WOW. WTF IS GOING ON HERE???????? First Dante going up Cerberus' butt. Then this! I'm staying a million miles away from this game.

/takes notes on how NOT to market a game.

Adhominem

EA really seems to have trouble believing Dante's Inferno will be a hit... The fake protests, this, etc... :/

2Much

Well. They know their market at least.

drag

A prize I'd be embarrassed to win. What's the typed sound effect for a sigh again?

Mr Alighieri would be so proud.