Through all of this ridiculousness, never is the game's plotline brought up, or the reason why the player is in the church, or the nature of the fight, which is opposing alien invaders.
The final update comes from June 16, in which Sony actually apologizes. The Church of England posted the letter on their website, with this highly important segment quoted here.
We do not accept that there is any connection between contemporary issues of 21st century Manchester and a work of science fiction in which a fictitious 1950’s Britain is under attack by aliens…
The only thing they actually apologize for is that some people were offended, and they shouldn’t have even done that. Nonetheless, the Church is pushing forth, setting up a meeting with Sony to discuss their demands as if they’re holding the company hostage due a single level in a 10-hour-plus game.
This entire fiasco, in its drawn out form, is simply a statement on how ridiculous the violent video game debate has come. Facts are scarce, the media spins their reports to absurd levels, and everyone wants a piece of the $18 billion the industry pulled in by the end of 2006. No one involved with the Cathedral seems to understand how stupid they’re making themselves out to be, and every time they open their mouths, they stand to lose more credibility.
So please, Church of England, give it up. Move on. Most gamers did a few months ago once the game’s initial gloss was dulled. Others will purchase it for the first time thanks to the excellent promotion you've provided.
Article comments
1 - Ken Edwards
Well they thanked Sony for the apology letter, but they still want more. So now this week-long story gets drug through a second week.
2 - Christopher Rose
Personally, I'm outraged that an organisation that pays no taxes and deals in cruel deceptions and outright lies is demanding financial compensation for this. Meet the new Godfather(s)!