Why are video games for adults so juvenile?
I first became aware of “Conker’s Bad Fur Day” while urinating in a pub. Before me, in what first seemed a drunken apparition, a cartoon squirrel was himself peeing (cartoon pee), and glancing back at me naughtily. It’s not often a video game gets advertised in the men’s room of a nightclub. The target market for most games is too young to get past even the most lenient bouncer. But “Conker” is different—a mature-rated game, not for kids under 17. Thus the urinal ads, the late night TV spots, and a racy Web site replete with busty women, keg stands, and scatology. Nintendo’s clearly aiming for the Maxim set here—frat guys who think poop is funny—and it’s a solid strategy. Those guys do play lots of video games, after lacrosse practice and before Jell-O-shot parties, and I’ve yet to see a game target them so directly. But it’s sad when a video game theoretically meant for adults features a drunken, misogynistic squirrel. Don’t get me wrong: “Conker” is great fun to play. The animation’s
