New York City Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and leader of the fight against graffiti, has called for Atari to scrap plans to release a graffiti based video game that is described as 'a groundbreaking graffiti game play system, designed to sharpen your skills as you tag with aerosol spray cans, rollers, markers, stickers and stencils.'

'From what Atari's putting out, it appears they want to make crime exciting and to teach children how to get away with breaking the law,' stated Vallone, a former prosecutor. 'I'm just glad they aren't giving out cans of spray paint with this game.'

'I think irresponsible corporations like Atari must get the message loud and clear, we don't want them supporting criminals and punks and if they do we won't support them.'

Atari has announced that they plan on releasing 'Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' in September 2005. In this game players are encouraged to break the law by destroying property and hiding from the police. Vallone is threatening a boycott of Atari if they decide to release this irresponsible game.

'I think Atari will soon learn that they are going to be a 'Company Under Pressure,'' threatened Vallone." [more]