Prime Minister gives his views on Resistance controversy

June 14th, 2007, 01:00 Posted By: Shrygue

via Eurogamer


Tony Blair has given his response to the complaints expressed by the Church over Resistance: Fall of Man, telling parliament that companies must take responsibility for the impact their products have.

During today's Prime Minister's Questions Tony Lloyd, MP for Manchester Central, began his question by observing, "When large organisations like Sony find their copyright has been breached, they're very quick to use the law."

He continued, "Would the Prime Minister agree with me then that when Sony used images of Manchester Cathedral as part a game which extols gun violence, this was not only in bad taste but also very, very insulting to not simply the Church of England, but people across the land who think it's inappropriate that big corporations behave in this way?"

Blair replied, "I agree with my honourable friend. I think it's important that any of the companies engaged in promoting these types of goods have some sense of responsibility and also some sensitivity to the feelings of others.

"I think this is an immensely difficult area, the relationship between what happens with these games and its impact on young people," the prime minister went on.

"I've no doubt this debate will go on for a significant period of time, but I do agree. I think it is important that people understand there is a wider social responsibility as well as an interior responsibility for profits."

News emerged at the weekend that the Church of England is demanding an apology from Sony for the depiction of Manchester Cathedral in Resistance.

Developer Insomniac has so far declined to comment, while SCEE has confirmed plans to contact Church authorities in a bid to resolve the issue.

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