This has made my day. Nintendogs, the runaway success puppy simulation for the touch-screen Nintendo DS, has been awarded a "Proggie" for Best Animal-Friendly Video Game by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Hmmm, call me cynical, but isn't this just in time for the next Nintendog to be released later this month?
Still, the partnership makes me chuckle. From the release:
Nintendogs has today been awarded one of the inaugural PETA Europe Proggy Awards*, recognising animal-friendly achievements and progress in commerce and culture. The title, which lets owners train and care for lifelike puppies using the Nintendo DS system's touch screen and microphone, launched on the Nintendo DS handheld console in October 2005 was named Best Animal Friendly Video Game by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe in recognition of its animal-friendly achievements.
...
PETA Europe's Lauren Bowey says, "Because dogs require a lifetime commitment of love, care and attention, getting a puppy on impulse or giving one as a gift can lead to disaster. But thanks to thoughtful products like Nintendogs, children and adults who love dogs can play with their 'pups' any time they wish with a simple flick of a switch."
I expect Animal Crossing: Wild World lost out because forcing little critters to pay off mortgages is considered cruel.
I wonder if Pikmin, the game of sprouts, was up for an award from the Vegetarian Society?
