The game ads they had to ban
We investigate the shocking ads that upset the censors
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) told EA to remove posters of Burnout Dominator from the London Underground after 37 people complained about them. It doesn't matter that people who have played the game will know that it's harmless fun, nor that (as EA pointed out) there weren't any people depicted in the advertisement. The ASA found it to "condone a violent lifestyle."
Above: This image was pulled from billboards in the London Tube after 37 complaints
Unlike TV, internet or even magazine advertising, billboards are viewable by everyone. So their content has to be that much more suitable for everyone. Gamers will look at the image below and likely imagine the game in motion - the thrill of a takedown. But put yourself in the ASA's shoes. It's suddenly more serious. Isn't it?
Hmm... next example.
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Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.