A screen shot of "Frat Party Games: Beer Pong" by JV Games, which is set to be released at end-month.
Story Created:
Jul 8, 2008 at 9:31 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 15, 2008 at 11:18 PM CDT
When it comes to Nintendo Wii, you can find shooting games, sports games, but drinking games?
As it turns out, a new game coming out later this month for the popular gaming system is called "Frat Party Games: Beer Pong". Using a "Wii-mote," the game simulates the real drinking game, but it's been approved for kids as young as 13-years-old.
The game has some people concerned and Carrie Haugan one of them. A mother of two from Brandon, she doesn't like the idea of a "beer pong" video game especially since it's rated suitable for ages 13 and up. She said, "We don't need to teach kids to drink, you know, get ready for drinking games. They'll start drinking earlier maybe."
The game apparently simulates beer pong. Also called beirut, beer pong is a popular drinking game played by college students and at various bars. To play, cups filled with beer are put on opposite sides of a table and each team tries to throw a pingpong ball into a cup. Once the ball lands in that cup the the opposite team has to chug the cup of beer.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board rates video games, like "Frat Party Games: Beer Pong." They gave it a "T" rating, which means teens can purchase and play the game. The board saw no ties to promoting alcohol within the game. Instead, they say players are just tossing balls in a cup. At the same time, game creator JV Games says their version doesn't promote drinking, but they're going to change the name to "Pong Toss."
Still, parents like Carrie Haugan don't buy it. She said, "Well, they know it's a drinking game. It'll encourage drinking."
The game is set to be released at end-month. It will be sold in stores across the country.
If you'd like to contact Nintendo, JV Games, or the Entertainment Software Rating Board, KSFY has compiled that information here:
- Nintendo is online here. Questions can be directed either by phone at 1-800-255-3700 or by e-mail.
- JV Games can be found online here and directs questions to this e-mail.
- Click on this link to visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board online.
Questions? Comments? News tips?
KSFY's Drew Sandholm can be reached by phone at (605) 373-7372 or by e-mail.
Wednesday, Jul 16 at 3:58 PM brett wrote ...
tarnish the reputation of the greek system? first off, i'm a grad student and nobody i know even likes "frats". The greek system has tarnished its own name through stupidity and hazing. Unless you are at an Ivy league school, frats are for people who can't make their own friends.