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French "tramp game" sparks controversy

October 01 2009
It‘s disgraceful and humiliating, says the Red Cross A new online computer game, Clodogame ('Trampgame' in English) has caused controversy after its release in France for its "humiliating portrayal" of the homeless. In Clodogame, players begin as "penniless tramps", and improve their money and status levels by attacking other homeless people, pickpocketing and stealing from shops. The characters also busk, keep pets and drink alcohol, until the winner is crowned "king of the streets" and moves into the Palace of Versailles in Paris. Developed in Germany, the game was released in France to widespread criticism from homeless charities, including the Red Cross. Spokesman Jean-Fran??üois Riffaud, told the paper Le Parisien: "It's a disgrace, it's degrading, it's humiliating to make the homeless the butt of derision. The image portrayed is exactly the one against which we've been trying to fight". The online game, which is free to download, has already attracted over 5,000 registered users. Clodogame's creators, German software company Farbflut, are producing versions of the game for several different European countries, including the UK, yet deny that they are inciting violence towards the homeless. "[Young people] are becoming more conscious of the problem of homelessness" said a company spokesman, "and some have even asked where they can send their donations". The head of the French homeless organisation CDSL added: "How can one make a game based on great suffering? One shouldn't take enjoyment out of the misfortune of others". You can judge for yourself at www.clodogame.fr.
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