Violent drug game under investigation

A New Zealand computer game where players manufacture drugs and arm themselves to defend their illicit trade is under scrutiny by censorship officials.

Auckland-based 89Games says the goal of Dope Game is to become a drug lord earning as much money as possible by growing marijuana and opium to manufacture drugs such as hash, morphine and heroin.

Players sell their drugs and defend their empire using turrets, mines, missile launchers and grenades.

The Department of Internal Affairs has submitted the game, which is sold online for $31, for classification.

National manager of censorship compliance Steve O'Brien said if the game was classified as objectionable it would have to be removed from the internet.

Any restricted rating would have to be displayed on any New Zealand website advertising the game.

An Office of the Police Commissioner spokeswoman said police were "obviously disappointed when any game involving violence or applauding drug taking is launched on the open market".

The game's creator was surprised it had been sent to the censorship office.

Kevin, who did not want his surname published, said the game was entertainment and he did not support drug use or violence against police.

"It's a computer game and entertainment. It's like the movie Pulp Fiction, they [show people] doing drugs.

"In the real world I don't like doing drugs or anything. I really hate that kind of stuff but in the virtual world I think it's fun to do."