Crytek Plans to leave Germany because of Violent Video Game Laws

Lines are beginning to be drawn in Germany's developing war on game violence. In a translated interview with Welt Online Far Cry and Crysis developer Crytek said they might leave the country if proposed anti-game-violence laws come into effect.

In May, Germany's interior ministers unanimously approved a measure that would ban the production and distribution of violent games in the country. A less drastic version, currently working its way through Germany's Ministry of Family Affairs, would merely limit the advertising of such games and their sale to children.

If the full ban was passed, Crytek founder Avni Yerli said the company would probably relocate rather than change their focus to less violent games. Yerli mentioned the company's branch office in Budapest as a possible new location, and said the company has entreaties from economic ministers in England, Scotland, Austria and Singapore.

As the only internationally competitive game company in Germany, Crytek's departure would be a major blow to the country's burgeoning game industry. With the Leipzig Games Convention bringing in 200,000 industry luminaries, the German government might want to consider the economic impact of any planned legislation before moving forward.

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