Seldom has Sony put itself in the media firing line quite so much as when it applied to register the military propaganda slogan "Shock and Awe" (originally coined to describe the bombing of Baghdad) as the title of an upcoming PS2 online game.
After a flurry of media attention Sony has backtracked on its decision, admitting in a statement the application had been "an exercise of regrettable bad judgment".
However, Sony is by no means the only one to try and cash in on the "Shock and Awe" phrase. The US Patent and Trademark office is currently showing 18 applications to trademark the phrase for use in everything from teriyaki sauce to ballpoint pens. And yes, computer games as well.
"Operation Iraqi Freedom" has also been earmarked by the developer battlefront.com (makers of the RTS Combat Mission series) for use in computer games software.
Tasteful or otherwise, the rush to cash-in on enormous world-changing events is symptomatic of the present consumer orientated climate. You've only got to look at the number of books that were quickly released in the wake of September 11th to see that the boundaries of an acceptable grieving time are being blurred. They're no match for the tide of commercialism.
Sony's move was interesting for several reasons. Firstly, because of the attention it got - and the slow realisation by the wider media of a something we gamers have known for years: namely that games aren't just for kids any more.
Secondly, there was a general lack of knowledge displayed in the shocked protests condemning games and gaming. Few seemed aware of the regulatory bodies, including ELSPA and the BBFC, who censor computer games and rate them accordingly, in a similar way to film censorship.
Lastly the outcries brought home to developers just how closely their actions are being scrutinised by the world, which is only too happy to make them accountable for their commercial decisions.
Ultimately we will most likely see computers games based around the recent Iraqi conflicts, not least because it's happened before with the first Gulf War, for example SCI's Conflict Desert Storm or EA's Desert Strike, but also because realistic modern warfare games are very popular with gamers.
But what do you find more disturbing: playing realistic games depicting real-life conflicts, or finding your kids putting Shock and Awe Sauce on their chips?
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In slightly lighter news, Black Flag and Rollins Band front man Henry Rollins has been chosen to play the voice of Mace Griffin in Vivendi Universal Games' upcoming title, Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter.
This futuristic title follows the adventures of Mace Griffin, a lawman who is framed for the death of his colleagues and becomes an intergalactic bounty hunter bent on revenge.
Rollins, who once famously sang "I've got no values Nothing to say I've got no values Might as well blow you away" seems a perfect choice for the rough and ready Mace.
However, he's certainly not the first star of late to be taking the side step into games. Tom Baker, Brian Blessed and Sean Pertwee have all lent their vocal talents to Fire Warrior, another futuristic RTS, this time from THQ, which is set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
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Ever felt like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Well how about doing it virtually with Age of Mythology: The Titans, Microsoft's recently announced expansion pack for their epic RTS title?
As many strategy gamers will know, the "Age of" pedigree is an illustrious one and with Age of Mythology Microsoft took the game to new heights with gameplay based around Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythology, a beautiful 3D engine and a surprisingly good storyline.
The new expansion will bring a new race, the Atlanteans, into the mythical fray, with units and powers to make your computer screen look like an explosion in a Ray Harryhausen workshop.
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Competition
If you fancy meddling in the affairs of gods and mortals then we have a copy of the PC Collector's Edition of Age of Mythology to give away, which includes added extras such as a "Making of" DVD, posters and a copy of Bullfinch's Mythology. Just email us at Online.Competitions@theguardian.com with your name, address and the answer to this question:
Who was the Greek goddess of love?
