In an attempt to repair a mammoth PR blunder, EA has recalled promotional Godfather 2 brass knuckles that are illegal in many states.
The golden brass knuckles made their way to multiple media and press outlets only after EA apparently realized that the item is an illegal weapon in many states. While the knuckles were certainly only intended for display uses and not for settling intra-office arguments as to which Mega Man game is the best (it’s 3), display-only brass knuckles are pretty much identical to breaking-human-faces brass knuckles.
EA has requested that the knuckles be returned so that they can be “properly disposed of.”
In addition to multiple other states, the weapon is illegal in EA’s home state of California. As stated in the California Penal Code: “Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison:(1) Manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any[…]metal knuckles[…]”
While it’s unlikely any of the states will prosecute what’s obviously a big marketing gaffe, it’s unnecessary egg on EA’s face that could have easily been avoided had anyone thought to check the legality of mailing out a bunch of weapons across the country. On the other hand, we’re all slightly more aware of Godfather 2. Mission accomplished?
Source: Kotaku
Published: Apr 12, 2009 06:28 pm