Utherverse said that its move comes on the back of what it calls a new and
highly controversial trend coming out of the video game industry, namely virtual
drugs. It pointed out that, in 2005, the video game Narc was the first to introduce street drugs into video games to provide players with ‘powers.’
Now, in a move likely to draw fire from the anti-drug establishment,
RedLightCenter.com members and guests will have access to a new feature that allows them to visit an Amsterdam-style smoking room, toke from a hookah, and
get a ‘virtual high.’ The experience is free and is limited to persons aged 18
and older.
The virtual world of the Red Light Center is closely modeled against Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District. Users of this virtual world entering the smoking room will find an assortment of hookahs, or oriental water pipes, which can be freely smoked. Smoking more virtual marijuana will increase the effects, with a scale ranging from ‘mellow’ to ‘wasted.’
Users of this feature have reported the experience of smoking marijuana in the game to be surprisingly realistic.
The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, noted Brian Shuster, CEO of Utherverse. We’re offering a neat experience that’s totally safe and legal.
Despite the positive responses, the feature has inevitably generated controversy. For example, psychologist David Walsh, spokesman for the US National Institute on Family and the Media, claims drug use in games creates curiosity and allure for players. Games are interactive and psychologically powerful. Now we have a game that glorifies drug use. Where do we draw the line? he stated.
