That Beer Pong game announced awhile ago for WiiWare came to fruition, and has been causing quite a ruckus. For anyone who doesn't know, the game consists of teams tossing ping pong balls into the opposing team's cups. Beer Pong is part of a line of "Frat Party games" released by developer JV Games (most recently behind Warhammer: Battle for Atluma).

But yes, apparently Fairfax County (why is it these things always happen in Virginia?) school groups, drug-free coalitions and anti-underage-drinking groups are protesting the release of the thing. Beer Pong, social hazard or simple fun? What do you think?

“Beer pong is an activity that normalizes and encourages heavy binge drinking, shows blatant disregard for the dangers of alcohol poisoning, and can cost lives and result in injury,” said Gen. Arthur T. Dean, chairman and CEO of the D.C.-based organization, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, a national membership organization representing more than 5,000 community anti-drug coalitions across the country.

“Furthermore, promoting the video game Beer Pong in the Frat Party Games series under a Teen rating ignores the fact that many youth involved in fraternities on college campuses are not of legal drinking age and that youth as young as 13 can purchase the game under this rating,” Dean said of the game's upcoming release.

Larry Dilworth, a vice president of CADCA, is a Herndon resident and sits on the board of GHCC.

“I think it's kind of funny,” responded Vince Valenti, a spokesman for JV Games, about the controversy. “The game promotes the sport of beer pong. We are not advocating drinking any more than watching cartoons or watching the TV show 'Cheers,' or even going bowling or to a baseball game.”

With this game, “if anything, you're going to be drinking less,” Valenti said on Monday. “Because you are too busy playing the game, trying to beat your opponent, to be constantly picking up a beer and drinking it.”

chautemoc via wtop.com »