Too Risque for Costco

In the computer game world, gratuitous violence is an everyday commodity. But lust doesn’t sell--at least not on the shelves at Costco Cos.

Take Tribal Dreams’ forthcoming release, “Of Light and Darkness--The Prophecy.” The game, which features a digital likeness of actress Lolita Davidovich and the voice of actor James Woods, has a painting of a sexy, futuristic-looking angel on the cover of its box.

The artwork apparently was dubbed too risque by retail giant Costco, according to officials at Tribal Dreams, a division of Interplay Productions in Irvine. Costco officials declined to comment about the game, saying only that it is company policy not to stock games that carry either a “Mature” or “Adult” rating.

The folks at Interplay--a company long known for its publicity stunts--admit that their planned ad campaign could have scared away the family-oriented chains.

A scantily clad woman is pictured sprawled seductively across a chair. The caption reads, “There are seven deadly sins and you’re committing one of them.”