No Risque Business

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.

“Of Light and Darkness” is rated “mature,” or acceptable for players ages 17 and older, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

Folks at Interplay--a company long known for its outrageous publicity stunts--said that their planned ad campaign could have turned off 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.”

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P.J. Huffstutter covers high technology for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7830 and at [email protected]