GERMAN CRACKDOWN

Germany's ratings board has refused to rate the upcoming 360 shooter 'Crackdown"?. As a result, the game cannot be sold to minors, can only be sold in person, and cannot be displayed or advertised in stores. As you can imagine, this decision will seriously impair Microsoft's ability to market Crackdown in Germany.  Crackdown has been rated M by the ESRB.

The German rating board has taken a similar approach to 'Dead Rising"? and 'Gears of War"?, as the country seems to be taking a hard line against violent video games.

Coverage at http://www.gamespot.com/news/6163793.html (GameSpot)