TooManyGames is an annual convention held just outside Philadelphia, PA that draws in gaming enthusiasts looking for rare collectibles and unique finds. This past weekend, a controversial booth caught the attention of attendees when a copy of The Guy Game, a banned 2004 trivia game known for featuring actual women flashing their breasts, was being sold for $250.
Torren Moreno, also known as “Jab50Yen” online, was one of the attendees who spotted the game at the booth. Moreno shared their surprise at the high price tag and the vendor’s knowledge of the game’s scandalous history. The booth vendor even mentioned that eBay actively stops listings of the game due to its controversial content.
After Moreno tweeted a picture of the game at the convention, it quickly went viral. The $250 price tag raised eyebrows, especially when compared to other items at the booth. The Guy Game had a sleazy history, featuring footage of underage nudity that led to a lawsuit and its eventual ban from sale.
The game, hosted by comedian Matt Sadler, was marketed as a wild party game set during spring break, where players could unlock FMV scenes of women exposing themselves. Despite its controversial content, The Guy Game received mixed reviews, with IGN giving it a 7.7 out of 10.
Following the lawsuit and the ban on distribution, The Guy Game became a focal point for discussions around sex and violence in games. Politicians, including Illinois’ then-governor Rod Blagojevich, used the game to push for legislation regulating the sale of mature-rated games to minors.
Security at TooManyGames took action to locate and pull the copy of The Guy Game from the booth after Moreno’s tweet went viral. It was discovered that another booth was selling a PS2 copy of the game for $400. While some vendors were apologetic and removed the game from sale, others seemed indifferent to its controversial history.
Moreno emphasized that TooManyGames is a fantastic event for gaming enthusiasts, featuring retro game booths, indie and AAA companies, esports, arcades, and special guests. While the presence of The Guy Game at the convention was concerning, they hoped that people would still appreciate the overall experience that TooManyGames has to offer.
The controversy surrounding The Guy Game’s appearance at TooManyGames serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations about mature content in video games and the importance of responsible curation at gaming events. As the gaming community continues to grow, events like TooManyGames play a vital role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all attendees.