A case for the Review Board? You decide

FallacyStudios

Hey guys,

So I finished my newest app about a week ago. It is called Weed Tycoon and it is doing pretty well on Android, but of course when I submitted it to Apple it was rejected. I figured I would present my case for it to you guys and thought it would be great to get feedback on whether you think it has a good shot to get over turned or not.

Here is the game so you know what I am talking about.


Now here is what it was rejected for: 16.1: Apps that present excessively objectionable or crude content will be rejected
"We found that your app contains content that many audiences would find objectionable, which is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines."

Now yes I am used to have applications of this type being rejected for quite a few different reasons (mainly legality in an area), but this is the first I've had this one on apps related to marijuana.

I'm not exactly sure how this content is excessively objectionable. The definition of objectionable is: "Arousing distaste or opposition; unpleasant or offensive." I just don't see how the app creates excessive distaste or opposition. The app doesn't suggest doing anything distasteful because it doesn't suggest doing anything it is just a game. It may have opposition in the sense of people who are actively against marijuana, but it doesn't CREATE objection that doesn't already exist due to peoples perception on the issue. They allow apps that make fun of presidents or other political officials. People support one or the other, but that isn't problematic. As far as being "unpleasant or offensive", there is nothing in there that is either. The game doesn't make fun of or point fingers at anyone. Nor does it suggest doing anything people shouldn't be doing.

If they had brought about the "legal" issue, even that isn't accurate. Once again it does not suggest AT ALL for people to use or incite anything illegal. All aspects of the game are based on legal aspects that you can now find in CO (whom legalized it for recreational use), and it even aligns with states that allow medicinal use. What is the issue with pricing Strains in shops, and growing legally? That is what medicinal states allow as it is, not to mention CO and WA that have both legalized it entirely.

I guess I just don't see the reason behind the rejection. I thought it would be nice to get some outside opinions. Thanks

Also, do you think Win8 would accept this game?

Socks

I guess the App Store's demographic tends to encompass fairly young kids and Apple don't want the hassle of being seen to be promoting the use of drugs ?

FallacyStudios

Not sure why you bother having ratings 17+ if that is the case though. Besides the game doesn't promote drugs or drug use. Type in Weed on their market. There is a LOT more on there about it and some of which actually promotes it.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/roll-it-up/id399010506?mt=8

Roll it up... a game where you smoke a joint on your screen. They didn't mean tobacco either because their keywords are all marijuana related (found it under "Weed") AND the original version of it was green in there. My game doesn't suggest anything of the sort.

Socks

Not sure why you bother having ratings 17+ if that is the case though.

An age related game content ratings system is just for the classification of games into suitability related age groups. Not every issue is dealt with by the game content ratings system.

Besides the game doesn't promote drugs or drug use.

Caveat: 'seen' (Apple don't want the hassle of being *seen* to be promoting the use of drugs), the drug issue is fairly contentious and I assume the reviewer has decided the game is inappropriate for the App Store ?

SlickZero

You can appeal the decision, but I don't know if you'll win or not. It's like going up against the cop in court that gave you a speeding ticket. The odds will not be in your favor.

You've spent a lot of time on the app, so you have to decide if it's worth it or not to go up against the review, and try to have it overturned. The only thing that can happen is they will say no again. If I were you, I would, because if you can't get it released, then all that work was for almost nothing.

And I have no idea if a Windows App Reviewer will accept, or deny.

Ebreeze

Weed tycoon Ha ! Might be a little too soon for apple to approve that >:) B-)

gamesfua

You could just try to argue that the game is literally about weeds. As in the undesirable plant in a garden.

FallacyStudios

@SlickZero Yea I definitely will. I know that appeal board all to well. Lol I talk to them on a weekly basis thanks to many of my apps being controversial lol. Just trying to come up with a way to approach this where I'm not arguing the cause, but get them to see how realistically it doesn't breach anything in their guidelines. Well not in any way that other games already on there don't already breach it more extreme. Problem is the guidelines are so vague it really is just their discretion .

@Ebreeze Maybe.... I have other marijuana apps on the store. Just hoping they will let this one through because it on Android has already surpassed the download rates of my most popular app. Hurts the income when you are sitting on something people want, but isn't allowed into a market due to their own bias.

@anatomyofdreams Lol. I like that hahaha

shark1505

If you can't see why Apple doesn't want this application on their app store then I don't believe you should be allowed to make games. This game is about being a distributor of an illegal substance. The game doesn't even look that good in my opinion. Come up with something original, legal, and fun for all ages.

Ebreeze

Whoa easy buddy , no need to bash on the GS forums

Elfizm

Indeed it's a strange topic to make games about, but seriously man, calling people names.... I shake my head. It doesn't hurt to try and make the impossible possible. All the best with it.

capitalcarnage

Its an interesting subject, that I doubt Apple will side with you on, I'm surprised that the age rating isn't enough to let it through and seems double standardish, especially as GTA is available and IMHO mowing down pedestrians is worse than selling a partially legal drug - Good luck fighting it if you decide to

SlickZero

@shark1505 - Abusive content edited.

Personal attacks are not tolerated. Next time will more than likely earn you a ban from the forums. Please, let's not get to that point. You are well within your right to voice your opinion, but please do it without any personal attacks.

@capitalcarnage - I know you were defending Fallacy's point, but I had to edit your comment, too.

capitalcarnage

@slickzero - understood

FallacyStudios

@shark1505 Not everyone is an artist, but my fans seem to like it. It sells at $2.99 like hotcakes on droid. And yes I can see some reasoning behind why they may not want it, but at the same point that is called Censorship. Look no further than Hitler to see what Censorship can accomplish for governments and groups. (Not comparing Apple to Hitler just pointing out the results of censorship). It is original, it is fun, and it is legal in some places. I highly doubt you want to toy with the idea of debating me on topic marijuana. Believing something is bad because people tell you it is bad spells IGNORANCE. Lastly, it is meant for ADULTS and I put it in with the highest rating possible of 17+. I don't want kids playing it and that's not why I made it. Adults play games too and it is my choice to target a market is it not?

@Elfizm Thanks

@capitalcarnage Yea I'm surprised too that the rating isn't enough. And I agree with that. Apparently it is more appropriate to slaughter innocent pedestrians in games like crazies do in school shootings than it is to LEGALLY sell a non-harmful/non-violent substance. Welcome to the world if bias ...

@SlickZero Lol now you got me all curious on what shark originally said. Guess the topic gets his panties in a bunch.

IcedB

Looks cool, gonna DL it, how did you manage to make it isometric?

Gappsoft

Interesting game idea and I can see how it is a touchy subject. However, @FallacyStudios, as you live and learn, there are times where you can get ahead of yourself. Look at your comment about Apple and Censorship. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the freedom of the press from the United States Government. Apple is not the government, therefore all they are doing is performing quality (and in your case subject) control on their product and service, the app store. Therefore, they are completely in their rights to "censor" your application. Furthermore I find it interesting that you support the GS moderators CENSORING shark1505 but can't believe Apple rejected your game. I'm perfectly fine with Gamesalad and its Moderators censoring users when something inappropriate arises because it is their COMPANY.However, with your logic, Gamesalad must be the next Hitler.
Then with ignorance. I agree that ignorance is too common in society but you use it yourself. By saying "I highly doubt you want to toy with the idea of debating me...", you imply that you know every argument on both sides of this issue. Believing you know more than everyone else is the core meaning of IGNORANCE.
I guess getting your questionable application rejected got your panties in a bunch and god forbid anyone agree with Apple.

So all I'm trying to say is accept those who have differing opinions and don't make claims that aren't true. It only makes you seem immature. Good luck with the game and all the best.

RP

Not sure why this is getting so heated, no... yes I do. And for that I sigh....sigh.


Apple itself is usually pretty liberal and openminded. The game itself reflects upon an industry that is now a state-by-state legal reality. I think this thread alone details the variation of acceptance and this is exactly what Apple would have to contend with (they do get calls and emails and other escalations from those oposed to disagreeable apps).

I personally have no issue with the app (I'm in California, it's more culturally acceptable here). I have seen all the Weed and MJ apps on the store. I say just resubmit it (if it is not already black listed). When you resubmit you can argue that it is a satirical peice (on the evergrowing medical MJ industry). From what I saw in the game however is just straight up "shops", maybe an edit is needed to include the medical/clinical approved aspects of the shops. Perhaps this will score a better response. Heck, maybe you get some sponsorship from one of the shop locator/ review sites out there.

Gappsoft

Say it is Colorado or Washington.