Banned From The Apple App Store – Phone Story Is Now Available In The Android Market
Indie-developers Molleindustria have just released their satirical game Phone Story onto the Android Market today. The game isn’t without controversy, however. The satirical collection of mini-games in Phone Story are aimed at exposing “the dark side of your favorite smartphone” (ie: Apple’s iPhone) by explaining the process that goes into making the device. From the mines in the Congo, the suicidal Foxconn factories in Taiwan to the inevitable release of the iThing Beta, Phone Story holds nothing back.
Of course, the game hit too close to home for Apple and even though they approved the app for sale in their App Store on Sept 9th, they promptly removed it a few days later on Sept 13th. But other than a five-finger slap to the face of Apple just what terms did Phone Story violate? Apple claims that the game violated four iOS app rules with its depictions of child abuse (code 15.2), objectionable or crude content (16.1) and promises to turn over a portion of the money to charity (21.1 and 21.2). Faced with either censoring the app to conform with Apple’s standards or releasing their “educational” game onto the Android Market, Molleindustria decided on the latter.
If you want to check it out (I already beat it), the game is available right now in the Android Market for only $1 and don’t forget to hit up their website here for more info. Molleindustria promises to donate all proceeds to “organizations working to solve the issues mentioned in this game.” Keep in mind the game does require Adobe AIR which is a good 6MB download.
Thanks, Sam!
[Market Link] [Via WiredUK]