Las Vegas NowNew Vegas Themed Video Game to be Released

New Vegas Themed Video Game to be Released

Some videogames have been applauded as family fun, while others have been criticized for violence and stereotypes. But a new game called This is Vegas may be unlike anything you've ever seen.

Las Vegas videogames have been able to go inside digital casinos for decades, but today's games are so sophisticated, the questions is, where does the fun stop and the reality begin?

This is Vegas could be a breakout hit this fall, according to industry press website IGN. It has gambling, outrageous themed casinos, bar fights, guns and lots of racy action.

For some, this is Vegas.

"You're supposed to be some kind of entrepreneur that's building an empire," said Ryan Lockhart with Play N Trade Games.

Lockhart says This is Vegas is so over the top, with its ridiculous action and characters, that no one should take it seriously.

"It's strictly made for fun, humor, things like that," he said.

That trend hit Las Vegas with Grand Theft Auto and the realistic Rainbow Six games in the last few years, so the controversy is nothing new. But this game skewers Las Vegas with wife swapping tycoons, pretentious party-goers and more.

"The game just pokes fun at the whole situation. It's mostly just an escape from reality," said Lockhart.

Like other games, it includes a lot of gun violence, fighting and even clear drug use. Lockhart hopes This is Vegas ends up being a satirical send-up and nothing more.

"Most people kind of see it as a scapegoat, to blame the blame"on something, and it's not like that at all," said Lockhart.

It's not for kids or even the sensitive, but instead of This is Vegas, Lockhart reminds us that this is a just a game.

This is Vegas is produced by Midway Games. They declined interview requests today, as did the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

The game will be released this fall or early winter.

Email your comments to Reporter Jonathan Humbert