Warning: This article discusses sexual assault.
A graphic and disturbing new video game called Rape Day has been slammed by a rape prevention advocate, who says the idea is "outrageous".
The game is described by its creator, Desk Plant, as a "visual novel" where the protagonist can "verbally harass, kill people and rape women as you choose to progress the story".
Stills from the game, published by its creator to website DeviantArt, show depictions of violence against women, as well as rape.
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Rape Day is currently being reviewed by online gaming platform Steam - which is known to have a lax approach to censorship - and if it passes the review, it will be available to purchase and play worldwide.
But New Zealand advocacy group Rape Prevention Education says the idea is "outrageous".
"To think that people under the age of 18 are able to access this is just plain wrong," executive director Debbie Tohill told Newshub.
"Making a game out of rape is never okay - it's outrageous, and it totally negates the impact that sexual violence has on its victims."
Rape Day is already visible to preview on Steam, with no age verification necessary, except an account linked to a credit card.
While trying to justify why they created this game, Desk Plant says it's a "fantasy".
"Every good fantasy is a power fantasy," writes the game's creator. "Even if it's some odd-ball story about gaining the acceptance of the loss of control, it's still a form of power. Porn is even more so about power."
In a question and answer section on the games website, its creator calls the game a "dark comedy".
The game is labelled as "indie", "violent", "sexual content" and "adventure".
The game does not breach any of the guidelines about content distributed to Steam - it is labelled as adult content and therefore acceptable.
But, even if the game is banned, its creator says that won't stop them distributing their "fantasy."
"If my game is banned, and I am banned [from Steam]," writes the creator on their website "then I will ensure that a content platform for all kinds of legal, quality porn games exist."
If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.
Auckland: (09) 623 1700 or visit helpauckland.org.nz
Wellington: (04) 801 6655 or visit wellingtonhelp.org.nz
Newshub.
