Dog Wars Android app is ruffling some users' fur -- and rightfully so

By Phil Nickinson  | Apr 23 2011 | 11:42 am  | 337 Comments

Dog Wars

Judging from our inbox this morning, more than a few of you have discovered the Dog Wars app. We'd been hoping it would slink back into the depths from which it slithered, but such is not to be the case.

Dog Wars, which some sort of horrific canine RPG, is doing its best to stoke the fires, announcing itself as "A GAME THAT WILL NEVER BE IN THE IPHONE APP STORE!!!" And you know what? Apple's App Store is better off for it. The developer, Kage Games, also wants you to know that "if you have a bug up your butt about the game concept, remember:"

  1. It is just A VIDEO GAME
  2. Perhaps one day we will make gerbil wars or beta fish wars for people who can't understand fantasy role play games
  3. Just because something is illegal in real life in certain countries, does not mean it is illegal to make a song, movie, or video game about it (looking at you XDA Developer Forums... deleting our beta testing thread and banning our account?!)
  4. Just go slingshot some virtual birds to kill some virtual pigs.
  5. Go complain to someone who cares about Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Weed Farmer, Smoke a Bowl (these two are listed in the top 15 of casual games on Android Market) and maybe even Sierra's Leisure Suit Larry from 1987.
  6. This is listed as a HIGH MATURITY app, and does NOT violate the Terms of Use with the Google market in any way!!!

A few of the one-star comments left in the Market:

  • "This represents the truly revolting world of dog fighting, dogs are still stolen daily for fights. Remove it now!" - Alex
  • "Hope you people get prison time for making this app." - devon
  • "This is pretty awful... Downloaded this just to say how very wrong this is, both in real life and in fantasy." - nonfinite

And a couple of e-mails we've received:

  • "This is so sick I can't believe it! Have you people learned nothing from
    Michael Vick???? Way to encourage this disgusting violence against innocent animals.....studies indicate that most serial killers who hurt animals move on to people. This is SICK. WTF android????!!!!!" - Diane
  • "I cannot believe that you as a leader in this industry would promote dog
    fighting with an app!! Dog wars should be removed from the android market! This is very disappointing for me and many others to see that Android would do this!" - Dawn

We're not sure if the 50,000-250,000 download mark is because people downloaded the free beta just to leave 1-star comments (let's hope so), or if it's really that popular (let's hope not). But we do know this: If we were Google, we'd probably find some sort of term of use that Kage Games has broken -- or invent a new one -- and fast, and get this sort of thing out of the Market.

Download links are not after the break. Here, however, is the the developer's e-mail address: pitboss@kagegames.com. Let 'em know how you feel. And tell 'em we sent ya.

Phil Nickinson

Phil Nickinson Editor in Chief

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

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There are 337 comments

PensHockey says:

Jason you would love this game!

PookiePrancer says:

I'll say this: there's a lot of SPAM in the comments for that game; which I've been labeling as such. I mean, people haven't even played the game, but are condeming it! As I was at first, I think they're under the impression that you actually get to see the dogs go to town on each other, which is the only way it would rate 5 stars, in my opinion (joke, people)!

Rate it because of its graphics, story line, game play, how it runs on your device, etc. I don't need to read social commentaries in the comments section!

mike340t says:

In a way, even though I really don't agree with the article, I am glad it was posted. Good to read some well worded replies as opposed to the normal one liners... If this was a forum I feel it can go on and on..

col_krismiss says:

This sickens me a little. Not because of the game, but because of peoples reasons to ban it. I would never play this game, just to be clear. As gamers, we like games to be viewed as art or an expression. I see people compare this to murder like linking this game to someone who plays it as if linking a murderer to his/her victim. That is not a correct analogy at all. I am a huge advocate of freedom of speech and if video games are an art form or expression then it is an extension of speech and the developers should be free to make whatever they want. I would compare it to someone SAYING they think murder is ok. Everyone has the freedom to say such things and that in itself isnt enough to get someone arrested. So in my mind taking this app off the market is the same as arresting someone for just saying they think murder is ok. If you fight to get this game off the market I would consider you no better than Jack Thompson.

Quis89 says:

You people are overly sensitive...we live in a time where Call of Duty is the highest selling franchise...Grand Theft Auto games are in high anticipation...you can go to ANY arcade and play "Deer Hunter"...you can download Bird Hunting from the very app store we are discussing...

In these games we are killing soilders...innocent bystanders...deers...and birds...and you people want to sit here and cry, b*tch and moan over some freaking dogs?!?! Hypocrits...

Continue flinging birds at pigs. Yes...its animated violence but the point remains. We place dogs on this high pedistal while we could give two sh*ts about any other animal or person for that matter!

You people really need to check your priorities and stop complaining over A GAME!!

trenen says:

What's even more silly as that while it is a game, it's also a game that uses FAKE dogs. If this game was a record of real abuse and you were participating in real abuse, I would understand the outrage...this however, this is totally unwarranted as, essentially, it's as fake as Pokemon.

iconicbrand5 says:

people need to start writing to their congressmen and bitching about gas prices before this game. It's a sad society when people care about what other people and not first about themselves. Maybe a selfish thought, but true and real. Our world is dead because no one cares about themselves to write to our politicians about what is really killing us and instead, posts on Android Central. I have two cats and love them too death and if they made a game about cats killing cats, so be it. I may not buy it and I may, but I know what's real and what's not. Some people need to grow up and do the same. BTW, great game.

tompro53 says:

People complain about why this is bad I understand why but there is this thing called Freedom of Speech that give people the right to make apps like this so instead of downloading it to leave a 1 star comment it would have been better to see the app have zero downloads.

trenen says:

That's the new liberal translation of freedom of speech because the Constitutional purpose was for us against the government. I agree though that zero downloads would have been better than making spammy comments.

tompro53 says:

People stop complaining there's this thing called freedom of speech that give people the right to create an app like this so instead of downloading it and giving it a 1 star just don't download so it will have no downloads.

lafester says:

I've never seen so many bs posts in one thread.
on BOTH sides.

lafester says:

I've never seen so many bs posts in one thread.
on BOTH sides.

tim242 says:

Hmmm. Where is Phil? He usually is all up and ready to post some smartass reply to someone. I guess he knows he is in the wrong on this one. He's probably playing Angry Birds. Those poor birds.

PRyan0417 says:

I haven't downloaded this so I can only speak from what I've read here. But, how is this different from Pokémon, which is essentially an 'innocent' looking dog/cock fighting game? Why is this 'worse' than Grand Theft Auto? It's just a game.

I'm not defending it, I'm merely curious as to what all the uproar is about.

lvav06#ac says:

look it's a game, fair enough, but you must also agree that mass media does influence people all the time. no one cries foul at drug wars (circa 1994?), angry birds , zombie killing games, fruit slicing games (waste of food). the reason no cried foul (no pun intended) is because they are designed in a cute manner, (I bet that if these dogs looked like blues clue's it wouldn't be so bad). I remember when games like grand theft auto made news, don't know if it's the same one that where you beat the hooker you get your money back.

Now I have not played the game, but i think it has as much chance of being on market as much as any other game. I think U.S America has to many cry babies, just go live in other countries (not just vacation there) and then come back to the great US of A and tell me how bad this place really is.

six5salive says:

OK, so I know this may get angry responses but oh well...its the INTERNET ^_^...I am fine with everything that Mike Vick did...dont care that he fought dogs, dont care that some died. Weirds me out that people get attached to animals in general and treat them like they are family (e.g. call them their kids, dress them up, leave an estate to them) but really there are more pressing issues to talk about on AndroidCentral than abortion, politics, religion, etc.....what is SUPER important is.....When is the Bionic going to launch? Can the Thunderbolt please get a non ADB way to root? Are we gonna see that quad core Motorola phone this year?...Uh oh...I think that someone just sodomized and ran over a MinPin....

IIJBII says:

There was a point made earlier about Google being a business. While I understand some feel this should be left in the market and they shouldnt step can you imagine the field day competitors will have if apps like this stay in the market and more show up? There are many people who use Android (of all ages) and many kids in middle and high school carry cell phones. This would not only give fuel to the competition but also a solid reason for parents to develop a bad tast for Android. I'm not sure if people are aware of how Honeycomb is being handled but it's an indication that Google may not be as "open" as people think. I agree open is good but at some point it needs to be looked at and possible reeled in.

foxpacific says:

Oh, you mean the middle and high school kids that already play Call of Duty and numerous other games that depict illegal and violent actions (Grand Theft Auto)? The same kids that grew up watching and loving Pokemon, in which characters train animals to fight to fight each other? Those kids parents???

And the release of Honeycomb is delayed, however, they are in compliance with the licensing to do so. Just because mom won't let you have cookies before dinner, doesn't mean you'll never get them...

IIJBII says:

I understand there are other games or topics that could be used here. That could go on endlessly. I mentioned it before that I'm not qualified to say what the potential effects games like this or others could "potentially" have on people (not just kids). I'm not a psychiatrist. I was just giving my view.

I didn't say anything about Google and compliance licensing regarding Honeycomb. The point was they were delayed releasing the source code and even statements that Honeycomb may not be as "open" as everyone things.

As I said before, I think people are using the term "open" as a pass to justify anything. The reality is it like any other freedom has its boundaries and limits. If Android was as open as everyone is saying why do they restrict devices from using the market? They want to make sure the experience is on par with how they think Android should be. I appreciate that.

Look at it from a business prospective. I don't feel pulling this or other similar apps will hurt them in the long run. I think the positives far outweigh the population that is hanging onto Android because its open. Look at computers operating systems. Many of them aren't open but millions of people still use them.

foxpacific says:

Why should Google play police and start pulling apps people don't agree with? What you're really saying is that Google should pull the apps that YOU don't agree with. Have you petitioned RockStar games for their creation and distribution of Grand Theft Auto? How about GameStop, Toys R Us or Wal-Mart for selling those games? Let me answer... NO YOU HAVEN'T. Sure, if Wal-Mart stopped distributing the game they'd still be in business by WHY, to please you? But for some reason you think Google should start pull this app. Please post a video of you walking into a Wal-Mart and telling them they shouldn't sell this or that game because you don't agree with it... I'm anxiously waiting the outcome.

And ahhh but you DID say something about Google and compliance licensing. You said Honeycomb many not be as "open" as they claim. Yet they ARE as open as the licenses they used require them to be. They published the licenses they chose to develop under, read the licenses, that's the extent of openness the claim to have. Statements thrown around by people throwing hissy fits because they didn't get their candy when, where and how they wanted it does not equal truth.

And again, you, with the "what everybody says".... Android is not "as open as everyone is saying"... Android is as open as defined in the open source licenses they develop the software under. If I get a bunch of people to start saying a bunch of things about you does that make it true, just because a lot of people said it is?

Even further, Android is an open source project... that doesn't say anything about access to the Android Market or what is allowed or disallowed in the Android market. You want to know to what extent access to the Android Market is open? The proper thing to do is to read the Android Device Compatibility Document (Google it), NOT listen to what people are "saying". What do you do believe everyone with a voice? Stupid people have voices too.

Google's standards and procedures are well documented and posted, meaning you can actually do some research instead of just repeating the over repeated, over sensationalized, blurbs and headlines.

Also, stop mixing open source with the openness to have a free for all. It's not the same thing and it's obvious by your posts that you really don't have a good grip on what either entails. Google can provide the Android OS as an open source project and still restrict what goes into the Android Market. They choose to be more laxed about what makes it into the Android Market and I LOVE THEM for that. However, make no mistake that it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Android OS being an open source project.

Look at it from a business perspective. I, too, don't feel pulling this or similar apps will hurt them... but WHY?!?!?!?!? Because YOU said so?

Now, look at it from another business perspective angle.... Leaving the app in the marketplace will hurt them EVEN LESS than pulling the app. So again WHY should they do it other than YOU think they should?

And look at computer operating systems, all of which one could write the same dog fighting app for and you wouldn't try to stop them.

col_krismiss says:

"There was a point made earlier about Google being a business. While I understand some feel this should be left in the market and they shouldnt step can you imagine the field day competitors will have if apps like this stay in the market and more show up? There are many people who use Android (of all ages) and many kids in middle and high school carry cell phones. This would not only give fuel to the competition but also a solid reason for parents to develop a bad tast for Android. I'm not sure if people are aware of how Honeycomb is being handled but it's an indication that Google may not be as "open" as people think. I agree open is good but at some point it needs to be looked at and possible reeled in."

Children not old enough to be able to understand that fake is fake and be influenced by games like these probably shouldnt have a smart phone. At some point parents need to take responsibility for their own damn children and quit relying on big companies to produce nothing but products safe for children. Knives are also bad for children but I bet you still use them to cut your steak....

IIJBII says:

Yes knives can be dangerous that's why they should bet kept in a place kids can't get them. I'm not trying to make outlandish statements using other examples here. That type of banter is something that is endless. I don't rely on big companies to produce nothing but things safe for children but to some degree it's very much in their interest. I don't think this can be argued. Some may find a way but reality is business make decisions to help them grow and make money. Think about it, if they did step in and remove an app like this would they look bad to the small group that wants everything open or would they look good to the others? I doubt people will dump Android if they use some discretion and regulate things to a degree. Also, you're not looking at it from a business prospective. This type of hype/press doesn't make Android look good. Like it or not it's the same reason Jobs made the comment about Android and porn. Regardless of your take on Apple and their products/company there's no arguing they are doing something right. Their financials prove it which can't be argued.

col_krismiss says:

That is a very valid point and I stand corrected in my comparison. Now from a business standpoint there is already a company that regulates their apps. That is Apple and it is their competitor. Sure I can see that them folding and kicking certain apps that they feel are inappropriate could be better for their image, but then where does it stop? If they listened to everyone's beck and cry and banned all apps that offended people, you will soon end up with an Iphone. I can almost promise you can get just as many people to complain about porn and other risky types of app as you can about this kind. Google did set a standard at which they want things, and as long as apps fall within that regulation, it should be allowed. What point is a regulation if you change it? Its supposed to remain the constant.

foxpacific says:

Yeah it leaves me wondering how Jobs talked so much about no porn on the iPhone yet... www.xshare.com and www.extremetube.com both get you porn on the iPhone, and with their bookmarking feature I can even get an icon for it too.... Therefore his porn statement was an untruth just thrown out to give Apple Fanatics something to repeat over and over in comment sections and on forums arguments that hold no weight whatsoever. Similar to his statements about Android tablets not having apps, when, in fact Android apps, unlike iOS apps, don't look like cr@p when run on tablets. They may not use the tablet form factor to the best of their ability but they still run more than fine.

Apple is at an all time high right now, but just as it happened in the past, their 'we are the world' routine will bite them in the @ss again...

IIJBII says:

I hear what you are saying, but I think the perception from the masses viewed this as a positive for Apple. They know their market better then anyone, and regardless (if you like them or not) they are a solid business.

Regarding your last statement - All business markets are cyclical, so the same can be said for Android. I'm not one who feels he needs to pick an operating system because of personal beliefs. I'm one who thinks regardless of what you personally believe Apple is a solid company. They changed the game with the iPhone. No way to argue this. Its a fact. I also like Android. I don't feel I need to take sides on the OS debate. I wonder how many people who have iPhones or Apple products even know or care about apps that aren't approved or pulled. We can also look at if from the other side; how many people actually are glad they do this? We can't forget there is a population of these people as well.

Again; open isn't as open as everyone would like to think. I don't think this is something that can really be debated.

foxpacific says:

You still don't address the fact that perception from the masses was based on a lie. They are a solid business, most profitable in the world maybe, and filtering out the apps that appear in the store is one of the few things that actually hurts them. They could/would have much wider adoption, otherwise. However, Apple does know their market better than anyone and has marked up all their hardware so much that they don't need wide adoption to be successful. But, hey, it's a strategy that works for them and kudos for playing to win.

I highly doubt there are many that would pick an OS based on personal beliefs. I do, however, believe there are more people that will pick an OS/platform based on the restrictiveness that AFFECTS THEM... How many iPhone owners care about apps that aren't approved or pulled? They litter the comment sections, most now have Android phones. In fact there is an entire community built around getting away from Apple's ridiculous restrictive rules... or have you not heard of people jailbreaking their iPhones? Why do you think they do it? To install apps that Apple won't allow in their app store!!! That community is so large it is now organizing it's first conference!!!!
http://goo.gl/e7H3y

I've come across far less people happy about it than pissed about it... by far, matter of fact, I have NEVER come across somebody happy about it!!!

foxpacific says:

Think about it, if they left the app in the market place, would they look bad to the even smaller group of people that think the app should be pulled? I doubt people will dump Android if they just left the app in the Market.

All the yapping and still no answer to the question of.... HOW IS THIS WORSE THAN GRAND THEFT AUTO?????

Who found it in their best interest to market and sell the game to the tune of OVER $500 MILLION IN REVENUE... http://goo.gl/jhZLv

DrScience says:

Phil -

Nice double standard you got going on here.

You condemned this app but in October of 2010 you wrote an article about openness and how great it is. You can't have it both ways Phil.

In the same article Jerry talks about, and I quote, "stop supporting companies that do things you don't condone. Vote with your wallet".
Thanks Jerry, I am. Im no long going to purchase items from the store here. Great advice!

JeffDenver says:

Great comment...Phil you need to explain yourself.

dustycraine says:

Agreed. It's a bit strange for a media source to request censorship.

This article is also hypocritical as mentioned. Funny how people only support freedom of speech and freedom of expression when they agree with it.

echto says:

Is it available for the Wii?

benmarvin says:

That reminds me, I need to get back to developing my baby shaking app.

Also, some of you are taking the argument way to far, while sure the dog fighting app does upset some people, it's not illegal. If you want to ban this app, you have many others on the list ahead of it way back to the text game Dope Wars, after all, selling 100 kilos of cocaine is way more illegal than dog fighting. Save your breath and go do something useful, like sell your Android phone and donate all the money to the ASPCA.

benmarvin says:

Hey Phil, you forgot to label this article as opinion. It's bleeding out of every paragraph.

dustycraine says:

Dear Police Officers, people believe it's within their right to play games that portray your death (Grand Theft Auto) but want games portraying the death of a dog banned. I'm sorry. It appears the people have spoken. Animals > People.

What the hell? I despise this game's premise too but I won't be arguing to ban it. What kind of message are you sending? "Listen, I'm down with all these shooters killing human beings, but animals killing animals is too much." Oh wait, it's about torturing the animals? I'm pretty sure there are games where people are tortured (Kane & Lynch, right? or COD:MW2 with the sparking of the car batteries and then human screams). Where is your mock outrage there?

This is outrageous. You defend freedom of expression in the torture and murder of human beings but draw the line on animals. I mean, SOME animals. Killing dear, elk, etc. is okay, but killing dogs isn't. Think about this.

jaygo says:

Sorry, these arguments are inane. Let's kill fake people with rocket launchers and machine guns. WAIT, HOLD UP! DOGS? NOW WAY! Gimme a friggin' break, how utterly HYPOCRITICAL and ridonculous. Also, the game is protected under the 1st Amendment. Just don't play it. GAAAWD... re-TARded.

japclev says:

People are pansies.

Xanthious says:

Ok so if Google is going to allow trash like this how long before we get such "quality" titles as Gas The Jew or Lynch the Coon. Afterall, those would just be games too, right? How about a game where you coax grade school children into your "Rapemobile" with candy? Would that be just a game as well?

Sure Google promotes an open marketplace, however, when people like the scum at Kage Games can't be trusted to not make games like this then it's more than fair for Google to step in and take the necessary actions to see to it that this kind of garbage is removed.

dustycraine says:

So then you're okay with removing Angry Birds, Hunting Games or even outlawing games like Grand Theft Auto?

The difference, again, is that by your approximation that violence to animals is on par with violence against humans. And it's not true. A human life is worth infinitely more than an animal life.

Are a vegan? Are you alright with your life producing actual violence to animals but just don't want it in your entertainment or what?

foxpacific says:

I don't know how you relate dog fighting with raping kids... I think you have some personal/psychological issues of your own to go work out...

IIJBII says:

I think you are missing the point here. It's where is the line? This line exist whether people like it or not. Regardless of people saying Android is "Open" there is a line at some point.

I think using Angry Birds to make a point is a rather weak one. Dog Fighting is real and its a problem. How many real cases of people throwing birds at pigs have you seen? Not to mention in Angry Birds the opponents evaporate with no sign of blood, which is shown in the first screen of this app.

No one is saying there's aren't other apps that should potentially be looked at as well. The article was about this app so that's why people are commenting on them. Yes, I know about GTA, COD and all the others. This could be argued all day, but, the article was about this game.

foxpacific says:

The line is drawn by the willingness of the users to purchase or support the app. If there is no market for it, no one will continue to develop the app because it makes no sense to do so.

larrytxeast says:

Duplicate entry, please remove.

larrytxeast says:

I agree with what a few others say--hypocrisy is on full display here. I for one am sick & tired of dogs being given special treatment. It happens in the real world too in other ways--to wit, play a loud stereo or have your dog barking and driving your neighbor crazy. The former, the police will be all over you about real quick--the latter, they'll tell the victim "that's what dogs do, if you don't like it, sorry."

Tell me that's not hypocritical, just as it is to throw a hissy fit over a dog fighting game while games about killing cops, running over old ladies etc is just fine & dandy.

And yes--people like to do things in video games which they can't do in real life. Am I so sick for loving a game where I can blow up a person driving slow in the fast lane? That allows me to vent about that real-life frustration. But it's just VENTING, as long as it doesn't spill over into a real-life incident it's fine kept in that boundary. As sick as dog fighting is--and believe me, I do consider it sick--if a person "vents" in a game that way and doesn't let that spill over into a real-life incident, fine--I'd a whole lot rather a person "vent" that way in a game vs really committing a real-life act of that type.

And yes, most of all, I say this--and I don't care who it offends--violence against a human is INFINITELY worse than violence against an animal. This whole deal of putting animal violence in the same league as human violence is just ridiculous. To be blunt--if you think of animal violence as being on the same level of seriousness as human violence, frankly--you have a mental problem, and need psychiatric treatment just as much as people who practice REAL LIFE dog fighting need it.

LRH

mooboy says:

If you don't like this app, then don't download it. The last thing I want to see is making up bullshit subjective terms of service violations to get rid of this game. Thats a major reason I moved away from the iPhone. Let's not start that fascist stuff on the android market.

trenen says:

That "facist" operation of Apple must be why the App Store is loaded with so many awesome applications and one never has to worry about malware or spyware from applications. :)

foxpacific says:

"one never has to worry about malware or spyware".... HAHAHAHA...

Sure because Apple is there to protect you and would NEVER do something so stupid as to store your location information *IN PLAIN TEXT* on not only your phone BUT ON YOUR COMPUTER TOO... http://goo.gl/VZGot

Combine that with their products stellar performance at Pwn2Own and I can see why you have no worries at all...

trenen says:

Right...because Google doesn't know anything about you. That Apple thing? It's being looked into and is nothing worse than what Google collects and shares on the Internet.

foxpacific says:

Let me guess you're the guy that gets the speeding ticket goes to court and argues that the car next to you was going the same speed so you shouldn't get the ticket?

What Google does in NO WAY NEGATES what Apple does and vice versa. I publish my location with Latitude and I could care less who knows where I am.

The point is, don't interpret Apple's god complex as caring about the user and cloud you with a false sense of security.

BrownHornet72 says:

I've bred and owned pit bulls for years, and as much as I am against dog fighting, I'd be a real hypocrite to knock this game when we have dozens of war games and GTA, senseless - killing type games. What a warped sense of reality when killing virtual humans is accepted and allowed in the homes of millions where kids even partake - KIDS, but killing a dog is blasphemy??!! SMH

BoNg420 says:

Its funny that people value the lives of animals then their own or other humans these days.

Kegman says:

I'm pissed android central attempted to make my decision for me by not linking the link to dl it. Really? then dont post the article because I would have never heard about this bad game in the first place.

You ppl are retarded for being offended by a rpg. Reasons posted already. Heres a link to torture a fish this offensive to you? http://arcadevoid.com/play/torture-a-fish

foxpacific says:

I got this...

Link to the Android Market app:
http://goo.gl/6ZbQY

JeffDenver says:

Thanks. I downloaded it just on principle. I probably never would have cared about this app if people hadnt thrown such a hissy fit about it.

onixblack says:

I love how people are disgusted about a GAME that you train a dog to fight. However those same people play Call of Duty, HALO, and every other violent game in existence. I am in no way condoning dog fighting or the creation of this game, but when we can play games like UFC undisputed and train a fake human being to fight other humans until they are either unconscious or to the point that their arm is being ripped off its socket (Arm Bar) and the player have very little problem with it... what gives you the right to comment on a dog fighting game that is created for a certain demographic. What changes when you change the subject from a FAKE human to a FAKE dog. Now if this were real dogs than I would have a problem with it, however, its not. This person is in no way hurting another person or animal by creating this game, and it falls under their right create the game.

I know I'm going to get very negative ratings for this comment but lets not fool ourselves. This person had the right to make the game, and if you don't like it than don't download it. Don't just download it to give it a bad rating or a negative comment, just don't download it.

bacalao says:

Sorry for not reading the novel of comments, but really the author wants censorship? Don't like it, cowboy the f*ck up and dont download it! Simple right. I hate dog fighting and would bitch slap Micheal Vick if I saw him, but that's no reason to censor a video game. Hell, in that case take every violent or objectionable app/game away. Be consistent.

GQ50 says:

LMAO!! IT'S A VIDEO GAME PEOPLE!! If you like it don't download it..wow!

Isabellashr says:

I think dogs should be fighting cats and progress to larger and larger cats, and/or more cats at a time.

El Snirk says:

Dear people who can't have it that we have a free market on Android:

Go get yourself an iPhone.

menzoom says:

I am against training dogs to fight, but . . .

I've played the free beta version out of curiosity. During the "dogfight" there is no actual fight, just a bar indicating if your dog is winning or losing, so most of the violence is in the imagination of the user. The training sessions are mostly tedious. Offering more breed choices (like the chihuahua someone earlier mentioned or how funny would a shit-zu be?) and even a cat or two would change the perception of the game to one of comic satire of an unfortunately cruel real life practice.

I do find it disturbing that the choice of Avatars have only one white guy, this seems a little racist to me, only ethnic guys, thugs and one football player host dog fighting rings?

I'm pretty sure that flinging birds at pigs to kill them is illegal, stealing cars and beating hookers to death are also illegal, but we have made these two of the most popular games on the market. Furthermore, dealing drugs is also illegal but Dope Wars has been around as long as smart phones have, I've had a version on my phone since the nineties.

You could have used the same programming to create a game called "Dog Show" where we train, groom and feed the dogs for a show then compete them against other dogs to see which is best in show. . . but, who would care?

All of this publicity will only feed the monster and more people will try this game out, so I applaud the creators for a smart marketing move.

syphex says:

This developer has all the right in the world to create this game. Just like you have all the right to not download it and ignore it. This is what makes a free country people!

crazace says:

Its a FN game get over it! No different then Call of duty, GTA, Killzone, or any other game that you have to kill PEOPLE or aliens!! A GAME!!!! No one is saying its ok to fight dogs just as no one is saying its ok to kill people!! Oh did I mention... I have a dog and I love him. He is a Welsh Corgi and would never fight him. Now If I had a VAMPIRE I just might let him/het fight in vampires live or if I had a zombie I would kill him/her. You haters make me sick! Its a god damn GAME!!!

Rigelian says:

Wait a minute isn't labeling some as spam a request for censorship? I mean just because you don't find the social commentary interest or useful doesnt mean that someone else doesn't find it useful. Why would you want people to see such commentary?

JeffDenver says:

The rating section isnt the place for social commentary though...thats his point. Its purpose is not to provide you a platform to complain about dogfighting.

Thats why it is spam...because it doesnt belong there. Rating the game as 1 star is not going to motivate google to remove it anyway, nor is it likely to convince the author he's wrong. So it is kinda pointless anyway.

t0ked says:

Wow. People need to calm down. It's a game. I play CoD. It doesn't mean I'm going to go out and join the military. I played Grand Theft Auto. It doesn't mean I'm going to go steal a car. Is the game in poor taste, yes. Should it be banned from the market place? Hell no. If it wasn't for this article, I would have never known the game even existed.

Ever hear of "bad publicity is better than no publicity"? Stop downloading and visiting the web pages. If you disagree with the product, vote with your wallet and stop giving the company what they are after, notoriety and publicity. Don't you guys know how this country works?

Where was the outcry when all the shooting games and those depict war and human atrocities were released? I'll be the first one to speak out against animal cruelty, but priorities people...

t0ked says:

I've read the majority of comments to this article and I'm happy to see that the majority of AC readers seem to have a brain. Free market place, that's why I have an Android. If you don't like it, don't buy/download it. To the others who seem to be screaming less government involvement but support removing or censoring this app.... Have you listened to yourself? Wake up.

Knoxx216 says:

I'm sure no dogs were harmed in the making of this app. Stop crying.

maddonna says:

Any real man would have better things to do than sit around playing this lame game - he'd probably be out mowing the GD lawn, fixing some kind of car issue, making time with is honey, doing something more mature and constructive than GAME PLAYING some animal torture - wowie, I feel so COOL! GEBZUZ GROW THE *&^% UP GUYS! A real man is not a GUY, either. SHEESH...it's so lame! Do you even SEE what you look like? It's a tad autoerotic to sit around with your DOODs PLAYING RPG games...STOOPID.

nheltman says:

I think all of the games that involve violence and killing people or animals should go away and I think we should start with the Dog Fighting App. Why don't we all go outside and have some nice fun instead of perpetuating the violence that is endemic to our culture.

JeffDenver says:

Hmm...now where did I put that "slippery slope". I know it is around here somewhere...

"I think all of the games that involve violence and killing people or animals should go away and I think we should start with the Dog Fighting App."

Oh, there it is.

Today its the dogfighting app. Tomorrow it is Quake or Wolf 3D or whatever their phone app equivalents are. Where does it stop?

rinnr1 says:

I get what the developer is saying it's a RPG.. Killing hookers in Grand Theft Auto is fine but this is over the line.. Don't get me wrong this APP disgusts me as a dog owner, people who condone and are apart of dog fighting rings are the lowest of the low and deserve harsh and swift justice IMHO..

But I think people arguing in this are missing the point.. Hunting a Deer is "hunting" dog fighting is "Fighting" where people beat and abuse and starve these dogs to create a persona that will make them money. Hunting a wild animal is completely different it's going up against an animal in it's natural habitat if you want to compare dog fighting to something else compare it to Bull Fighting. Where they beat starve and wound the animal before the matador ever meets him.

The people who developed this app want this.. The more people who download and give it a bad rating feed their ego and give them more notoriety.. Best thing you can do is if you don't like ignore it and let it slip into obscurity.

Side note: Apples approving apps in their market has it's perks and it's downfalls. Google I think should screen apps going into their market for malicious content and possible viruses but not go as far as Apple approving based on their own opinions..

david r#ac says:

"Get over it". "Get a life". "Don't download it if you don't like it". All stupid cluck replies expected of irresponsible idiots who haven't a clue to what they are talking about because they think it is geared toward them. Look, you selfish, self-centered, self- involved, me-oriented junkies - guess what? It has nothing to do with that fact that YOU might understand that it's just a game and YOU would not make it part of your reality, but there are so many stupid, ignorant people out there in this world who would take this and believe that it makes it okay and acceptable. And it's NOT. We all know that dog fighting is for less-than-men with small penises that are too afraid to fight with a real man because they know they are nothing but cowardly nothings on this earth, but not everyone is that smart. There is a great many people who are are dumb, uneducated sheep and will take something like this as an approval of such behavior. So when you can speak for all people, therefore take responsibility for all people’s actions, then maybe I would take your asinine remarks seriously.

With the release of this game, about 1,000 more live pit bulls will be beaten, body-slammed, dunked in water and electrocuted, forced to walk on treadmills all day long, hung by their necks, drowned, thrown away as garbage and euthanized and 1,000 more dogs stolen from families from Poodles to Scotties to Shepherds to Pugs to Chihuahuas will be mauled and torn apart as bait dogs.

So take some responsibility instead of your flippant, idiotic comments of "It's Just a Game!" or go bury your face in a game where it belongs and shut your worthless pie hole.

El Snirk says:

Do you act as responsible when it comes to games where humans get killed?

JeffDenver says:

LOL, owned.

Three pages and I have not seen a single response to that argument. Apparently beating a hooker to death with a tire iron is a lot less offensive than dogfighting.

TheMan876 says:

Phil is the ultimate Troll!

dougeetx says:

Dang people! Get over it. I don't see anything wrong with the game or in real life. LONG LIVE MICHAEL VIC!!!!

bigmama73#ac says:

SEE IT'S IGNORANT PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAKES THIS APP A BAD IDEA! YOU SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH FIGHTING DOGS IN A VIDEO OR REAL LIFE? HOW ABOUT I TAKE YOU AWAY FROM EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER LOVED PUMP YOU WITH STEROIDS, ILLEGAL DRUGS AND STARVE YOU? THEN MAKE YOU FIGHT TO THE DEATH AND IF YOU DON'T DO MY BIDDING I'LL BEAT YOU, SHOCK YOU WITH A SHOCK COLLAR OR CATTLE PROD, IF THAT DON'T WORK I'LL PULL ALL YOUR TEETH OUT AND BREAK YOUR ARMS AND LEGS TO USE YOU FOR BAIT WHILE SOME OVER BOUND MUSCLE MAN BEATS YOU TO A BLOODY PULP. YOU SICK, SADISTIC PRICK HOW COULD YOU SAY IT IS OK YOU ARE WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD.

LET'S JUST SAY IF ANYONE EVER TRIED TO STEAL MY PIT BULL AND FIGHT IT THEY WILL WISH THEY HADN'T! I HOPE YOU FIND THE TIME FOR SOME COUNSELING AND GET YOUR HEAD STRAIGHT.

BY THE WAY JUST SO THERE IS NO CONFUSION THIS IS TO YOU DOUGEETX.

used#ac says:

I usually am not for banning apps from the android market but this goes too far.

Where does the buck stop on developing apps for things that are clearly wrong in this world? Should we allow someone to develop a concentration camp app? The goal being to hold Jewish people against their wills, sadistically torture and experimenting on them, and murder them?

How about an app for the slave trade? Capture natives from Africa and then put them to work on plantations in America?

Or here is another great one. Let's create and app to become a serial rapist. Fill in your own idea for the game.

How about a sex trade app?

Get my point? There has to be a line drawn in the sand for this kind of stuff.

I've owned dogs all my life. I've played COD and GTA. I don't recall torturing an individual (kenneling them), pumping them full of steroids, and training them to kill other people? Then if they don't perform sticking a cattle prod up their ass, hanging them, or drowning them. Or how about stealing other people's dogs to use as bait dogs. Maybe purchase a free puppy to be brutally slaughtered by a fighting dog.

The people at XDA-developers have shown tact and banned this developer from the forums. Google should have tact and ban this from the market. Google is a private company and can ban apps. They have and are banning apps everyday.

This is my opinion.

An avid android user.

JeffDenver says:

So beating a hooker to death in GTA is ok, but this game goes too far? Are you for real?

r-nice says:

Some of the things you people get fired up over. All this is just drawing more attention to the game.

Thumper213#AC says:

Where was all this uproar when Mafia Wars was released?

I'll wait.

protaganis says:

Look, I'm all for free speech and allowing people to freely create their "works of art". But I'm also a realist.
If you have a problem with a company's creations,use the one vote you have that truly matters, VOTE WITH YOUR MONEY! Don't buy the product, don't get the trial. Force them to change their marketing strategy and products to something socially acceptable, or die on the vine. It's a win-win strategy and has been proven over time to work.

trenen says:

That's not how liberals think. Their concept of free speech and freedom of expression is allowing their opinions and expression, but block and censor everything and anyone that doesn't agree with them. They don't believe in voting with the wallet, they believe in voting with censorship and force, as made obvious by many comments on here.

mayzie#ac says:

As a dog and animal lover I am absolutely disgusted with this app, what moron thought this was a good idea, showing dog fighting, it just puts ideas in sadistic peoples minds and the dogs suffer for it.
Dogs are loyal companions and should be treated that way, to hurt them or even think of doing it makes me sick, KAGE you ought to be ashamed of yourselves for even thinking this was a good idea, doesn't bode well for your company. I for one will boycott any company involved in this, I cannot beleive this is still up and running, and no, this is not just a GAME!

nerdygirlinri says:

Boycott Kage Games and their resellers.

i love dog wars says:

Your illiterate if you relate this to the real world...get off your high horse and enjoy this amazing game....please email me the game since I deleted it on accident...for everyone else...ill imagine its you im taking out in gang wars or Nadia wars

bigmama73#ac says:

I AM VERY UNFAMILIAR WITH ANY OF THESE VIOLENT GAMES AND I HAVE TEENAGERS THAT WOULD NEVER THINK ABOUT PLAYING ANY OF THEM. NOT BECAUSE I TELL THEM ITS NOT OK BUT BECAUSE I HAVE INSTILLED GOOD MORAL VALUES INTO EACH OF THEM.

I AM A PIT BULL OWNER AND HAVE SAVED SEVERAL FROM SOME BAD SITUATIONS. I KNOW HOW LOYAL AND KIND THESE DOGS CAN BE IF GIVEN THE CHANCE WITH THE RIGHT OWNER. AS FOR A DOGS LIFE BEING MORE IMPORTANT THAN A HUMANS NOT EVEN, BUT THAT IS A 2 WAY STREET.

HUNTING IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM FIGHTING AN ANIMAL. MANY PEOPLE DEPEND ON NATURE FOR THEIR FOOD AT LEAST PART OF THE TIME. EVERYONE GOES THROUGH A ROUGH TIME IN THEIR LIVES AND HAS TO EAT MEAT THAT WAS HUNTED. IF YOU SAY YOU NEVER HAVE JUST ASK YOUR PARENTS I PROMISE THERE WAS A TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE EATING A BEEF STEAK AND IT WAS VENISON. BY THE WAY AN HONEST QUESTION FOR YOU. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IN RAISING COWS, PIGS, ETC. AND WATCHING THEM GO TO SLAUGHTER JUST TO BE PUT BACK ON YOUR DINNER PLATE, AND GOING IN THE WOODS TO FIND A DEER THAT HAS HAD A LONG HAPPY LIFE OF FREEDOM TO PUT A SINGLE SHOT IN ITS HEAD AND THEN PUTTING IT ON YOUR DINNER PLATE? AT LEAST THE DEER NEVER SUFFERED!

AS FOR ABORTION NOT COOL NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. EVEN THOUGH ITS A FETUS ITS STILL A LIFE AND IF YOU DON'T WANT IT ADOPT IT OUT. I AM A MOTHER OF 4 BY THE WAY. ALL ACTIONS HAVE EQUAL CONSEQUENCES, IF YOU LAY AND PLAY TAKE CARE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. EVEN IF THAT MEANS GIVING IT UP FOR ADOPTION. FOR THE ONES THAT ARE RAPED AND CONCEIVE A BABY THAT'S DIFFERENT IT WASN'T A CHOICE THAT IS THE ONLY REASON FOR ABORTION.

AS FOR THE PERSON WHO SAID CHILDREN ARE NOT EVIL.... IS IT EVIL FOR A GROUP OF THREE GIRLS, AGES 13 AND 14, TO KILL A RETIRED TEACHER BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT SHE HAD MONEY ON HER PERSON? WELL IT IS A REALITY I KNOW THE GIRLS. HOW ABOUT THE 13 YR OLD THAT KILLS HER PARENTS BECAUSE THEY WOULDN'T LET HER GO TO THE MALL? SOUNDS EVIL TO ME.

AS FOR THE DEATH PENALTY I'M SWAYED, I WAS ALWAYS TAUGHT AN EYE FOR AN EYE, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT ALWAYS GUILTY OF THE CRIME THEY ARE CONVICTED OF. IF THERE WAS A FOOL PROOF WAY TO PROVE THEY COMMITTED THE CRIME THEN I SAY HANG THE MURDERER, UNTIL THEN LET THEM ROT IN PRISON.

AS FOR WAR SOMETIMES IT'S A NECESSITY TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY AND INNOCENT PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. SHOULD IT BE GLORIFIED THROUGH A VIDEO GAME? I SAY NO.

NOW FOR THE SUBJECT OF THIS CONTROVERSY, THE APP CALLED DOG WARS. I THINK IT AND ALL OTHER VIOLENT GAMES SHOULD BE BANNED. THAT'S JUST MY OPINION AND YOU MAY NOT LIKE IT, BUT AT LEAST I AM CONSISTENT IN ALL OF MY VIEWS.

frazel2 says:

You should be disgusted in promoting Dog Fighting. Anyone involved in promoting or using dogs to fight should be charged to the fullest. Your company should be ashamed to have these dog fighing games APPS SICK SICK SICK One question did you hire Michael Vick?