MadWorld is an upcoming action video game for the Wii console developed by PlatinumGames and published by Sega. Though heavily stylized with stark black and white backgrounds reminiscent of Frank Miller's "Sin City", the vibrant splatters of blood and extreme violence are a cause for concern overseas.

In a recent report by MTV's Multiplayer, Sega isn't sure whether they will release MadWorld in Japan. According to a representative at the past Nintendo summit in San Francisco, "any Japanese release would be "evaluated" only after the game is released in the U.S. next March." Also, PlatinumGames is unsure of whether or not the game will ultimately be released in Japan, stating, "in certain markets there are a lot of limitations on the amount of violence you can show, so we definitely have the Western market much more in mind."

Sega also says that other countries sensitive to violence in video games and other forms of media will not see a release until after they first make sure the title is a success in the west. John Beyer, director of mediawatch-uk, has expressed his outrage over the content of the game. He's been quoted as saying:

"I hope the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) will view this with concern and decide it should not be granted a classification. Without that it cannot be marketed in Britain. What the rest of world does is up to them. We need to ensure that modern and civilized values take priority rather than killing and maiming people."

Nintendo representatives have supported the game, reiterating that the Wii is a system for everyone, including adults. However, erring on the side of caution, Sega and Platinum Games are taking extra steps for the ESRB, in order to ensure that they're making the game as violent as they envision while staying within the realm of an M rating. MadWorld puts a comedic spin on violence that is essentially less realistic than many other violent video games already out on the market.

MadWorld is set to release in the first quarter of 2009.