Of all the stories you’re likely to read this week that contain the words “Pokemon Go” in the headline, this might well just be the strangest.
The Smiths frontman and (extremely) outspoken animal rights activist Morrissey has teamed up with Peta and indie developer, This Is Pop, to create an eight-bit video game accompaniment to his legendary band’s 1985 record and closing track of the same name, ‘Meat Is Murder’.
It will come as no surprise that the gory message of ‘The Beautiful Creature Must Die’ is aimed squarely at those who choose to live carnivorously, as players are tasked with saving various farm animals – including chickens, cows and pigs – from slaughter machinery and (for some reason that we’re not 100% clear on) bombs. Fail to do so, and the words “death for no reason” pop up on screen. It’s very, well, Morrissey.
When speaking about the game, the 57-year-old vegan singer couldn’t resist a dig at another (sort of) animal-related gaming phenomenon.
“This game is the biggest social crusade of all, as we safeguard the weak and helpless from violent human aggression. You don’t get that from Pokémon Go,” he said.
That’s true. The most serious moral question Pokemon Go is going to ask of you is whether or not you can justify nipping away from your desk for 10 minutes to catch an Abra.
Play Morrissey’s game below.
