CTW Faces Advertising Standards Authority Scrutiny Over Anime Game Ads
Anime game platform operator CTW has been reported to the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for allegedly violating advertising regulations. The complaints stemmed from three paid YouTube adverts for the game High School D×D Operation Paradise Infinity on the G123 platform.
Content Warning: This article contains advertisements featuring partial nudity, which may not be suitable for all readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Details of the Complaints
Three complaints were submitted based on the belief that the adverts depicted characters resembling individuals under 18 in a sexual and inappropriate manner. CTW operates G123, a prominent online gaming platform where users can access High School D×D Operation Paradise Infinity.
CTW’s Response
Following the ASA’s inquiry, CTW promptly removed the ads and acknowledged their inconsistency with UK advertising standards. They stated that changes would be made to their approval processes and emphasized their commitment to adhering to the CAP Code in future campaigns.
The ads were intended to reflect the playful tone of the High School DxD anime, using humorous expressions akin to the anime’s style. However, CTW recognized that the UK audience may interpret these themes differently and committed to avoiding such expressions in future advertisements.
Ad Content and ASA’s Findings
The ASA outlined their concerns regarding the adverts, highlighting the following descriptions:
- Ad 1: Featured two anime girls with large eyes and open mouths, looking alluringly at the viewer, with text stating «Official High School… titillating browser game. Don’t look away!»
- Ad 2: Included three anime girls, with phrases like «boobtastic game,» and «Get your hands full!»
- Ad 3: Displayed an anime girl with her breast partially visible, accompanied by text like «A New Boobtastic Game is Here.»
The ASA concluded that these adverts sexualized characters appearing to be under 18 and included offensive gender stereotypes. As a result, CTW was found in violation of several CAP Code regulations concerning social responsibility and the portrayal of underage characters.
Implications for CTW
The ASA has warned CTW to ensure that future advertisements are socially responsible, do not cause offense, and avoid harmful gender stereotypes. CTW must also refrain from depicting individuals who appear under 18 in sexual contexts.
Background on CTW
Recently, CTW completed its IPO, raising $12 million for global expansion initiatives. Operating G123, CTW’s goal is to help game developers generate revenue from Japanese anime IP for a global audience.
G123 Game Titles
- So I’m a Spider, So What? Ruler of the Labyrinth
- Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest – Rebellion Soul
- Queen’s Blade Limit Break
- TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy-: Peace Chronicles
- Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Another Tale
- I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level: Witchcraft
- Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time – Defender of Virtue 2