Microsoft to remove twin towers from flight game
SEATTLE, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Software giant Microsoft Corp. (NasdaqNM:MSFT - news) said on Friday it would remove the World Trade Center from the New York landscape in its upcoming Flight Simulator game after the twin towers were destroyed this week.
``We did decide this morning, after some careful consideration, that we want to do the appropriate thing, the right thing, so we decided to remove the towers,'' company spokesman Matt Pilla said.
``Obviously everyone's hearts are in this here, too. We don't want to have any any imagery in there that would upset anyone,'' Pilla said.
Flight Simulator 2002, the latest version of one of Microsoft's most popular games, will let players fly a variety of airplanes -- including commercial jets like a Boeing 747 -- around areas like New York City, Las Vegas and Seattle.
Other video game makers have said they are evaluating some titles that contain violence in a New York setting or that play off themes of fright and paranoia. Movie studios are also reviewing upcoming films with World Trade Center footage.
The changes to Flight Simulator were not expected to delay the release of the title, scheduled to go on sale on Oct. 18, Pilla said.
Pilla was unsure what would replace the towers in the New York skyline.
