'Racist' Video Game 'Dirty Chinese Restaurant' Full Of Stereotypes, Congresswoman Says

Update: Thursday, September 28 at 9:45 a.m. EDT: This story was updated to include a statement from Big-O-Tree Games’ press contact George Lambropoulos.

“It has come to our attention that our small, independent game, Dirty Chinese Restaurant, has upset some people due to its content. Our game is mainly satire and comedy influenced by the classic politically incorrect shows we grew up watching, such as: South Park, All in the Family, Sanford & Son, Family Guy, Simpsons, and Chappelle’s Show. We also listen to Jay-Z. Our game in no way is meant to be an accurate representation of Chinese culture.”

Original Story:

New York City Congresswoman Grace Meng has asked Google, Apple, Android and other platforms not to carry an online game called “Dirty Chinese Restaurant.” In a series of Monday tweets, Meng expressed how offensive she finds the game.

“I urge @Google, @Apple, @Android and any other platform to not carry @bigotreegames “Dirty Chinese Restaurant. This game uses every negative & demeaning stereotype that I have ever come across as a Chinese American. How we portray people matters. Racism against Asian Americans is just as harmful as racism against any other group, and we must call it out when we see it.”

“Dirty Chinese Restaurant,” marketed by Big-O-Tree Games, has players take on the role of “Wong Fu,” who just inherited his brother Wang Fu’s business. The main character of the game is shown chasing after cats and dogs with a knife, presumably to cook them and serve later. Other features include visits from the immigration office and tax evasion officials.

Big-O-Tree Games shared trailers for the game on their Twitter account since October 2016. The trailer shows patrons at a Chinese restaurant with players able to take inventory of items such as meat and dairy. The game also has a “sweatshop” mode.

The company, whose motto is “Because being politically correct is so...boring,” is based out of Markham, Ontario. It describes the sole purpose of the company as being “to make the offbeat games we know you want to play, but you didn’t think anyone had the cojones to make.”

“Our first game, Dirty Chinese Restaurant is a shining example of our unorthodox modus operandi,” reads the company’s website. “Featuring an engaging narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics, you manage a restaurant that specializes in genuine Chinese cuisine! With a multitude of options at your disposal, your only limits are that of your own moral center.”

A representative for Big-O-Tree Games did not immediately return International Business Times’ request for comment.