www.thefactfactory.com - spreading the unbelievable at the feet of your eyes

Many critics of SimIndia fear that the inclusion of human beings within a computer game is the first disturbing step in the creation of a new underclass of 'cyberdolls'. An underclass that will act as human playthings for wealthy Western gamers.

Many of the poorest third world nations with inhabitants eager for income seem willing to welcome this 'exploitainment' and to turn a blind eye to the moral ambiguity.

Akshar Pranav, deputy Mayor of Chetta, is adamant that his villages annual contract with Maboroshi will bring new levels of prosperity to the region:

"For too long, we in Chetta have been living in the dark ages. We know little of the games which are played in the West. We see this as an adventure, and a challenge to be met. Critics may have harsh words to say to us, but we have benefits that we had never before even dreamed of. I myself have been able to purchase a ski lift, two disused railway stations and the entire works of Mario Lanza on vinyl recording."

Critics also fear for the more traditional aspects of life in Chetta, citing the introduction of two fast food restaraunts, a pole dancing club and several bars selling alcohol as the start of a 'westernising' trend that could spell the end of indigenous Indian culture in Chetta.

Maboroshi executives based in India are keen to highlight the wealth creation and economic aspects of their business, whilst critics accuse them of glossing over the less acceptable facets of the venture:

"The people of Chetta are taking part in a ground breaking excercise, one that could have far reaching potential for more third world nations seeking greater wealth creation possibilities."

"Once initial problems have been ironed out, and the villagers are happy with the situation we can start to implement the ground rules and look at the legal ramifications as the scenario progresses."

"Of course, making people eat 5 kilos of damson jam whilst disco dancing, forcing them to have sexual relations with slippers, making people pretend to be gay astronauts or having people hit their own toes repeatedly with a toffee hammer may not be deemed acceptable in the west. But these are forward looking people who see change as an opportunity and a challenge. You can be sure if anything untoward happens the simulation will be stopped."

Protest groups are fearful the game will allow Westerners to adopt third world inhabitants as their 'playthings', but locals such as Pradeet Gurnah look forward to the boost in income and opportunity.

He has been part of the beta testing of the game and explains what the experience involved:

"I was firstly off quite unpopular, but then a gamer ordered me to sing 'Fly me to the Moon', whilst masturbating onto a crab and i became somewhat of a star. I love this game and all it has brought me and my family.”