Outspoken 'anti-gaming' lawyer Jack Thompson is claiming victory this week as the largest American retailer Wal-Mart stopped taking pre-orders for the controversial Rockstar-developed 'Bully', which Thompson described as a 'Columbine Simulator', demanding to see a copy of the game. According to Thompson, Wal-Mart pulled pre-orders of the game as soon as his came to light, the lawyer demanding to see a copy of the game that has already proved controversial among parents groups and politicians.

Whilst Wal-Mart had been taking pre-orders of the title since August, the firm has indeed now stopped, though would not be drawn to confirm whether this was as a direct result of Thompson's lawsuit. Thompson is apparently considering attempts to get the title banned in Florida, but first wanted to see a pre-release copy of the game to assess its content - a request so far denied by publisher Rockstar. Thusly, Thompson has been attempting to prise a copy from the firm via the courts, in order to fuel his attempts to halt the game's sale under public nuisance laws.

The game apparently focuses on the activities of a school boy prankster, and his attempts to get one over on the bullies at his school, but has drawn criticism for its subject matter and the suggestion that between children is depicted. Other retailers continue to take pre-orders at present, though Thompson has also sent letters to bosses at other firms, advising them to halt of the 'Columbine Simulator', as the game could currently be pre-ordered by minors, then later rated as adults-only. More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge