Sony has created anger and front-page headlines by using a dead goat at the God of War II launch event.

goat - PlayStation 2 in dead goat scandal

The partly decapitated animal carcass was the centrepiece of a display at the party, and apparently contained 'offal' in its open stomach, made to represent intestines, which was fed to guests in a competition to see who could eat the most.

The rather gory pictures of the party were placed in Official PlayStation Magazine, until the Mail on Sunday, who yesterday ran a bold front-page news story on the incident, contacted the magazine to complain, resulting in a promise to recall the entire print run.

Animal rights organisations and government ministers have spoken out against Sony, though the apparent flak the company is facing for irresponsible marketing to youngsters seems rather unjustified as God of War II has an 18 rating.

Many have been quick to defend Sony, pointing out that dead animals make the meal tables of almost every party and launch event there is.

For more on God of War II check out Pro-G's comprehensive review.