A British tabloid has waded into an online game where players help a depressed man through his day by giving him fixes of caffeine, alcohol and pills.

What has The Sun hacks miffed is that if Billy Suicide's mental health levels fall below a certain mark, he commits suicide either by hanging or shooting himself in the head. The Sun called up the counseling group, the Samaritans, who also attacked the game, saying it could encourage people to take their lives.

A Samaritan spokesman said that certain types of suicide portrayal can act as a catalyst to influence the behavior of people who are already vulnerable, particularly young people. Paul Kelly, of anti-suicide charity, Papyrus, said: “This game is completely irresponsible. The people who made it should realize the damage that it can cause.”

The Sun had no comment from the online makers of the game, but pointed out that the row came days after mum-of-one Lisa Dalton, 25, became the 24th suicide victim in the Welsh town of Bridgend.  Of course, the row also came some years after the Roman commander, Marc Antony, committed suicide after losing a battle against Octavian Caesar; but for some reason The Sun failed to mention that.

More here.