The popular video game Diablo IV was recently released and immediately attracted attention. Not only the game itself, but also its advertising – mainly due to a huge poster displayed in Melbourne, which a parent objected to. The person complained because the poster, which shows the demonic figure of the main antagonist, Lilith, caused his child nightmares.

The release date of the game, June 6, has religious implications in itself, since 666 is the number of Satan. And this association is only strengthened in relation to the game’s hellish personalities and themes, which some consider satanic. The poster with its advertising message – “Welcome to Hell, Melbourne!” – caused indignation and upset the mood with the strange image of Lilith.

A concerned parent justified this by saying that the poster is offensive to Christians and Catholics, and terrifying and upsetting to children. The picture is full of satanic symbols and does not tolerate the glorification of evil from children. In addition, according to the parent, the sign – which Melbourne residents can see every day – evokes depressing memories of the restrictions introduced during the COVID pandemic.

lol someone complained to Ad Standards that the Diablo reminded them of lockdown?? pic.twitter.com/osqdpLYcms

— Josh Taylor (@joshgnosis) July 4, 2023

However, Ad Standards, Australia’s advertising regulator, rejected the complaint, ruling that the poster did not contain violence, gore or content inappropriate for minors. Also, “Welcome to Hell, Melbourne!” subtitle does not imply that Melbourne is Hell, and the purpose of the Diablo IV game is not to promote Satanism, but to help players defeat evil.