A rogue computer programmer was dismissed last week after secretly coding thousands of copies of a store-bound computer game to create animated images of men kissing each other, the game's manufacturer said.
The programmer, 33-year-old Jacques Servin, was dismissed by the manufacturer, Maxis Inc., after it was discovered that he had encrypted SimCopter, a new helicopter simulation game for I.B.M.-compatible computers, with a command to generate images of men in swimsuits kissing each other at certain points in the game. More than 78,000 copies of SimCopter had been sent to stores before the code was found in November by other Maxis programmers.
The company said Mr. Servin had been dismissed for ''insertion of unauthorized material'' in the game and not because of the content.
''The insertion of unexpected 'fun' scenes in computer programs is popular amongst code writers,'' the company said in a statement. ''However, Maxis has always prided itself on creating engaging software the whole family can enjoy.''
Game players earn points by flying a helicopter on rescue missions. After completing the 10th, most difficult, mission, they are supposed to be greeted by a crowd, fireworks and a brass band. In the altered version, ''the brass band has been replaced,'' said Patrick Buechner, a company spokesman.