Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've been putting off watching Moral Kombat, Spencer Halpin's documentary on violence in video games, until you could view it with maximum possible convenience, here's your chance. The entire 85-minute film is now available to watch for free (albeit with commercial interruptions) on Hulu.

Continue reading Spencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu

JoystiqSpencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryjack-thompsonmoral-kombatspencer-halpinvideoviolenceTue, 10 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA says Rhode Island game bill is unconstitutional, Jack Thompson ... agrees?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/esa-says-rhode-island-game-bill-is-unconstitutional/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/esa-says-rhode-island-game-bill-is-unconstitutional/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/esa-says-rhode-island-game-bill-is-unconstitutional/#comments
[Joe King]
Rhode Island bill S.2156 (PDF) is silly ... (How silly is it?) ... It's so silly that even Jack Thompson recognizes it as unconstitutional. As GamePolitics reports, it's one thing when the Entertainment Software Associate (ESA) calls a bill "the same as all the other legislative proposals found unconstitutional by numerous federal courts." It's a whole other ballgame when Jack Thompson chimes in with, "The Bill won't survive a court challenge, nor should it ... Think I'm not going to help the legislature get it right?"

Of course he is! Yes, Thompson did tell GP that he will attempt to advise Rhode Island legislators on how to amend the bill to pass legal muster. Hopefully the disbarred attorney won't cause the representative he assists to write an apology letter to his fellow House members when it's all over.

JoystiqESA says Rhode Island game bill is unconstitutional, Jack Thompson ... agrees? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esajack-thompsonpoliticsrhode-islands.2156Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's full DICE speech, Jack Thompson says 'Gotcha!']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/activision-ceo-bobby-koticks-full-dice-speech-jack-thompson-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/activision-ceo-bobby-koticks-full-dice-speech-jack-thompson-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/activision-ceo-bobby-koticks-full-dice-speech-jack-thompson-sa/#comments
[Elisabeth Caren]
Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's speech at DICE was certainly a highlight of this year's convention. The polarizing figure took the stage and spoke his mind -- whether it was for better or worse was a topic of debate for the rest of the show. Some saw it as humanizing the demonized executive, who makes no apologies for running an efficient and profitable company (especially in this economy), while others couldn't believe that PR ever let him take the stage with what seemed like a fairly off-the-cuff speech.

Disbarred attorney Jack Thompson took the opportunity to send California State Senator Leland Yee (and the entire press) a letter declaring "Gotcha!" to a section of Kotick's speech. Using a piece he read on GamePolitics as a springboard, Thompson writes that Kotick's admission that the executive would still be really into video games if it didn't run the risk of interfering with his life and running a major publisher is an "admission [that] flies in the face of video game industry spokespersons' false, sometimes perjured assertions, that video games do not affect the behavior of minors. Here is a full-grown adult (at least in chronological terms) admitting just the opposite."

In context, though, Kotick's admission is more in line with many adults, who have responsibilities to balance along with enjoying video games. Kotick recognizes he has an addictive personality -- noting as much about enjoying food -- so he keeps his gaming in check. Watch the full Kotick speech, and read Jack Thompson's letter, after the break. Kotick mentioning why he doesn't play games at the level he did in his youth begins at the 11:30 mark.

Continue reading Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's full DICE speech, Jack Thompson says 'Gotcha!'

JoystiqActivision CEO Bobby Kotick's full DICE speech, Jack Thompson says 'Gotcha!' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardbobby-kotickdice-2010jack-thompsonjack-thompson-disbarredkotickThompsonHotelsSun, 21 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ECA wants you to tell Obama how cool video games are]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-eca-wants-you-to-tell-obama-how-cool-video-games-are/#comments
Video games are totally cool, right? The Entertainment Consumers Association thinks so, and wants you to let the US President know how you feel about video games and their effect on your life, via an email form on its website. Specifically, the folks at the ECA want you to "point out some ways that video games have empowered and educated you." Like that time you were empowered by GTA IV to rob someone, right? (That's a joke, Mr. Thompson.) The political lobbying group is of course responding to the continuing message from President Obama during speeches to "put the video games away."

While we're sure Mr. President would love to read all about how World of Warcraft taught you about time (mis)management or how Drop7 makes you see things in groups of seven or less everywhere you go (is that just us?), we're thinking the "intellectual stimulation" and "problem solving" routes might be a bit more advantageous.

[Thanks, Jack!]

JoystiqThe ECA wants you to tell Obama how cool video games are originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamadrop7ecaentertainment-consumers-associationgta-ivhalojack-thompsonworld-of-warcraftMon, 27 Jul 2009 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: And still, they want to take away our games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lgj-and-still-they-want-to-take-away-our-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lgj-and-still-they-want-to-take-away-our-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/lgj-and-still-they-want-to-take-away-our-games/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


As of late, it seems I've become sort of a policy spokesman for issues concerning the government intervening in the game industry, especially in the wake of my debate with Jack Thompson. However, the discussion over whether violent content can be policed under the First Amendment is getting tired, and the courts have universally declared "no" at this point. Rather than go down that road again, I want to discuss two new ways that the government could attack games; one of which came up in the debate itself.

The first is probably the more mundane of the two, and it's the seemingly frequent specter of imposing political correctness on games. In fact, this issue came up yet again this week as a discussion related to not just Resident Evil 5, but also Left 4 Dead 2 and Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. Of course, the claims here were racism and cultural insensitivity. The irony is that now that the games themselves are seemingly more inclusive of characters other than white males and large breasted women, the assumption is automatically that use of more diverse settings and characters must have malicious motives, rather than crediting the industry for finally being more inclusive.

Continue reading LGJ: And still, they want to take away our games

JoystiqLGJ: And still, they want to take away our games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnsfirst-amendmentgovernmentjack-thompsonlawlaw-of-the-gamelgjobesityThu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson vs. Mark Methenitis debate: The whole shebang]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/jack-thompson-vs-mark-methenitis-debate-the-whole-shebang/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/jack-thompson-vs-mark-methenitis-debate-the-whole-shebang/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/jack-thompson-vs-mark-methenitis-debate-the-whole-shebang/#comments
After dropping a clip from the surprisingly civil debate between ex-Florida attorney Jack Thompson and Joystiq LGJ author Mark Methenitis last week, the fine folks at Screw Attack nabbed the entirety for all to see. Okay, okay, we didn't watch the whole thing -- it's an hour long and we have to work! You think this Internet's going to write itself, people?

For those of you pressed for time like us, SA's got you covered too. They've cut down the whole thing into a more easily digestible 15-minute clip (found after the break). And yes, that is the clip that we watched. Sorry, Internet!

Continue reading Jack Thompson vs. Mark Methenitis debate: The whole shebang

JoystiqJack Thompson vs. Mark Methenitis debate: The whole shebang originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatejack-thompsonlegalmark-methenitisscrew-attackvideo-game-violenceThu, 16 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Penn and Teller: Bullshit! video game episode on YouTube]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/#comments
If you missed the recent video game-centered episode of Penn and Teller: Bullshit! it's a real shame. It was a really astute and occasionally even moving take on the whole situation. Plus, they make Jack Thompson look dumb, which, like falling off a log into a vat of Sierra Mist, is easy, but still totally refreshing.

Right now, you can actually catch the episode on YouTube, though you'll likely want to act fast -- we can't imagine it'll be up for too long.

JoystiqWatch Penn and Teller: Bullshit! video game episode on YouTube originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitjack-thompsonpenn-and-tellerpenn-and-teller-bullshitviolenceMon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Because history happens']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/thompson-vs-methenitis-because-history-happens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/thompson-vs-methenitis-because-history-happens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/thompson-vs-methenitis-because-history-happens/#comments
And now, a word from Jack Thompson: "Frankly, folks, I'm the pro-liberty, pro-personal choice person here because history happens." Eh, maybe not quite the rhetoric to spare him federal disbarment, but by many accounts, Thompson was actually articulate and well-spoken during last weekend's "Debate of the Century" at the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention. His opponent and Joystiq legal columnist, Mark Methenitis (pictured right), described the subdued, silver-haired crusader (not dude on left) as "largely misunderstood" in a post-debate interview on this week's Late Nite JengaJam [audio link].

Sporting a gentle grandpa look, Thompson certainly appears (see clip after the break) as an entirely different character than the "internet bogeyman" who has haunted, well ... his own career. While it's a pleasant surprise to see Thompson show up in human form, he's gonna have to do better than forewarn the coming of "the 9/11 event for this industry" (sensational much?) to do any convincing around these parts. Now, excuse us while we take a break to go commit horrific acts of depravity (virtually, of course), and then go back to our ordinary, good-natured lives.

[Image credit: 4Player]

Continue reading Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Because history happens'

JoystiqThompson vs. Methenitis: 'Because history happens' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatejack-thompsonmark-methenitisscg-2009screwattackscrewattack-gaming-conventionsgcFri, 10 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: 'Penn & Teller: Bullshit!' episode on video games airs this week, features Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/psa-penn-and-teller-bullshit-episode-on-video-games-airs-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/psa-penn-and-teller-bullshit-episode-on-video-games-airs-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/psa-penn-and-teller-bullshit-episode-on-video-games-airs-this/#comments
The time has come, folks. This is the week that Jack Thompson compares violent video games to polio on broadcast television! Are you ready? We've known this episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! was on the way since way back in February but had no idea of when it would air until just today (this Thursday at 10 PM EST -- set your DVR!). If you're looking for some lunacy before the show lands on Showtime later this week, hit the break for a preview featuring the "fire triangle" you see above. Seriously.

Continue reading PSA: 'Penn & Teller: Bullshit!' episode on video games airs this week, features Jack Thompson

JoystiqPSA: 'Penn & Teller: Bullshit!' episode on video games airs this week, features Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitjack-thompsonpenn-and-tellerpenn-and-teller-bullshitpsashowtimeWed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson faces federal disbarment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/jack-thompson-faces-federal-disbarment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/jack-thompson-faces-federal-disbarment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/jack-thompson-faces-federal-disbarment/#comments
Joystiq readers will likely recall that one John Bruce Thompson -- "Jack" to his friends -- was disbarred last year from practicing law in the state of Florida. However, it seems Thompson has maintained that he's still allowed to practice law within the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, which is a federal court.

Enter Judge Federico Moreno, who has issued an order to Thompson, asking him to explain why he should not also be barred from the District Court. The order asks that Thompson submit his defense, along with copies of all documents related to his previous disbarment, within 30 days (the order was issued on June 26).

Thompson, reports GamePolitics, is not pleased, and has since sent Moreno an email "request/demand," asking that the judge provide copies of all communications between Moreno and the Florida Bar concerning himself. Once again, it looks like Thompson's legal career is on shaky footing. Still, we doubt another disbarment will put a stop to Thompson's anti-gaming efforts. The first one certainly didn't.

JoystiqJack Thompson faces federal disbarment originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturejack-thompsonlegalWed, 08 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/#comments
You don't need another reason to watch Penn & Teller: Bullshit -- its regular skewering of nut jobs is more than enough to warrant your half hour -- but we've got one for you. Our buddy, Jack Thompson, will appear on the show's seventh season, as you can see in the promo after the break.

As you probably guessed, Thompson will be discussing the therapeutic powers of crystal manipulation and -- oh, sorry, wrong episode. No, he'll talk about how bad Grand Theft Auto is and we'll make fun of him for it. Because that's the way it works.

[Via Gay Gamer]

Continue reading Jack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller

JoystiqJack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitgrand-theft-autojack-thompsonpenn-and-tellerviolenceTue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epilogue: After Utah game bill dies, state rep apologizes for Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/epilogue-after-utah-game-bill-dies-state-rep-apologizes-for-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/epilogue-after-utah-game-bill-dies-state-rep-apologizes-for-ja/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/epilogue-after-utah-game-bill-dies-state-rep-apologizes-for-ja/#comments
Things haven't been going well for the Utah gaming bill that ex-attorney Jack Thompson penned and, for that matter, the gentleman himself. After sending out an email to a variety of Utah legislators a few weeks back, the man came under threat of legal action from Utah senate president Michael Waddoups. And today, GamePolitics is reporting that the bill's original sponsor, state representative Mike Morley, has written an email to his colleagues apologizing for Thompson's actions (printed in full after the break).

Morley writes to his fellow reps that, "[Thompson] doesn't speak for me nor do I condone or appreciate his actions nor some his tactics," seemingly ending his relationship with Thompson. Unsurprisingly, Thompson has responded to Morley's email (also found after the break), claiming, "Mike Morley's apology is ridiculous. I didn't scandalous [sic] anyone with an image of two clad women." He further posits, "Your family values stance is a sham," refererring to the legislators he wrote. We're not sure of many things in politics, but we are sure of this: You probably shouldn't directly insult the people you'd like to support you. While this is likely the last time you'll hear about this Utah bill, we're 100 percent sure this isn't the last time you'll hear from Jack Thompson.

[image source]

Continue reading Epilogue: After Utah game bill dies, state rep apologizes for Jack Thompson

JoystiqEpilogue: After Utah game bill dies, state rep apologizes for Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamepoliticsjack-thompsonmike-morleypoliticsutahutah-game-billWed, 22 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson takes his fight to Utah radio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/jack-thompson-takes-his-fight-to-utah-radio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/jack-thompson-takes-his-fight-to-utah-radio/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/jack-thompson-takes-his-fight-to-utah-radio/#comments
Fueled by the recent veto of his Utah game bill and the constant thirst for more, Jack Thompson made an appearance on Utah radio show "Utah Eagle Forum" recently to discuss the merits of the bill and, well, to be Jack Thompson. Claiming the Columbine school shooting occurred due to "training on Doom" and saying the recent school shooting in Germany occurred due to the shooter's predilection for Counterstrike and Far Cry 2, Thompson immediately built a case for the audience to be concerned "why this is so terribly serious, to their own safety."

As GamePolitics points out, at no point in the show does anyone make note of Thompson's lack of an actual license to practice law or of his disbarring. He is, in fact, introduced as "an attorney from Florida." An odd omission considering the theme of the show is "Truth in Advertising."

JoystiqJack Thompson takes his fight to Utah radio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columbinecounterstrikedoomfar-cry-2gamepoliticsjack-thompsonutahutah-game-billTue, 07 Apr 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Debate of the Century']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/thompson-vs-methenitis-debate-of-the-century/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/thompson-vs-methenitis-debate-of-the-century/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/03/thompson-vs-methenitis-debate-of-the-century/#comments Hear ye! Hear ye! Joystiq's own legal counsel, Mark "Minister of Mandate" Methenitis, has announced his 1-on-1 verbal brawl debut (that's a certified professional sport, you know) against -- none other than -- Jack "Attorney at Lawl" Thompson during the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention (pre-registration now open) at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport arena on a sure-to-be-historic July the Fourth, 2009. The topic: video game restrictions. So place your bets in the comments section below -- and be sure to check out the pre-fight hype reel posted after the break!

[Via Law of the Game]

Continue reading Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Debate of the Century'

JoystiqThompson vs. Methenitis: 'Debate of the Century' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatejack-thompsonmark-methenitisscg-2009screwattackscrewattack-gaming-conventionsgcFri, 03 Apr 2009 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Jack Thompson wants government to legalize gamer murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/#comments
You may think he's a stick in the mud, but Jack Thompson does have a sense of humor. Want proof? Hot on the news of a slaying that may be connected to GTA, JT wrote us to say: "This is a switch, as it is typically the chronic players of these murder simulators that kill people - lots of people. In light of this new and welcome development, Miami anti-violent video game activist today puts forth a modest proposal to curtail sales of the Grand Theft Auto video games: Anyone who shoots and kills a player of the Grand Theft Auto video games gets a) a full pardon and b) a $5000 federal income tax credit because of the killer's successful efforts to reduce pollution."

A hilarious call for mass murder in the wake of an actual tragedy and a classic literature reference? Be still our hearts.

JoystiqApril Fools: Jack Thompson wants government to legalize gamer murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-09grand-theft-autojack-thompsonviolenceWed, 01 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Utah Governor vetoes video game and movie legislation [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/utah-governor-vetoes-video-game-and-movie-legislation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/utah-governor-vetoes-video-game-and-movie-legislation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/utah-governor-vetoes-video-game-and-movie-legislation/#comments
It's game over in Utah, for now. Utah Governor Jon Huntsman (R) has vetoed the video game and movie retail restriction bill, which would have enforced strict penalties on retailers who sell M-rated games (and R-rated movies) to "buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation."

The legislation (HB 353), authored by Jack Thompson and legislator Mike Morle, recently swept the Utah House of Representatives by a 25 to four margin. According to GamePolitics, Jack Thompson claims the backers of the bill will seek an override of the veto.

In a letter explaining his reasons for the veto, Huntsman says HB 353 would likely "be struck down by the courts as an unconstitutional violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause and/or the First Amendment." Huntsman estimates that a possible "unintended consequence" of passing the legislation would be that the industries most affected could choose to forgo the use of "age appropriate labels on goods and services," because of their voluntary nature -- hurting families in the long run. Huntsman full letter can be read after the break.

Update: Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA has responded to the news in a comment, found after the break.

Continue reading Utah Governor vetoes video game and movie legislation [update]

JoystiqUtah Governor vetoes video game and movie legislation [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-amendmenthb-353jack-thompsonlawlegislationunconstitutionalutahvetoWed, 25 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Utah senate passes gaming retail restriction bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/utah-senate-passes-gaming-retail-restriction-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/utah-senate-passes-gaming-retail-restriction-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/utah-senate-passes-gaming-retail-restriction-bill/#comments
After breezing through the Utah House of Representatives with an overwhelming vote of 70 for and two against, HB 353, a piece of legislation authored by Jack Thompson and legislator Mike Morley which enforces strict penalties on retailers who sell M-rated games (and R-rated movies) to "buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation," found a similar reception in the state senate -- it was approved with a vote of 25 for and four against earlier today.

We now have three consecutive events to eagerly anticipate -- first, the bill must be approved by Utah governor Jon Huntsman before it's officially adopted. Second, the new policy will go into effect on January 1, 2010. Finally, we wait to hear how the ESA will spend the humongous legal fee reimbursement check that the taxpayers of Utah will indirectly cut when the bill is likely found unconstitutional. Perhaps some sort of tropical outing for their employees? We hear the beaches of Costa Rica are simply breathtaking.

JoystiqUtah senate passes gaming retail restriction bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esagame-lawhb-353jack-thompsonlawpoliticssenateutahThu, 12 Mar 2009 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson responds to ESRB letter on Utah legislation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/thompson-responds-to-esrb-letter-on-utah-legislation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/thompson-responds-to-esrb-letter-on-utah-legislation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/thompson-responds-to-esrb-letter-on-utah-legislation/#comments
Last week, ESRB chief Patricia Vance urged lawmakers in Utah to reconsider a bill that would punish retailers that advertise an adherence to the game rating system when they fail to comply. Proving that we're still in Reality Prime and not some alternate, Cubs-just-won-the-World-Series history, disbarred lawyer Jack Thompson has responded with some of the old classics: Misleading information and scare tactics.

First, let us say we agree with JT's point that he should be allowed to peruse the audit which claims a 94 percent compliance rate for Utah retailers (it does seem high). But scarcely can we nod our heads in agreement before Jack drops a line like, "Testimony in the U.S. Congress has established that the ESRB doesn't even play the games it rates! " No, Jack, it watches video of the games, because members of the ESRB are not Nintendo Game Play Counselors manning the 1-900 line in the late '80s. They're not trying to boost their Gamerscores, they're doing a boobies check.

He then goes on to complain about the lack of ratings enforcement on the internet, which has nothing to do with the Utah legislation. Finally, Jack doesn't address Vance's most compelling point: Retailers who don't attempt to comply with the ESRB would be utterly unaffected. Lest you think we're nit-picking, we've put the full thing for you after the break.

This may sound nutty, but it's almost nice to see that, after all these years, we're not just vilifying Jack Thompson out of habit.

Continue reading Thompson responds to ESRB letter on Utah legislation

JoystiqThompson responds to ESRB letter on Utah legislation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbjack-thompsonlawsuitratingsutahMon, 09 Mar 2009 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB president writes open letter to Utah parents and leaders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/esrb-president-writes-open-letter-to-utah-parents-and-leaders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/esrb-president-writes-open-letter-to-utah-parents-and-leaders/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/esrb-president-writes-open-letter-to-utah-parents-and-leaders/#comments
Now that the Utah video game bill, authored by disbarred attorney Jack Thompson, has passed the state's House of Representatives, the ESRB is taking the opportunity to write an open letter to the parents and leaders of Utah. Written by ESRB President Patricia Vance, the letter concludes that the proposed legislation seeks to fix a system that isn't broken. The letter proposes that instead of attacking retailers with the possibility of a lawsuit or fines if they sell M-rated titles to young gamers, that Utah should encourage and educate parents to utilize the tools and rating system that the ESRB already provides.

Vance's letter states that a recent audit of video game retailers in Utah found they already voluntarily enforce store policies regarding M-rated games 94 percent of the time. Nationally, the Federal Trade Commission found that video game retailers went from turning away 15 percent of underage customers in 2000 to 80 percent in 2008. The letter notes this is higher compliance than those found in the sale of movies, DVDs or music. Read Vance's full letter to the parents and leaders of Utah after the break.

Continue reading ESRB president writes open letter to Utah parents and leaders

JoystiqESRB president writes open letter to Utah parents and leaders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbjack-thompsonpatricia-vanceutahFri, 06 Mar 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Utah game retail restriction bill passes House]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/utah-game-retail-restriction-bill-passes-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/utah-game-retail-restriction-bill-passes-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/utah-game-retail-restriction-bill-passes-house/#comments
HB 353, a piece of Utah legislation which enforces stricter penalties against game and film retailers who sell M-rated and R-rated content to "buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation,' and which was authored by Rep. Mike Morley and former Miami attorney Jack Thompson, passed through the Utah House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 70 for and two against. It will now make its way to Utah's state senate -- should it pass there as well, it will go to the desk of Gov. Jon Huntsman to be signed into law, which will go into effect on January 1, 2010.

The bill passed by an overwhelming margin after a number of amendments to the legislation were approved by the House. The amendments were largely tacked on to the bill in an attempt to lower the hackles of disapproving retailers -- for instance, one addition keeps retailers from suffering the harsher penalties if an underage customer lies about his or her age when purchasing a mature product. In response, we anticipate Utah's fake mustache industry to see a threefold rise in revenue during the next fiscal year.

JoystiqUtah game retail restriction bill passes House originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-lawhouse-of-representativesjack-thompsonlawlegislationutahutah-game-billWed, 04 Mar 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Utah game bill one step closer, Thompson speaks to Joystiq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/utah-game-bill-one-step-closer-thompson-speaks-to-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/utah-game-bill-one-step-closer-thompson-speaks-to-joystiq/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/utah-game-bill-one-step-closer-thompson-speaks-to-joystiq/#comments
Whoever said being a Bar-licensed, practicing lawyer had anything to do with amending existing laws has clearly never met Jack Thompson. Thompson's most recent game bill, authored by Representative Mike Morley and Mr. Thompson, was resoundingly passed (at 10-3) by the Business and Labor Committee of the Utah House of Representatives yesterday. What does this mean for Utah residents? Well, nothing yet, as the bill is now headed off to the full Utah House of Representatives for consideration.

If the bill goes into law, however, retailers of all varieties in the state (from big-box outlets like Best Buy and Wal-Mart to independent theater owners) will be facing a $2000 fine for every documented sale of mature-rated content to a minor. We wanted some clarification on the law and it's possible ramifications, so we went straight to the source. After the jump you can see for yourself everything Mr. Thompson told us about his recently penned bill.

Continue reading Utah game bill one step closer, Thompson speaks to Joystiq

JoystiqUtah game bill one step closer, Thompson speaks to Joystiq originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-lawgta-4gta-ivgta4gtaivjack-thompsonlawutahutah-game-billTue, 24 Feb 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: Jack Thompson's Utah 'game bill']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/lgj-jack-thompsons-utah-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/lgj-jack-thompsons-utah-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/lgj-jack-thompsons-utah-game-bill/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


Right on cue, after this week's previous LGJ, Jack Thompson's Utah bill finally made its public appearance. Surprisingly, the bill amounts to only 4 lines of text that will be edited into Utah's existing Truth in Advertising Act, a form of deceptive trade practice regulation. The entire relevant text of the statute is:

13-11a-3. Deceptive trade practices enumerated -- Records to be kept -- Defenses.
(1) Deceptive trade practices occur when, in the course of a person's business, vocation, or occupation that person:
(u) (i) advertises that the person will not sell a good or service labeled with an age restriction or recommendation to a person under the age restriction or recommendation; and
(ii) sells that good or service to a person under the age restriction or recommendation.

So what does this mean for the industry? I believe this bill has far more bark than bite, but it's more complex than a simple analogy. There are some potential consequences for electronic retailers based on this new potential regulation, but it also looks like this provision leaves a number of major loopholes that retailers can take advantage of. As the bill hasn't passed yet, this all may be moot if the Utah legislature opts against the regulation, but it's certainly worth analyzing in the interim.

Continue reading LGJ: Jack Thompson's Utah 'game bill'

JoystiqLGJ: Jack Thompson's Utah 'game bill' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack-thompsonlawlaw-of-the-gamelgjregulationsutahThu, 12 Feb 2009 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Penn & Teller call 'BS!' on video game violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/#comments
Penn & Teller are taking aim at the video game violence controversy in an upcoming episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! -- an ongoing television series that debunks misconceptions and popular fads.

Earlier in the week, Penn Jillette revealed the video game themed episode had begun filming, via Twitter. Guests interviewed for the episode will include Grand Theft Childhood co-author, Dr. Cheryl Olson, along with her husband and writing partner, Dr. Lawrence Kutner. Disbarred Miami attorney, Jack Thompson, will also be featured in the episode.

A Penn & Teller producer told GamePolitics the episode would likely air during the summer, but did not reveal a specific date. We can only hope that Penn gives Thompson a suitable tongue lashing or that the magical duo makes him disappear. Either way, we're good.

JoystiqPenn & Teller call 'BS!' on video game violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitcheryl-olsonjack-thompsonpenn-and-tellervideo-game-violenceviolenceThu, 12 Feb 2009 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: More game laws?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/lgj-more-game-laws/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/lgj-more-game-laws/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/lgj-more-game-laws/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


It's early 2009, we've just elected a new President, and there are quite literally a mountain of problems to be addressed on Capitol Hill. Our economy has been in substantial turmoil for roughly six months, with some problems stretching back for years. Many states are at or near bankruptcy. This economic crisis has, by now, hit every country on the planet to some degree. So, our legislators have spent the last two months rushing to put together proposals to regulate video games. No, no one's undivided attention has been on the economy during this complete mess. Instead, since the start of the year, it seems there has been an explosion of potential new video game regulations, from Jack Thompson's bill in Utah, to New York, to the US Congress, to Australia -- just to name a few. And that's in addition to issues like the FTC's rumblings about DRM, which I've mentioned previously.

While this boom in regulations and potential enforcement may be great news for sites like GamePolitics, it's potentially bad news for game developers and consumers, not to mention the taxpayers who are footing the bill for all of this. Of course, these laws are also coming from a number of different directions and under different theories, so I thought it might be a good time to give a short take on each and predict which directions things could be going.

Continue reading LGJ: More game laws?

JoystiqLGJ: More game laws? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabillsjack-thompsonlawlaw-of-the-gamelawslegislationlegislaturelgjnew-yorkregulationsusus-congressutahMon, 09 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson writes bill for Utah, tries new angle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/jack-thompson-writes-bill-for-utah-tries-new-angle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/jack-thompson-writes-bill-for-utah-tries-new-angle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/jack-thompson-writes-bill-for-utah-tries-new-angle/#comments
Shockingly, Jack Thompson still has people who'll listen to him, as the disbarred former attorney has gained some traction in his crusade against video games in Utah. State Rep. Mike Morley (R) has presented a new bill, written by Thompson, which hits retailers with false advertising charges for selling mature games or films to minors. A previous Thompson-written bill in Utah failed.

Speaking with a lobbyist familiar with media content issues, GamePolitics notes that this new bill, along with the state of Utah, is a little different than the last time Thompson tried his shenanigans. Even with Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's support of the game industry, the conservative wing of the Utah legislature has recently been reinforced and could pass a bill that might pass judicial review. However, as always, we know the ESA's lawyers are sharpening their knives and getting excited about all those billable hours if Utah passes anything. If the past is any indication, the ESA will win and Utah taxpayers will foot the bill.

JoystiqJack Thompson writes bill for Utah, tries new angle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billjack-thompsonlawmike-morleypoliticsutahFri, 06 Feb 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson, GamePolitics discuss God's wrath on Take-Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/jack-thompson-gamepolitics-discuss-gods-wrath-on-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/jack-thompson-gamepolitics-discuss-gods-wrath-on-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/jack-thompson-gamepolitics-discuss-gods-wrath-on-take-two/#commentsFiled under:


Jack Thompson. Just when you thought that being disbarred was sure to cause the man to cut back on his theatrics, here comes a story from GamePolitics that is sure to go down as a "classic." In an email exchange between Thompson and GP's Dennis McCauley, the former attorney states that Take-Two's stock tumble is divine vengeance, and he also has some choice things to say about Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick.

The exchange should be read in its entirety to grasp what dealing with Thompson is like, and to get a better idea of why the Florida Bar decided to strip him of his license to practice law. Some may find Thompson's statements regarding non-Christians to be offensive. Heck, many Christians might find his statements offensive. This is an opportunity to read Jack Thompson "raw."

JoystiqJack Thompson, GamePolitics discuss God's wrath on Take-Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennis-mccauleygamepoliticsjack-thompsonstrauss-zelnicktake-twozelnickTue, 30 Dec 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson pays Florida Bar $42K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/#commentsFiled under:


Former anti-games attorney Jack Thompson has paid $42,525 to the Florida Bar, reports GamePolitics. The figure represents the Bar's cost to prosecute Thompson during his disbarment proceedings. So, not only was he disbarred, but Thompson ended up paying the people that took away his livelihood.

The real beauty in this story is how the information became public. The Florida Bar didn't leak this -- it was John Bruce Thompson himself that sent out an e-mail this morning, complaining the Florida Supreme Court hadn't yet cashed the check. Even while teetering on the precipice of irrelevance, Thompson still makes a good story.

JoystiqJack Thompson pays Florida Bar $42K originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disbarmentdisbarredfloridaflorida-barjack-thompsonThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Get Up, Stand Up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/#commentsFiled under:


Coming off perhaps the longest election of all eternity, one aspect that stands out for me is the relentless demand for voting. Particularly for young people, the act of voting transcended the realm of obligation and became more of a societal requirement. 2004's "Vote or Die" campaign resurrected itself as "Don't Vote": a series of videos where celebrities tell us to be apathetic about voting ... and then hit us with a psych! You just got sarcasm'd! In reality, the "Don't Vote" videos are giving the viewer a wink which nonverbally says "we're messin' around; go vote, you moron!"

Inarguably, such campaigns have been successful. The youth turnout was very large in 2004 and even larger this year. 24 million of them, in fact, aged 18 to 29 showed up, which is an increase of 2.2 million from 2004. While it's great to see participation in our political process, one wonders about the old newspaper to voting question, which goes something like this: "About half the population vote and about half read the newspaper. Let's hope it's the same half." Indeed, I question who is the better person: an uninformed voter, or an informed abstainer. On the other hand, perhaps pressuring us into the voting booth is justified: by voting for or against a candidate, we're investing ourselves in those individuals. Thus, we follow their progress and learn as we go. Whether the ends justify the means is for someone wiser than me to decide.

Which leads me to gaming. Gaming is both entertainment and an art-form. It's evolved from an experiment by college researchers to a hobby for electronic enthusiasts to a distraction for bar patrons to a culture for children before finally reaching its final stage of metamorphosis: a global juggernaut larger than film and music which appeals to an incredibly diverse group of folks. And as it becomes more relevant in our society, those of us who follow it closely should feel a responsibility to stay informed and take action when appropriate and/or necessary. Last week I presented a list of items that divides gamers. Here's the Top 5 issues that should leave you standing shoulder to shoulder with your gaming comrades.


The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Get Up, Stand Up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>censorshipdrmdrm-freedrm-toolesrbesrb-ratingfox-newsfree-speechjack-thompsonjoystiqfeaturestop-5Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[A look inside Gears of War 2's arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/a-look-inside-gears-of-war-2-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/a-look-inside-gears-of-war-2-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/a-look-inside-gears-of-war-2-arcade/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Players who have wandered around spilling blood on the Day One mutliplayer map in Gears of War 2 might have noticed the retro "Playland" arcade in one of the corners, but have any of them checked out the amount of detail that's in there? It's pretty impressive. There are a lot of throwback games referencing 1980s - 1990s coin-op fare, a Thrashball machine and even "Swee Ball," which looks like Sera's version of Skee Ball.

Check out the gallery below and read on for more.

Gallery: Gears of War 2: Playland Arcade

Continue reading A look inside Gears of War 2's arcade

JoystiqA look inside Gears of War 2's arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeAugustus-ColeCole-TrainEpicEpic-Gamesgears-of-war-2GoW2Jack-ThompsonJS-twitterPlaylandSkeeballXbox-360Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Former ESA Prez: Game journalists made Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/former-esa-prez-game-journalists-made-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/former-esa-prez-game-journalists-made-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/27/former-esa-prez-game-journalists-made-thompson/#commentsFiled under:


With the recent news of his upcoming disbarment hitting every RSS feed from here to infinity the gaming world was focused on the professional failure of Jack Thompson but have moved on. On the other side of the fence, former Entertainment Software Association president and frequent Thompson punching bag Doug Lowenstein has sent a letter to Kotaku asking them and other gaming journalists to reflect on how we helped to create the Thompson hype machine.

We can't but help but agree with Lowenstein in some way. However, with Thompson at the forefront of some of the biggest controversies the industry has seen in the last few years it would have been difficult to report on the issues without mentioning his name.

Would ignoring someone really make them disappear? If that were true then the entire Konami presentation at E3 2008 would have been a ghost show. Amirite?

JoystiqFormer ESA Prez: Game journalists made Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doug-lowensteinesajack-thompsonSat, 27 Sep 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Time to work on that resume, Thompson disbarred in Florida]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/time-to-work-on-that-resume-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/time-to-work-on-that-resume-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/time-to-work-on-that-resume-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/#commentsFiled under:


While not pertaining to the Xbox 360 specifically this piece of news is important to gamers who are tired of defending comically-inaccurate statements lobbied at their favorite titles from a certain Florida attorney; or should we say soon-to-be-former attorney. Joystiq reports that the Florida Supreme Court has finally decided to disbar John Bruce (Jack) Thompson after being found guilty of 27 out of 31 violations of professional misconduct by the Bar association.

Documents filed by the court maintain Thompson, "has demonstrated a patter of conduct to strike out harshly, extensively, repeatedly and willfully to simply try to bring as much difficulty, distraction and anguish to those he considers in opposition to his causes."

In response Thompson has filed an emergency motion against seventy-seven defendants including the Florida Bar association, this despite the first filing posed against him that he may only file a motion in the Florida Supreme court through another attorney in good standing with the Florida Bar acting on his behalf. Lawyer or not, we wouldn't expect Thompson to hangup the gaming hate anytime soon.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Gallery: Jack Thompson disbarred doc

JoystiqTime to work on that resume, Thompson disbarred in Florida originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack-thompsonlawsuitpoliticsThu, 25 Sep 2008 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson disbarred in Florida]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/jack-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/jack-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/jack-thompson-disbarred-in-florida/#commentsFiled under:

Attorney, er, former anti-games attorney Jack Thompson has apparently been disbarred by the state of Florida. It's been a long time coming, but the Court has finally decided that Jack Thompson should "be permanently disbarred without leave to apply for readmission to The Florida Bar."

Mark Methenitis, an attorney who pens Joystiq's Law of the Game, writes us, "While I know a lot of people in the industry truly dislike Jack, I hope people show a bit of respect for a man who has just lost his livelihood. I also hope people realize that this doesn't mean we've heard the last from Jack. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start his own nonprofit group to continue to advance his viewpoint."

We spoke with a representative for The Florida Bar and asked if the association had any further comment. She responded, "We feel the documents speak for themselves."

Check out all the relevant court documents in the gallery below. (View in "High Res" if you don't want to squint.)

[Thanks, Sam & Ballistic]

Gallery: Jack Thompson disbarred doc

JoystiqJack Thompson disbarred in Florida originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdisbarmentdisbarredjack-thompsonThu, 25 Sep 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/bury-the-shovelware-tenchu-dark-secret/#commentsFiled under:



The fall from grace. Unless your heart is nothing more than a cold, shriveled lump, you probably don't like to witness a once-respectable series slowly degrade. It's happened to many franchises. Often the decay is gradual, with gamers slowly noticing a decline in quality and is correlated with slumping sales. Other times a single misstep can throw an entire series against the ropes and nearly into submission. Either way, it's never pleasant to witness failure. Well, almost never.

What was once a prominent pillar in the stealth world has been slowly regressing into mediocrity. The Tenchu series was one of the first and most successful entries in the emerging stealth-based genre of the late 1990's. Though games involving evasive maneuvering over combat had been around for awhile, they truly flourished in 3D. From the onset, Tenchu was there. Peered with and rivaled against other top-notch franchises such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell, the word "Tenchu" was synonymous with heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping sneaky gameplay. But everything eventually dies. And the Tenchu series received a terminal illness in the form of Tenchu: Dark Secret. Unless somebody steps in and performs some sort of miracle, we might have to talk to Tenchu fans about video game heaven. It's where all game franchises go when they pass away. All of Tenchu's friends are there, like Golden Axe, ToeJam & Earl, and Ecco the Dolphin (Sega, please prove me wrong on these).

Continue reading Bury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret

JoystiqBury the Shovelware: Tenchu Dark Secret originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eccothedolphingolden-axejack-thompsonjoystiqfeaturesnintendosegashovelwaretenchutenchudarksecrettoejamandearlWed, 17 Sep 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge recommends permanent disbarment for Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/judge-recommends-permanent-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/judge-recommends-permanent-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/judge-recommends-permanent-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:

GamePolitics has obtained a copy of the judge's recommendation in the Florida Bar's disbarment case against renowned anti-game violence (or just plain anti-game) attorney Jack Thompson ... and it isn't good. Judge Dava Tunis, who Thompson has referred to as "mentally impaired" and "a raving wild woman" is recommending permanent disbarment in the case, where the Florida Bar had asked for a 10 year suspension of his ability to practice law.

In addition, Judge Tunis recommends that Thompson be assesed a $43,675 fine for the legal costs incurred by the Florida Bar. In May, Thompson was found guilty of 27 out of 31 charges made against him in a misconduct suit brought before the court.

[Thanks, Randall]

JoystiqJudge recommends permanent disbarment for Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsjack-thompsonWed, 09 Jul 2008 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson: "I guess my "mistake" was not killing 3000 people to make my point"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/jack-thompson-i-guess-my-mistake-was-not-killing-3000-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/jack-thompson-i-guess-my-mistake-was-not-killing-3000-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/jack-thompson-i-guess-my-mistake-was-not-killing-3000-people/#commentsFiled under:


He fought the law and the law is winning. Jack Thompson, hot off the heels of a Florida Bar recommendation that he be disbarred for ten years for 27 violations of professional misconduct, is again testing if the pen is mightier than the sword. In a letter written to Chief Judge Federico Moreno, Thompson claimed his recent trial was a mockery of the system and demanded a fair trial.

"We find yesterday that enemy combatants at Guantanamo are to get more due process from federal judges than what I am to have. I guess my "mistake" was not killing 3000 people to make my point ... I demand a hearing," Thompson wrote in the letter to Moreno.

Judge Moreno responded to the shocking letter by dispatching two U.S. Marshals to the home of Mr. Thompson. "The purpose of that visit was to intimidate and harass me," Thomson wrote to Moreno following the incident.

As the Florida Bar continues to seek disbarment for the controversial lawyer, Thompson is now seeking a meeting with the House Judiciary Committee in Washington to complain that the Justice Department is harassing him.

Jack Thompson is famously known in the gaming community for his stance against violent videogames, particularly titles from Take Two Interactive; publisher of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise.

[via Game Politics]

JoystiqJack Thompson: "I guess my "mistake" was not killing 3000 people to make my point" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disbarmentjack-thompsonlawyerpoliticstake-twoTue, 17 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida requests 10 years disbarment for Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:

The Florida Bar this week requested that embattled attorney Jack Thompson be disbarred for ten years based on the 27 misconduct charges he was found guilty of last month. Thompson was reportedly not there to hear said request, as he had walked out during the trial.

According to a GamePolitics report, the attorney (acting as in propria persona) was not allowed by Judge Tunis to read aloud a lengthy objection that he had prepared. Thompson then questioned Judge Tunis' status as a judge and left the court room. Just to clarify: a request for disbarment is not an official punishment - the final decision is left up to Judge Tunis to decide.

In other news, a federal lawsuit filed by Thompson against the Florida Supreme Court has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning that he cannot file it again. Thompson still has two other lawsuits pending related to his ongoing Bar trial.

JoystiqFlorida requests 10 years disbarment for Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bar-trialdisbarmentfloridajack-thompsonthompsonThu, 05 Jun 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge: Jack Thompson is guilty on 27 of 31 misconduct charges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/judge-jack-thompson-is-guilty-on-27-of-31-misconduct-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/judge-jack-thompson-is-guilty-on-27-of-31-misconduct-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/judge-jack-thompson-is-guilty-on-27-of-31-misconduct-charges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're not going to make jokes on this one and save the snark until the final ruling, but the judge presiding over self-proclaimed anti-games activist Jack Thompson's Florida Bar trial has recommended the attorney be found guilty on 27 of the 31 misconduct charges - 21 from the Devin Moore case, 4 when in 2006 he tried to declare Bully a public nuisance, and 2 unrelated to video games.

Game Politics has the full story and a list of some of the charges, including "Engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation" and "Making statements that the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge." A disciplinary hearing is being held June 4. The full report to the Florida Supreme Court is due September 2.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqJudge: Jack Thompson is guilty on 27 of 31 misconduct charges originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfloridajack-thompsonTue, 20 May 2008 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Adam Sessler and Jack Thompson debate GTA on NPR]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/adam-sessler-and-jack-thompson-debate-gta-on-npr/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/adam-sessler-and-jack-thompson-debate-gta-on-npr/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/adam-sessler-and-jack-thompson-debate-gta-on-npr/#commentsFiled under:


Adam Sessler, host of G4's X-Play, went mano a mano with video gaming super-villain John Bruce (Jack, to you) Thompson on today's Talk of the Nation to talk about all the great ways video game companies are being responsi ... oh, who are we kidding? They were chatting about violence in video games (again) - this time with a focus on Grand Theft Auto IV.

Thompson comes across as paranoid crusader (go figure!), sticking with his usual mantra that the game is "mentally molesting minors for money" before being rather promptly booted off the air ("I'm done?"). Though Sessler and Thompson never really go at each other (don't you see enough bloodshed in your "video games"?) it's as even-handed a treatment of the controversy as you're likely to see in the mainstream press.

JoystiqAdam Sessler and Jack Thompson debate GTA on NPR originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adam-SesslerGTAIVJack-ThompsonNPRThu, 01 May 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson writes letter to Take-Two executive's mother]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/thompson-writes-letter-to-take-two-executives-mother/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/thompson-writes-letter-to-take-two-executives-mother/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/thompson-writes-letter-to-take-two-executives-mother/#commentsFiled under:

Protesting the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, which lands at retail on April 29, outspoken videogame critic Jack Thompson has written a strongly worded letter addressed to the mother of Take-Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick.

According to ShackNews, in the letter the Florida attorney equates Strauss to Hitler Youth, asks Mrs. Zelnick why her porn-peddling son doesn't leave her shamed, accuses Strauss of causing the death of three Alabama police officers, quotes scripture and asks if she was involved in training her son to push Mature-rated games onto children. Thompson did however find it in his heart to wish the nice lady a Happy Mother's Day.

Oh Jack, you're a sweetheart. In other news Thompson's legal career is still hanging in the balance as a Florida judge is ruling on a trial that could see him disbarred from practicing law in Florida. Wonder what Jack's mom thinks about that.

[Thanks, xblackplaguex]

JoystiqThompson writes letter to Take-Two executive's mother originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivjack-thompsontake-twoWed, 23 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida Supreme Court orders Jack Thompson not speak directly to them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/#commentsThe Florida Supreme Court has sent out an official STFU to controversial attorney Jack Thompson, who is not allowed to contact them directly ever again and will need to hire his own attorney to communicate with the Court on his behalf. This is an entirely separate matter from Thompson's Florida Bar trial we're currently awaiting a ruling on.

GamePolitics has the Court's full ruling regaling the numerous abuses by Thompson like submitting pornographic materials, engaging in a "relentless and frivolous pursuit for vindication of his claim that he is being victimized by The Florida Bar," and "continued inability to maintain a minimum standard of decorum and respect for the judicial system to which all litigants, and especially attorneys, must adhere." That's not all, since the ruling Thompson has filed two new motions with the Court, which would technically put him in contempt at this very moment.

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

JoystiqFlorida Supreme Court orders Jack Thompson not speak directly to them originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridajack-thompsonjackthompsonsupreme courtsupremecourtThu, 20 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST