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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Breach thief jumps bail, currently playing Modern Warfare 2 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-thief-jumps-bail-currently-playing-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-thief-jumps-bail-currently-playing-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-thief-jumps-bail-currently-playing-modern-warfare-2/#comments An arrest warrant has been issued for 20-year-old Justin D. May, the alleged thief of the Breach code at PAX East, after he failed to show up in a Boston court today. May posted $200 cash bail at the Boston Police station following his arrest and was ordered to appear for arraignment this morning. He was charged with larceny over $250 and "trade secret, buy/sell/receive stolen."

As for May's potential punishment, especially now that he has fled, Suffolk Country District Attorney Press Secretary Jake Wark told Joystiq, "Both charges carry maximum five-year prison terms, though there are monetary fines as potential sentences. Neither offense carries a minimum term. Being a fugitive from justice carries a potential penalty in most states, but only in the jurisdiction to which a defendant flees. For the moment, he is only in default and not facing any enhanced penalties."

According to the Boston Police report, May's attempted theft of Breach was valued at over $6 million dollars. May's current whereabouts are unknown, but we do have his Gamertag, which shows that wherever he is at the moment, he's playing Modern Warfare 2.

Update 2: Added details about prison terms and fines. The person using May's Gamertag signed off after we contacted them.

Update: The police report can be found after the break.

Continue reading Breach thief jumps bail, currently playing Modern Warfare 2 [update]

JoystiqBreach thief jumps bail, currently playing Modern Warfare 2 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamesbreachjustin-d-mayjustin-maypax-eastpax-east-2010policeTue, 30 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA['Breach' game code theft at PAX East ends in arrest [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-game-code-theft-at-pax-east-ends-in-arrest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-game-code-theft-at-pax-east-ends-in-arrest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/breach-game-code-theft-at-pax-east-ends-in-arrest/#comments
[Photo: Kevin Kelly]
An attempted theft of Atomic Games' Breach code on the PAX East show floor on the last day of the event was thwarted by vigilant members of the studio. According to a representative for the company, the suspected thief managed to download some of the code and then run into the crowd after he was spotted. He was eventually apprehended in the large crowd and the game's code was found on his computer.

"The suspect did admit to us several times, including as he was doing it, that he was stealing the code. He said to myself and several other team members, after being caught, that it was not a big deal, he just really liked the game and wanted to play it with his friends," David Tractenberg, a spokesperson for Atomic, explained.

"This guy had only succeeded in copying about 14MB to his laptop before our staff caught him," Atomic Games President Peter Tamte told Joystiq. "Because of the work we do for military and intelligence organizations, we take security issues like this very seriously ... It is fortunate for him that we caught him before any of this ended up on the internet. Many of the hackers who stole Valve's Half-Life 2 code were tracked down by the FBI's Cybercrime Task Force."

Gallery: Breach

Continue reading 'Breach' game code theft at PAX East ends in arrest [update]

Joystiq'Breach' game code theft at PAX East ends in arrest [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestatomic-gamesbreachjustin-d-mayjustin-mayMicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2010peter-tamtepolicetheftXbox-360Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA applauds formation of Dept. of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/esa-applauds-formation-of-dept-of-justice-task-force-on-intelle/#comments With last week's announcement by the US Department of Justice of the formation of the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the ESA this weekend released a statement celebrating the DoJ's decision. "We applaud the Justice Department for its commitment to protecting intellectual property and commend the Attorney General for his leadership," said ESA president and CEO Michael Gallagher.

"Intellectual property is the lifeblood and backbone of entertainment software," Gallagher continued. "... consumers benefit with the lower cost, high-quality and more diverse title offerings that are made possible by strong measures protecting the creative works of our industry's artists." Intellectual property rights and the policing of them has been a point of contention with distributed media (from film to games to books, and everything in between) and the publishers of said media since the invention of the printing press (and likely before that!), so it'll be especially interesting to see how the US government handles such a hefty issue in the burgeoning digital world. As strict opponents of game piracy ourselves, we wish them the best of luck. They're going to need it.

JoystiqESA applauds formation of Dept. of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department-of-justicedepartment-of-justice-task-force-on-intellectual-propertyesaIPmichael-gallagherpolicetask-force-on-intellectual-propertythe-esaus-governmentTue, 16 Feb 2010 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii-playing police receive slap on the wrist, strict talking to]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/wii-playing-police-receive-slap-on-the-wrist-strict-talking-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/wii-playing-police-receive-slap-on-the-wrist-strict-talking-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/wii-playing-police-receive-slap-on-the-wrist-strict-talking-to/#comments Look, if people are going to eschew their work day in favor of having a gaming tournament, we're the first to sympathize. In the case of those in the business of protecting our lives from murderers and financial institutions though, we find it hard to offer much solace. So when eleven officials from several Florida agencies were caught on videotape playing games a couple months back and the story caught on internationally, we were hopeful that those found guilty would maybe, you know, actually receive some form of punishment.

Instead, the Lakeland Ledger reports that the offending officers will suffer such retribution as ... a few hours of retraining? The names of the officers are even being withheld due to their "undercover" status at the time. Lakeland sheriff chief of staff Gary Hester goes as far as to say, "We are learning from our mistakes ... I think we handled [the investigation] properly." He then hurriedly rushed back to a game of Street Fighter IV in progress against a competing police department.

... Okay, we made up that last part.

JoystiqWii-playing police receive slap on the wrist, strict talking to originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridalakelandlakeland-ledgerNintendopolicepunishmentstreet-fighter-ivthe-ledgerWiiwii-sportsThu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Police raid home, raid occupant's Wii Sports leaderboards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/police-raid-home-raid-occupants-wii-sports-leaderboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/police-raid-home-raid-occupants-wii-sports-leaderboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/police-raid-home-raid-occupants-wii-sports-leaderboards/#comments
Police are good at three things: protecting; serving; and bowling. During a recent raid in conjunction with several Florida agencies, officers came across the occupant's Wii console and, instead of ignoring it and going about their day, decided to turn the little white box on and throw down in some bowling with Wii Sports. What they didn't notice is that the occupant had a secret security camera set up that filmed every strike and gutterball, MSNBC shares. Busted!

Head past the break to watch the video.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Police raid home, raid occupant's Wii Sports leaderboards

JoystiqPolice raid home, raid occupant's Wii Sports leaderboards originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlingfloridamsnbcpolicewii-bowlingwii-sportsTue, 22 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK police bust pirate, confiscate plenty of goods [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-police-bust-pirate-confiscate-plenty-of-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-police-bust-pirate-confiscate-plenty-of-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-police-bust-pirate-confiscate-plenty-of-goods/#commentsFiled under:


Update: Because of some problems with the source link, we've embedded the full press release past the post break.

A criminal raid of a shop and home in Cardiff, UK has netted the capture of a lot of pirated material. This includes, as you can see above, cartridges and game-copying devices, as well as the arrest of a 20 year-old man at the center of it all. The raid took place two days ago, with the South Wales Police capturing over 1,800 game-copying devices.

Continue reading UK police bust pirate, confiscate plenty of goods [update]

JoystiqUK police bust pirate, confiscate plenty of goods [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardiffpiracypoliceukFri, 19 Dec 2008 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sting gets MoCapped in Guitar Hero: World Tour preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/sting-gets-mocapped-in-guitar-hero-world-tour-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/sting-gets-mocapped-in-guitar-hero-world-tour-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/sting-gets-mocapped-in-guitar-hero-world-tour-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Have you been curious about what Sting would look like all wire-framey and covered in ping-pong balls ever since you heard the news that the former Police frontman would make an appearance in Guitar Hero: World Tour? Good news, our little Desert Roses -- you need not look further than a recent promo for the title which we've conveniently posted after the break. We know that you usually rest your clickin' finger during the weekend, but we assure you, making the jump is worth it -- not only do you get to see Mr. Sumner's digital manifestation in action, you also get to hear about his lack of prowess when it comes to jamming on fake plastic instruments (though we hear his tantric usage of Star Power is a breathtaking sight to behold).

Continue reading Sting gets MoCapped in Guitar Hero: World Tour preview

JoystiqSting gets MoCapped in Guitar Hero: World Tour preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-world-tourmocapneversoftpolicePS2PS3stingWiiXbox-360Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ad: PSP makes being arrested so much more fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/ad-psp-makes-being-arrested-so-much-more-fun/#commentsFiled under:


We love the construction of this ad for the PSP created by TBWA Espana, Madrid, Spain. Two police offers are apprehending this young man, and instead of handcuffs, they use the ever-engrossing PSP. It's a subtle ad that may not sell the system's capabilities, but does a great job of emphasizing how cool the device is.

[Thanks, Karsten!]

JoystiqAd: PSP makes being arrested so much more fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcommercialpolicepspspaintbwaTue, 22 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Abertay University researchers create training game for Scotland cops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/abertay-university-researchers-create-training-game-for-scotland/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/abertay-university-researchers-create-training-game-for-scotland/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/abertay-university-researchers-create-training-game-for-scotland/#commentsFiled under: ,


Whenever we think of training simulators for the local boys and girls in blue, one arcade classic always comes to mind -- the appropriately titled Police Trainer. We had the occasional desire to protect and serve as we effortlessly moved through the games virtual ranks; it was only later we discovered that cops are rarely called upon to shoot multicolored balls from the sky, nor are they required to play simple matching games using their trusty peacemakers.

A more "realistic" (see: less fun) simulator from researchers out of Abertay University in Scotland recently received some press when the game's creators suggested it for training purposes for Scotland's Finest. The sim's focus on making on-the-fly decisions on whether to shoot a dangerous suspect or hold fire would certainly come in handy for officers (and, consequently, for those not accidentally shot). The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland have been hesitant to adopt the new simulation, however, relying solely on repeated viewings of the Guttenberg classic "Police Academy" for all training purposes.

JoystiqAbertay University researchers create training game for Scotland cops originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copsguttenbergpolicepoliceacademypolicetrainerscotlandsimsimulatortrainingSat, 24 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Rock Band 'bonus' simply PS3/360 dregs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-rock-band-bonus-simply-ps3-360-dregs/#commentsFiled under:

The mystery of our Rock Band's "bonus" tracks has been solved -- and the songs are nothing you haven't seen before, especially if you've been following the available DLC for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the title. Here's your extra content, Wii owners. Merry freakin' Christmas.
  • "Dirty Little Secret" - The All American Rejects
  • "Roam" - The B-52's
  • "Don't Look Back in Anger" - Oasis
  • "Roxanne" - The Police
  • "Rockaway Beach" - The Ramones

JoystiqNMS08: Rock Band 'bonus' simply PS3/360 dregs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-american-rejectsb-52sbonuseaharmonixmusicnintendo-media-summitnms08oasispoliceramonesrhythmrock-bandTue, 15 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[On Emergency Heroes' graphical style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/on-emergency-heroes-graphical-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/on-emergency-heroes-graphical-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/on-emergency-heroes-graphical-style/#commentsFiled under: ,


In some screens, Emergency Heroes looks very anime-like -- especially when you can see the bizarre details of the crazy, futuristic emergency vehicles. It's a somewhat more cartoony take on the F-Zero GX-style of racer. But in screens like the one above, the texture-free, shaded environmental elements and angular vehicles remind us more of Killer 7 than anything else.

That doesn't really mean Heroes has anything to do with those games, but come on -- who hasn't wanted to turn off of the track in F-Zero or Wipeout to go put out a fire, or respond to domestic disputes in Killer 7. Oh, right, nobody. We don't really know where we were going with this, either.

JoystiqOn Emergency Heroes' graphical style originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emergency-heroespoliceracingubisoftMon, 31 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: The Clash, The Police and The Ramones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/rock-band-weekly-the-clash-the-police-and-the-ramones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/rock-band-weekly-the-clash-the-police-and-the-ramones/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/rock-band-weekly-the-clash-the-police-and-the-ramones/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Rock Band servers are starting to take a pounding every Monday morning as the faithful desperately clamor to find out this week's DLC. This week we head to the late '70s for a triple dose of off-the-beaten-path hits from some major artists.

Three-song Pack (440 MS points/$5.50)
  • Complete Control - The Clash (160 MS points/ $2)
  • Truth Hits Everybody - The Police (160 MS points/ $2)
  • Teenage Lobotomy - The Ramones (160 MS Points / $2)
We've got videos of the songs after the break for purchasing assistance. We'll keep on poking Harmonix with a drumstick and try to get some actual in-game previews as soon as possible. Trust us, we're working on it.

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: The Clash, The Police and The Ramones

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: The Clash, The Police and The Ramones originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clashpolicePS3ramonesrock-band-weeklyrockbandthe-clashthe-policethe-ramonesXbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band DLC for March revealed in OXM ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/rock-band-dlc-for-march-revealed-in-oxm-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/rock-band-dlc-for-march-revealed-in-oxm-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/rock-band-dlc-for-march-revealed-in-oxm-ad/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to X3F, who heard it from Megatonik, who saw it on ScoreHero, who cribbed it from scans on GameFaqs, OXM like totally printed all the Rock Band DLC for March in its new issue. We've confirmed the tracks are revealed in an advertisement for Xbox Live that was placed by Microsoft. There's no mention of prices, but if March releases follow the general trend, it should be 440 MS points ($5.50) for a pack and 160 MS point ($2) for a single song.

Week of March 4: Thrash Pack
  • Blinded By Fear - At The Gates
  • Thrasher - Evile
  • Shadow World - Haunted
Week of March 11:
  • Shooting Star - Bad Company *Cover*
  • Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Message In A Bottle - Police
Week of March 18: Nine Inch Nails Pack
  • March Of The Pigs
  • The Collector
  • The Perfect Drug
Week of Mar. 25: Metal Pack
  • Wrathchild - Ironmaiden *Cover*
  • Supernaut - Black Sabbath *Cover*
  • Fuel - Metallica
That's great ... now about February?

Update: An MTV/Harmonix spokesperson tells Shacknews this is a tentative schedule, saying, "Please stay tuned for confirmation of Rock Band DLC closer to their release."

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRock Band DLC for March revealed in OXM ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-companyblack-sabbathevilehauntediron-maidenlynyrd-skynyrdmetallicaninnine-inch-nailspolicePS3rock-band-weeklyrockbandXbox-360Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The long, slightly distracted arm of the law]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/the-long-slightly-distracted-arm-of-the-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/the-long-slightly-distracted-arm-of-the-law/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/the-long-slightly-distracted-arm-of-the-law/#commentsFiled under:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/wlwt/20071017/lo_wlwt/14363937Video games aren't only destroying lives and causing global terrorism - they're also preventing the enforcement of the very laws we live by. Or at least, they are if you live in Cincinnati, where two doltish police officers and five of their supervisors now face punishment for playing games while on duty.

The officers in question were supposed to be undertaking 60 days of foot patrol, but instead opted to put their feet up inside a substation located in a strip mall, and get their game on (sadly, what they were playing isn't specified).

Unsurprisingly, Cincinnati Police Chief Tom Streicher isn't a happy bunny. "They basically left roll call, went to a substation (and) stayed inside that substation all day," he told gathered media. "My understanding is they were watching television, playing video games and, if they left, they left to get something to eat and they came straight back and spent the entire eight hours locked in a room over in Hyde Park."

It's claimed the pair even ignored calls from dispatchers while glued to the TV, and their supervisors turned a blind eye in the process. So there you go: self-discipline and basic powers of concentration aren't a prerequisite if you want in at the Cincinnati force.

JoystiqThe long, slightly distracted arm of the law originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CrimeGamingPoliceMon, 22 Oct 2007 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: The many faces of Noah Tsang]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/the-ds-life-the-many-faces-of-noah-tsang/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/the-ds-life-the-many-faces-of-noah-tsang/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/the-ds-life-the-many-faces-of-noah-tsang/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handheld and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.

This week's model, like all of us, has more to him than what can be seen in a single snapshot. He can be a young boy sitting idly on carpeted steps or a confident face on the street with mischief in his eyes, depending on the day. Join us past the post break, and see if you can recognize a bit of yourself in Noah's many faces.

Continue reading The DS Life: The many faces of Noah Tsang

JoystiqThe DS Life: The many faces of Noah Tsang originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facesnoahnoahtsangpolicepowerbookWed, 22 Aug 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gangs get games for guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/gangs-get-games-for-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/gangs-get-games-for-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/gangs-get-games-for-guns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Apparently figuring that drug runners would rather shoot a virtual gun than a real one, Mexico City authorities have started a program allowing gun owners in the crime-riddled Tepito area to trade in their firearms for game systems. Reuters reports that a high-powered machine gun will net a $756 computer, while turning in a smaller gun earns an Xbox (presumably a 360, though the article is unclear) or cash.

Organizers reportedly took in 17 guns on the first day -- a relative blip in a region afflicted with 2,000 drug-related killing last year, but still a good start. Here's hoping these criminals find the idea of virtual violence much more engrossing than real world carnage.

Previously: GRAW 2 to be seized by Mexican state gov't

JoystiqGangs get games for guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamesgunsmexicoMexico CityMexicoCitypolicetradeviolencexboxXbox-360Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[London police gear up for midnight PS3 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/london-police-gear-up-for-midnight-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/london-police-gear-up-for-midnight-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/london-police-gear-up-for-midnight-ps3-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the wake of the somewhat chaotic crowds surrounding the U.S. PS3 launch, London police are taking steps to make sure the midnight sale at Virgin Megastore's marquee Oxford Street location goes smoothly. GamesIndustry.biz reports Sony and Virgin are working with police to make sure the crowds of PS3 fans wont clog up the streets and subway station entrances on March 23.

Police are also suggesting special precautions so gamers attending the midnight launch don't become "an advert for muggers," as an unnamed source on the Westminster Council put it. People queueing up should bring a friend and a mobile phone, carry as little cash as possible and carry the system home in an unmarked bag, a police spokesperson said.

Don't want to worry about becoming mugger-bait? "Don't attend the launch event," the spokesperson suggested. "Pre-order your console and pick it up during the daytime." Hey, you Europeans have waited this long for the PS3, so what's a few more hours?

JoystiqLondon police gear up for midnight PS3 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europelaunchlinepoliceps3queueFri, 16 Mar 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Police concerned about impending UK PS3 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/police-concerned-about-impending-uk-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/police-concerned-about-impending-uk-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/15/police-concerned-about-impending-uk-ps3-launch/#commentsFiled under:

The PS3 is launching on Friday, March 23rd in Europe, and Virgin Megastore's flagship Oxford Street store will be home to a midnight launch--something that has the police worried. A spokesperson for Marylebone Police has told GamesIndustry.biz that there are "genuine concerns" about the safety of shoppers attending the launch.

The American launch of the PS3 was wrought with violence, including shootings, and various robberies. The Virgin Megastore launch will pose a few unique problems for police, as it is situated on a narrow stretch of pavement nearby busy tube and bus stops. Because crowd barricades will not be possible, the police are advising shoppers to take extra caution: "We don't want people walking around London with expensive pieces of equipment late at night. We want Oxford Street to be vibrant and successful, but we don't want victims of crime."

Eurogamer is offering a few (obvious) tidbits for those willing to camp out for the midnight launch: don't bring cash, have a cell phone, bring a friend, and take a cab back home. Good luck to all of you that are going to attempt a midnight launch.

JoystiqPolice concerned about impending UK PS3 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europelaunchoxford streetOxfordStreetplaystation 3Playstation3policeps3ukvirginvirgin megastoreVirginMegastoreThu, 15 Mar 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cops ignore need for help, play PSP instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/cops-ignore-need-for-help-play-psp-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/cops-ignore-need-for-help-play-psp-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/26/cops-ignore-need-for-help-play-psp-instead/#commentsFiled under:


Thirteen people were killed in violent storms through England, and two police officers certainly didn't help. "They were oblivious to everything else," the photo taker notes. These officers were completely entranced by the PSP.

The Metropolitan Police said: "The use of the games console was inappropriate and unprofessional. Senior officers are dealing with the matter."

[Via digg]

JoystiqCops ignore need for help, play PSP instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copenglandlondonpoliceFri, 26 Jan 2007 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend heartwarmer: "Claim your DS!"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/weekend-heartwarmer-claim-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/weekend-heartwarmer-claim-your-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/21/weekend-heartwarmer-claim-your-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're depressed by recent tales of Wii-related death and injury, allow us to assuage your pain with a DS-related feel-good story from Japan (where else?). Kansai, Japan's Funky 802FM radio station yesterday interrupted its 24-hour funk regimen for DJ Mark'E (pictured) to make an important announcement: a stray Nintendo DS had been found in a park in Kyoto's Fushimi-ku ward. Some upstanding citizen had found the handheld and taken it to a nearby police box (they have "police boxes" in Japan), rightly assuming that a small child had dropped the DS. (This is a land where you can drop your wallet and expect it to be returned.)

Thanks to DJ Mark'E's repeated announcements, child and DS were reunited yesterday evening, tears were mopped, and this blogger was left wondering how the scenario would have played out in his native England. (Clue: no tears would have been mopped, but the finder would have celebrated with an exclamation of "bloody hell, what a freebie!") Three cheers, then, for Japanese citizens' sense of honour and stuff.

JoystiqWeekend heartwarmer: "Claim your DS!" originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DJ Mark'EDjMark'eDSJapanKyotopoliceSun, 21 Jan 2007 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's goin' nowhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/13/its-goin-nowhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/13/its-goin-nowhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/13/its-goin-nowhere/#commentsFiled under: ,

You ain't goin' NOWHERE.
We knew the straps were a little weak. This user decided to protect his loved ones and shiny TV set in the most authoritative way he knew how: chaining that wand to his wrist, nuclear-bomb-code-briefcase style. We ourselves have used thick shoelaces at parties to ensure ... ah ... inebriated members of the populace wouldn't deface and destroy; how about you guys? Come up with any creative solutions in the realm of protective measures?

[via VG Cats]

JoystiqIt's goin' nowhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChainCopsHandcuffPoliceProtectStrapWed, 13 Dec 2006 13:30:00 EST