Joystiq

EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content

Mike Schramm — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

EA has quietly made things a little easier for those banned from its digital Origin service, allowing even those scorned by the company to access single player content in purchased and downloaded games. Previously, gamers who behaved badly on official EA forums or otherwise caused their accounts to be revoked were locked out completely, but now EA is saying that by switching the Origin client over to offline mode, players can at least play bought games by themselves.

To get back online, players will need to appeal the ban, for which instructions can be found here. EA does say that most bans are only temporary, but just in case you want to speed up the process we'll say this: Offering crop sacrifices to an idol of John Riccitiello certainly can't hurt.

EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infinity Ward issuing Modern Warfare 3 bans that last 5000 days

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST

Infinity Ward is issuing its version of a "permaban" to offensive Modern Warfare 3 players, in the form of a ban lasting 5000 days. "If you see this message," IW Creative Strategist Robert Bowling confirmed on Twitter, "it means you've been Permabanned (for something bad)."

Really, when you think about it, IW is being charitable to cheaters and other malcontents by issuing bans lasting only 13 and a half years. That's not really permanent at all! Maybe you should thank Infinity Ward for its beneficence by not hacking your game or being outrageously racist.

Otherwise, you'll be thinking about how to live your life until you turn 26.

Infinity Ward issuing Modern Warfare 3 bans that last 5000 days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield 3 effectively banned in Iran

David Hinkle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:08:00 EST

A new report picked up by the Associated Press suggests Battlefield 3, which partially takes place in Tehran, has been prohibited from stores, even though EA has no official resellers in the region and many stores didn't bother hunting for stock in the first place. However, local police have apparently already raided a few shops for selling pirated copies of the game.

"We understand that the story of a videogame is hypothetical," an online petition filed by an Iranian youth group read. "We believe the game is purposely released at a time when the US is pushing the international community into fearing Iran." If there's a silver lining in this, it's that a lot of Iranians won't be subjected to Battlefield 3's lackluster single-player campaign.

Battlefield 3 effectively banned in Iran originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA finally responds to forum bans also banning Origin game access

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST

EA has proven that it's not afraid to bring the banhammer down on Origin users who defy their Terms of Service; though its stringent adherence to that policy has, on occasion, provided cause for concern. In March, a user on the Dragon Age 2 forums was banned for breaking the forum's rules, only to find out he'd been prohibited from using his purchased copy of the game as well. Though EA reinstated his Origin access and chalked it up to a system error, Rock, Paper, Shotgun reported that it was not an isolated incident.

EA has never explicitly said that handing out Origin bans alongside forum bans was its modus operandi; however, RPS finally received an official statement on the bans from EA Corporate Communications' John Reseburg. According to him, "when someone violates our Terms of Service, we are forced to take actions that can include suspensions and other measures." That's not a clear confirmation of the policy, though Reseburg later added, "We have listened to our customers and are planning a policy update which will include more equitable rules on suspensions - we want to make sure the time fits the crime."

It seems utterly bizarre that EA wouldn't be explicitly clear about a policy that carries as heavy a punishment as this. We can understand wanting to keep a forum free from the blight of obscenity, but if that comes at the cost of preventing legitimate purchasers of EA's products from accessing said games, those purchasers deserve to know about it ahead of time. As it stands now, Reseburg simply suggests, "any user with a question about suspensions or our policies to please contact us at (866) 543-5435 so we can address their specific situation."

EA finally responds to forum bans also banning Origin game access originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Play Battlefield 3 on a hacked server, get banned from Origin (and your Origin games)

David Hinkle — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST

It goes without saying that you shouldn't do bad stuff, but what if you technically don't know you're doing something bad? That's the potential situation with the Battlefield 3 beta right now on PC, which has apparently been hacked to allow for up to 128 players on the Operation Metro map. But here's the thing: these hacked matches show up in the regular Battlelog, so players could potentially stumble in and not realize they're doing something wrong.

Regardless, EA wants you to know that doing so will put your Origin account in danger and potentially limit your access to all of the games you downloaded through EA's digital distribution platform to none. The above exchange, which allegedly went down in the EA forums last week, has since been pulled.

We've contacted EA for an official statement on the matter and will update this post accordingly.

[Thanks, Matt]

Rumor: Play Battlefield 3 on a hacked server, get banned from Origin (and your Origin games) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft issues Xbox Live bans for 'Marketplace theft'

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EST

It's not uncommon for Microsoft to unleash the Xbox Live banhammer once every few months. Rounds of banning are generally conducted for typical reasons -- piracy, cheating and the like -- but this ban session is a little different. We've received several tips on the matter, and Microsoft has issued a statement on the Xbox.com forums saying that the console bans were the result of Xbox Live Marketplace "theft."

The statement notes that the company "discovered users who illegitimately accessed Xbox LIVE Marketplace downloadable content," adding that "this access was intentional and not accidental, constituting a blatant violation of the Terms of Use for the service."

The company won't provide specifics on the kind of theft that took place, though there are some likely culprits. For example, there are known methods for downloading Xbox Live content for free (that we won't be sharing here) and presumably Microsoft has gotten wise. If you'd like to keep your account intact, then maybe, you know, don't steal.

Microsoft issues Xbox Live bans for 'Marketplace theft' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Fortress 2 players segregate F2P users with insta-ban

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST

Since Team Fortress 2 went free-to-play, the game has gotten a little less "team" and a lot more "fortress," while the "2" has been rudely ignored. Angry paid-account players are now using a mod called "Free2BeKicked" to ban all users with a free version of TF2 from their sacred, private servers, in what may soon come to be called Frontier Justice: Apartheid Edition.

Free-game players are demanding Valve ban the mod, but as it is used on private servers, Valve's hands are tied. The mod isn't all-exclusive -- anyone who buys an item from the Valve store can bypass its check and be considered a paying player, although according to Botchweed, it would be possible to create a mod to accept only full-game purchasers. Any player can still join an official server without discrimination, but we'd avoid any servers titled "Keeping the Kore Kapable: n00bs Welcome!"

Team Fortress 2 players segregate F2P users with insta-ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mass. town to consider lifting 29-year ban on coin-op games

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:50:00 EST

In 1982, sensing that its quaint, coastal way of life was being threatened by the coin-operated craze sweeping the nation's youth, Marshfield, Massachusetts banned arcade games from public establishments. The local law was upheld by the state's Supreme Court the following year and has remained in place ever since.

Three decades later, residents are starting to wonder if "the whole hysteria back in 1982," as current Marshfield Selectmen chair Patricia Reilly put it to WCBV Boston, had misguided their good intentions. After all, state law permits Keno to be allowed in bars and other public buildings in town. What could be so wrong about a little Big Buck Hunter edged up against the far corner of the local watering hole?

The video game ban will be challenged at next week's town meeting when voters can overturn the seemingly archaic decree. Of course, there are still those who fear such change could forever alter the character of this South Shore Shangri-La. "We're a coastal town," insists former selectwoman Faith Jean, who helped pass the law back in '82, to CBS Boston. "Now are we an amusement coastal town or are we fishing and swimming and sailing?"

"We are not talking about little video games that kids play or pinball machines. We are talking about slot machines, gambling machines," adds Jean in the WCBV Boston report. "Coin-operated devices are one more thing your kids will be asking money for. What kind of town do we want Marshfield to be?" For the record, Reilly expects the repeal to pass.

[Image credit: drsparc]

Mass. town to consider lifting 29-year ban on coin-op games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian AG Clark hesitant to pass R18+ rating

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST

According to a report from The Age, the long-debated Australian R18+ games rating may be shot down again during a July meeting of the nation's Attorneys-General, despite receiving the full support of the federal government. Victoria AG Robert Clark has expressed concern over the proposed ratings adoption, saying he's worried the new classification "would legalize games with high levels of graphic, frequent and gratuitous violence, including violence against civilians and police."

Clark shares the concerns of Australian Christian Lobby director Rob Ward, who said the Classification Board was "asleep at the wheel" when it granted titles like Grand Theft Auto 4 and House of the Dead: Overkill MA15+ ratings, allowing them to be released in the territory. Ward added, "that's not a reason to create an R18+ category. That's a reason to clip them behind the ear." Whoa, there, fella. Now who's being violent?

[Thanks, Shane]

Australian AG Clark hesitant to pass R18+ rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Player banned from Dragon Age 2 forum 'accidentally' loses access to entire game

Randy Nelson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST

There are bans, and then there are bans. One user of BioWare's forums found himself facing one of the latter after having his account suspended for allegedly using inappropriate language in a post -- but instead of just keeping him from socializing temporarily, it prevented his PC copy of Dragon Age 2, purchased online, from running entirely.

EA has acknowledged that this actually happened to the affected user, but calls it an error. While it says it intended to temporarily ban the individual for violating the forum code of conduct, "there was an error in the system that accidentally suspended a user's entire account."

"Immediately upon learning of the glitch, EA took steps to restore the user's macro account and apologized for the inconvenience," the publisher told Joystiq. What it didn't say is what -- if any -- steps are being taken to prevent similar mega-bans from happening in the future.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Player banned from Dragon Age 2 forum 'accidentally' loses access to entire game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vietnam requests ISPs block gaming after 10PM

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST

Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communication wants internet service providers to pull the plug on online games from 10PM to 8AM (ICT) by March 3. The move follows increased gaming restrictions by the government, allegedly due to real-life crime originating from online games.

Deputy Minister Le Nam Thang said the government will continue to inspect online gaming nationwide and shut down ISPs that violate the request. So it's not an option. It's an order.

Vietnam requests ISPs block gaming after 10PM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Latest PS3 firmware update brings the bans for Black Ops hacks

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:50:00 EST

Dirty, dirty Black Ops cheaters that downloaded the new PS3 firmware, update 3.56, are finding out exactly what Sony meant when it said the patch would help bolster "security." A grip of consoles have been permanently banned from Black Ops multiplayer servers for hacking or cheating after their users installed the new firmware -- though some of the outspoken among the banned are contesting the presumption that they are cheaters on the game's official forums. (Which is like, the first thing you'd do if you were a dirty, dirty cheater.)

In a seemingly cooperative attack executed by two mortal enemies, firmware 3.56 joins last week's mandatory Xbox Live update, which also stopped pirated and modded copies of Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 in their tracks. Is Activision's cash cow so powerful that the publisher can request its own console updates at will? If that's the case, Activision: Would you please, please ask Sony to add cross-game chat?

Oh, and see if Microsoft will bring black the blades. We miss the blades.

Latest PS3 firmware update brings the bans for Black Ops hacks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's Toulouse explains why swastikas are banned on Xbox Live

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST

An Xbox Live user recently inquired to professional banhammer-wielder Stephen Toulouse whether or not he could use a swastika as his Call of Duty: Black Ops emblem, to which Toulouse responded, "No, of course you can't, we'll ban you." Apparently, this sparked quite a reaction from gamers who witnessed the exchange, who defended the use of a swastika as a symbol widely used throughout several Eastern religions. In a post on his personal blog, Toulouse explained why this argument doesn't hold much water with the Xbox Live moderation crew.

"Let's be clear: no educated human on the planet looks at the swastika symbol ... and says 'oh, that symbol has nothing at all in any way to do with global genocide of an entire race,'" Toulouse stated, "'and, even if it did, one should totally and reasonably ignore that because it's a symbol that was stolen or coop-ted from religions.'" He succinctly adds, "If you think the swastika symbol should be re-evaluated by societies all over the Earth, I think that's great. Your Xbox Live profile or in game logo, which doesn't have the context to explain your goal, is not the right place to do that."

We certainly know that every time we see someone use the swastika as their identifier on an online game, our first thought is, "Oh, how nice, they're pushing for a global re-evaluation of the meaning of the swastika." Like, that's just common sense, isn't it?

Microsoft's Toulouse explains why swastikas are banned on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transcripts from Supreme Court's violent game case available now

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST

You've read about the stakes, you've read about the procedure -- now it's time to read about exactly what went down in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Supreme Court earlier today, when representatives from the Entertainment Software Association and the state of California butted heads over the contentious Schwarzenegger v. EMA case. The Supreme Court's official website recently posted a complete transcript of the oral arguments from both parties -- you can pore over an embedded version of it below.

The 72-page document is quite a read -- we'll update this post periodically with highlights from the proceedings. Click past the jump for more!

Continue reading Transcripts from Supreme Court's violent game case available now

Transcripts from Supreme Court's violent game case available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Black Ops censored in Germany, Steam to block international versions

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:50:00 EST

Here's the latest installment in a tale as old as time -- according to German games site PCGames.de, the region will receive a censored version of Call of Duty: Black Ops. This time around, though, there's a new twist for people who were hoping to download and play a different country's version of the game on PC -- both downloaded and retail versions of the game have to be run through Steam for authorization before playing, and in Germany, Steam will only verify local versions of the title.

Seems like Germany's video game censorship policy is only getting more and more strict -- though that's good news for our pay-per-minute phone hotline, where German gamers can call in and listen to us describe our fully violent games. Those calls ... they get pretty weird.

Update: An Activision representative contacted us, explaining that German players will be able to activate the Austrian version of the game, but not the US/UK versions. The representative confirmed that the Austrian version is "unique," but could not comment as to whether or not it shares the German version's content cuts.

Report: Black Ops censored in Germany, Steam to block international versions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard bans over 5,000 StarCraft 2 cheaters

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You guys just couldn't listen, could you? You're way too cool to heed the warning issued by Blizzard a few weeks ago -- you know, the one that said that StarCraft 2 hackers and modders were about to feel the crushing blow of the permabanhammer? As you might have expected, that wasn't an idle threat. Blizzard recently announced on the game's official blog that it had banned "over 5,000 StarCraft 2 players who were in violation of the Battle.net Terms of Use for cheating and/or using hack programs while playing."

This group of unfortunate, unsportsmanlike souls won't be the only ones to suffer Blizzard's retribution, as the blog update explained, "maintaining a stable, safe, and secure online-gaming experience for legitimate players is a top priority for us, and we'll be continuing to keep watch on Battle.net and take action as needed." Keep it legit, friends -- we'd hate for you to join the ranks of the damned.

Blizzard bans over 5,000 StarCraft 2 cheaters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StarCraft 2 cheaters and hackers not long for this virtual world

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

It seems like it's becoming common practice for video game companies to warn their games' illicit players that trouble is swiftly approaching in their direction. Blizzard recently updated the official Starcraft 2 site with a warning, which explicitly states that if a player "is found to be cheating or using hacks or modifications in any form, then as outlined in our end user license agreement, that player can be permanently banned from the game." Like, forever. For-ev-er.

Later in the update, Blizzard warns "suspensions and bans of players that have used or start using cheats and hacks will begin in the near future." If you're guilty of exercising some dubious winning strategies, you might want to go ahead and put the kibosh on that ASAP -- provided it's not already too late.

StarCraft 2 cheaters and hackers not long for this virtual world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA Sports MMA won't be sold in Denmark because of energy drink law

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Let's play a quick game of "which of these two things is the craziest thing you've ever heard?" So, there's this Scandinavian law which prohibits any form of marketing for energy drinks, which EA Sports MMA (with its energy drink-branded fighter shorts and environments) would flagrantly violate. That's weird, right? Here's what's weirder: EA Sports has decided to cancel the game's release in the region outright to preserve the game's authenticity.

So, which is more bizarre? The fact that fans of dudefights living in Denmark won't be able to get their EA Sports MMA fix due to energy drink pants? Or the fact that EA Sports refuses to change the energy drink pants into Taco Bell pants because it would ruin the authenticity of the MMA experience? We're leaning towards the latter.

EA Sports MMA won't be sold in Denmark because of energy drink law originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft fires off salvo of Halo: Reach pirating permabans

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you were one of the ne'er-do-wells who thought downloading a leaked copy of Halo: Reach and then playing it online was a really, really great idea, you might have received a stern email from Microsoft like the one recently dug up by MaxConsole. The document informs these red-handed pirates that "your Xbox LIVE account privileges have been permanently suspended due to illegitimate prerelease title play."

Xbox Live Director of Policy and Executioner Stephen Toulouse commented on the bans on Twitter, explaining "as with all unauthorized play on Xbox LIVE, anyone playing any unauthorized title runs the risk of account permaban and console." In short, you do the crime, you pay the time. Wait, is "forever and ever" an actual measurement of time?

Microsoft fires off salvo of Halo: Reach pirating permabans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vietnamese government implements restrictions on online games

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Citing increased real-life criminal activity originating in the online space, the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communication has placed a number of tight restrictions on massively multiplayer titles. These include bans on any and all advertisements for online games, as well as regulations forcing ISPs to shut off service to gaming cafes and retailers after hours.

More drastic is the Ministry's decision to stop allowing any additional online games to come into the nation until further legislation on the matter can be considered. Man, that's harsh! Why can't they follow China's example, and just regulate the content of these games instead of -- oh, wait. Vietnam is doing that as well. Awesome.

Vietnamese government implements restrictions on online games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valve apologizes for banning over 12,000 legit Modern Warfare 2 players

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The anti-cheating software embedded in Valve's Steamworks platform recently took on a mind of its own, banning over 12,000 non-cheating Modern Warfare 2 players over the past two weeks. The cause for its insatiable ban lust? Valve president Gabe Newell explained in an email to those affected, "the problem was that Steam would fail a signature check between the disk version of a DLL and a latent memory version." See, we were just thinking that that had something to do with it.

Newell begged pardon for the erroneous bans, adding "this was our mistake, and I apologize for any frustration or angst it may have caused you." An apology and a swift reversal of the ban aren't all that these users will receive -- Newell promised a giftable copy of Left 4 Dead 2 to all those affected, as well as one copy for themselves, provided they don't already have it.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Valve apologizes for banning over 12,000 legit Modern Warfare 2 players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[Image Source]

If you were looking for a concise explanation of why you should care about the upcoming Supreme Court review of California's oft-defeated measure to outlaw the sale of "excessively" violent games to minors, look no further than the blog of EA's Jeff Green. Then again, you've probably heard his argument before: Films have the MPAA, and games have the ESRB. Why does Gov. Schwarzenegger think the first can be self-regulated, while the second must be restricted by state law?

Green worries that, should the law be reenacted, it could have "a chilling effect on the gaming industry as a whole," forcing developers to constantly second-guess the content that goes into their games. He encourages everyone who wants to voice their opinion on the bill to speak up on this ECA-penned petition.

EA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petition helps repeal violent game ban in Germany

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

German officials have sided with last year's now 73,000-person strong petition signed by citizens against a measure to outright ban violent games in the country. Officials announced that, rather than alter current legislation, the German government will focus on educating citizens about the country's USK game ratings standard, reports GamesIndustry.biz.

"The decision of the federal government supports our belief that banning video games is not an efficient way to monitor content," EA senior VP Jen Uwe Intat said of the decision; and he added, "Besides, now we can sell more 'pew-pew' titles in the country, so win-win -- y'know?" Okay, he didn't really say that second part.

Petition helps repeal violent game ban in Germany originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diablo 2, Warcraft 3 bans reach Icelandic proportions

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST

Blizzard, in preparation for the launch of StarCraft 2 and the new Battle.net framework, recently banned over 320,000 Diablo 2 and Warcraft 3 players that violated the company's Terms of Use by using hacks and third-party tools. According to a census taken earlier this year, there are currently 317,630 people living in Iceland. Let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that so many people play Blizzard's games, its moderators can ban more people than the entire population of the 175th largest country on the planet.

Folks from all corners of the world -- not just Icelanders -- who were found to be using illicit means of self-improvement while playing the two games had the CD key tied to the cheated game in question revoked for 30 days, while repeat offenders were banned permanently. It's not worth it, our dear readers! Keep it legit!

[Via WoW.com]

Diablo 2, Warcraft 3 bans reach Icelandic proportions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailer-backed pro-R18+ petition draws over 72K signatures in Australia

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:15:00 EST

[Destructoid]

Though new South Australian Attorney General John Rau seems to be straddling the fence on the prospect of introducing an R18+ rating for mature games in the land down under, a large force of gamers are attempting to pull him over to their side. A petition started by electronics retailer GAME six weeks ago has garnered over 72,000 signatures in support of the new rating, which would ostensibly reduce the number of games that are censored or outright banned in the region. EB Games and special interest group Grow Up Australia have started a similar petition, gathering over 46,000 signatures for the cause.

GAME plans to bring its petition before the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General meeting on May 7, though it's not certain that the R18+ issue will be on the agenda. If it is, however, the petition will be difficult to ignore -- according to GamePolitics' calculations, it's well on its way to becoming the largest petition in the nation's history.

Retailer-backed pro-R18+ petition draws over 72K signatures in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Australian AG backpedals on R+18 rating

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST

Remember those fuzzy, triumphant feelings we felt when new South Australian Attorney General John Rau supposedly voiced his unswerving support for adopting an R18+ rating for violent video games in the region? Yeah, those feelings have officially been depleted -- in a recent interview with GameSpot, Rau stated that he "can neither support nor wisely argue against a position if I am not aware of the relevant factors."

No, it's not like Rau's adopted the staunch anti-violent game stance of his predecessor, controversial AG Michael Atkinson. However, considering Gamers4Croydon president Chris Prior said Rau's stance on the issue was that it would be "just common sense to introduce" the mature rating to the territory, his actual, noncommittal stance is a little disappointing. We're not sure our delicate emotions can take much more of this back-and-forth.

[Via GamePolitics]

New Australian AG backpedals on R+18 rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Proposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST

Until very recently, there had been a massive void in our knowledge about the violent game-banning bill which was recently ratified by Switzerland's National Council. With language stating it would outlaw the sale of games featuring "cruel acts of violence against humans and human-like creatures for in-game success," we feared it would constitute a ban on, like, everything. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case -- Swiss politician Evi Allemann recently explained in an interview with Swiss news site 20 Minutes (via GamePolitics) that the bill would only affect around 12 "individual games" with extremely graphic content, such as Manhunt and Mortal Kombat.

Allemann commented that PEGI is "not enough," stating that Switzerland or even Europe needs its own body for video game ratings. Apparently, not everyone agrees -- the 20 Minutes article includes a link to a petition against the bill, as well as its adjoining measure which would outlaw the sale of PEGI 16 or 18 games to minors. We'd like to remind these petitioners that Swiss 16-year-olds can legally drink beer, so hey, let's not get greedy.

Proposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Proposal in Swiss government could ban violent games

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST

According to a report out of consonant-heavy Swiss gaming site GamesMarkt, Switzerland's parliament recently passed a law that could lead to an across the board ban on "violent" games being sold in the country. Apparently a proposal was inked last month that aimed to remove games which require "cruel acts of violence against humans and human-like creatures for in-game success" -- a proposal that has apparently been passed by the Swiss National Council.

Since the initial proposal has passed, it's said to now be up to the Swiss parliament exactly how the law is enacted. If you're a Swiss gamer interested in challenging the new law, we encourage you to contact local politicians, as GamesIndustry.biz points out that "citizens are able to challenge any new law passed by parliament if they can show sufficient opposition to it." Given the petitions we've seen some of you get into, we're hoping this one will be a no brainer.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

Proposal in Swiss government could ban violent games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aussie ratings board to discuss an R 18+ rating at April meeting

Mike Schramm — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST

A meeting in April might bring an end to the Australian video game bans that many gamers there believe to be overly repressive. Local Aussie website Adelaide Now says that the Australian National Classification Scheme could finally take a look at the ratings issue when it meets in April of this year. One widely-supported solution would be to establish an R 18+ classification for games over there -- currently, any games that don't match up to the MA 15+ rating are automatically banned, which leads to story after story of games that are rated for 18+ instead smashed with the banhammer down under.

The one spoiler is South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, who not only opposes the R 18+ rating, but hasn't gotten a very good impression of angry Australian gamers. He'll be at the meeting in April and will have veto power on any measures proposed, so unless he has a change of mind (or gamers who are organizing politically against Atkinson can oust him in an upcoming March election), the meeting in April could end in the same old disappointments for Australian gamers.

[Via GamePolitics]

Aussie ratings board to discuss an R 18+ rating at April meeting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NetEase approved to operate World of Warcraft in China

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST

Is it ... possible? Can it be? Has the seemingly endless struggle to get World of Warcraft back online in China finally ended? Digital East Asia reports that China's General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) has approved NetEase's request for a license to operate the game and its expansion pack, The Burning Crusade. The government body issued a statement saying NetEase "has taken necessary corrective measures" to address GAPP's issues with the game. (We're assuming a few more monsters got deskeleton-ized.)

Though Chinese WoW players should be able to get back to their regularly scheduled grinding soon, it's unlikely that they'll ever gain access to any of the game's future expansions. But ... that's okay. They don't really add anything cool to the game. Death Knights? Pssh. Werewolves? More like Snorewolves, right?

[Via Massively]

NetEase approved to operate World of Warcraft in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australia's Atkinson thinks gamers are scarier than biker gangs

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST

Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, also known as "that one guy responsible for preventing an R18+ rating from being adopted in the country," recently had some (unsurprisingly) inflammatory things to say about gaming enthusiasts during an interview with Good Game. "About two o' clock in the morning I got a threatening note from a gamer shoved under my door," Atkinson claimed. "I feel that my family and I are more at risk from gamers than we are from the outlaw motorcycle gangs who also hate me ... the outlaw motorcycle gangs haven't been hanging around my doorstep at 2 a.m.. A gamer has."

Well, yeah. We wish we could argue with that logic, but we just can't. It's rock solid. Except -- wait. Maybe the outlaw motorcycle gangs don't have the time to wait by your door at 2 a.m. because they're too busy perpetrating violent crimes and distributing meth? No, no -- that's just crazy talk.

[Via GoNintendo]

Australia's Atkinson thinks gamers are scarier than biker gangs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More retailers sign on in support of R18+ rating in Australia

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST

Most businesses enjoy exchanging goods and services for fungible assets, so it's not too shocking that Australian retailers are pulling for the nation to adopt an R18+ rating, which would cut down on the number of games the OFLC is forced to outright ban. Two retailers, GAME and Gametraders, recently spoke to GameSpot about their support of the new rating, and explained they'd be willing to adhere to surprisingly strict protocols in order to sell mature titles.

Both parties agreed to keep R18+ games in a special section of the store, which would be restricted to youngsters. Also, they stated they would package mature games in blank cases, so as not to offend the delicate sensibilities of nearby shoppers. That sounds a lot like that certain section of your local Blockbuster Video. You know, the one that only creeps go into? And occasionally, you see one of your old math teachers coming out of? And then you're forced into an awkward conversation with them while they desperately attempt to hide their naughty acquisition?

[Via GamePolitics]

More retailers sign on in support of R18+ rating in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Dante's Inferno not heading to the United Arab Emirates

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST

According to bilingual gaming news site GamesLatest, the store shelves of the United Arab Emirates won't be stocked with fresh copies of Dante's Inferno any time soon. Electronic Arts reportedly published a statement explaining the company "decided not to release Dante's Inferno in the Middle East after an evaluation process which is based on consumer tastes, preferences, platform mix and other factors."

It might also have something to do with the territory's hesitance to distribute games dealing with religious matter. As GamesLatest points out, both Darksiders and God of War were banned in the territory for their deity-rich plots. Then again, maybe the UAE Media Council just has something against impossibly gravelly voices. Either way, we've contacted EA to get first-hand confirmation of the report.

Gallery: Dante's Inferno (04-28-09)

Report: Dante's Inferno not heading to the United Arab Emirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Darksiders to never see the light in the UAE, kept 'under the table'

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:04:00 EST

With little explanation offered (alright, so, basically no explanation whatsoever), the United Arab Emirate states have reportedly banned the distribution and sale of THQ and Vigil's Darksiders: Wrath of War. According to UAE-based GamesLatest, the game was deemed to "contradict with the UAE's customs and traditions" -- a standard phrase used to near-universally describe banned games in the Middle Eastern states.

Unfortunately, that task of enforcing such a ban can be a mighty difficult one. Many retailers in the UAE simply order from wholesalers, bypassing importing laws altogether, and sell their games under the table (and untaxed, might we add). And then, of course, there's always the internet -- we hear you can buy stuff through it.

Gallery: Darksiders

[Via GamePolitics]

Report: Darksiders to never see the light in the UAE, kept 'under the table' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST

[Rondonia Digital]

Though Brazil is no stranger to banning video games, a recently proposed bill from Senator Valdir Raupp certainly seems pretty drastic. Raupp's bill, which was recently passed by the Education Commission of the Senate, and will now go to vote in the Committee on Constitution and Justice, seeks to "curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage [of] the video games that affect the customs [and] traditions of the people, their worship, creeds, religions and symbols."

According to Brazilian news site UOL, if the bill passes, folks caught violating the law could be subject to one to three years imprisonment. That's quite a bit of jail time to serve for just importing a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, dont'cha think?

[Via GamePolitics]

Brazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aion's banhammer system includes volcano-summoning rabbits

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST

As anyone who's ever played an MMORPG probably already knows, in-game gold sellers are a complete blight on the genre. Nothing is more disruptive to your personal, epic fantasy tale than frequent private messages informing you that "GOLD4CASH $5/500 $10/1200 $20/3000 buy now msg plz!!!!" That's why we were so pleased to hear that the GMs in Aion go above and beyond when it comes to banning these currency-hocking players from the game. They don't just suspend their accounts, you see -- they utterly decimate their avatars.

Check out the video after the jump to see the game's unique brand of justice-serving in action.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Aion's banhammer system includes volcano-summoning rabbits

Aion's banhammer system includes volcano-summoning rabbits originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST

In a statement released this morning by Rebellion's Jason Kingsley, concerning the Australian Classification Board's so-called "ban" of Rebellion's Aliens vs. Predator game, the CEO expressed his studio's disappointment with the board's ruling, but added, "as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults."

The subtle swipe at the Australian ratings system, which tops out at an MA15+ classification, turned into a full-on blow as Kingsley concluded, "We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."

Ouch! You feel that too, Germany? "It is for adults," Kingsley insisted of AvP, "and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent." Clearly, that's why PEGI assigned an 18-rating. Check out the box art for PAL territories that will release the game -- for adults -- come February 2010 worldwide:

Gallery: Aliens vs. Predator (2010): Packshots [PAL]

Rebellion won't release 'sanitized' AvP in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update]

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST

It may not have acid blood or infrared vision, but the Australian Classification Board has won its battle against Rebellion's upcoming Aliens vs. Predator game. "The game contains first-person perspective, close-up depictions of human characters being subjected to various types of violence, including explicit decapitation and dismemberment as well as locational damage such as stabbing through the chest, mouth, throat, or eyes," the board reports. Apparently, the game's excessive gore and violence exceeds the requirements for a MA15+ rating. Without an option for an R18+ rating, Aliens vs. Predator becomes the latest title to join the ever-growing list of essentially "banned" games in the territory.

Sega is left with two options should it want to pursue an Australian release: Attempt an appeal with the board, or censor the game's content to meet Australian standards. Should AvP follow in the footsteps of the edited Left 4 Dead 2, Australian gamers should get ready to be disappointed yet again.

Update: Rebellion responds. Oh snap!

Australian Classification Board vs. Aliens vs. Predator [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live moderators getting serious about Modern Warfare 2's Javelin glitch

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:15:00 EST

Oh, you think it's funny, making your virtual soldier explode with the force of a small supernova every time he gets killed? Yeah, we suppose it is. Know what else is funny? Getting banned from Xbox Live. Oh, wait, did we say funny? We meant really unpleasant. However, according to Xbox Live's Director of Policy and Enforcement, Stephen Toulouse, using Modern Warfare 2's Javelin glitch (an unsavory practice demoed in this video) is cheating, as defined by the service's Terms of Use. According to Toulouse, anyone caught self-detonating will be banned for 24 hours, or if caught repeatedly, two weeks.

For us honest folk, it seems the wait for a patch, which will cull the kamikaze epidemic, will be short. Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling tweeted yesterday that a fix is currently being tested, and, "once it's cleared, we'll be urging it through Microsoft & Sony certification as fast as possible." Keep the fire, troops. We can make it through this thing together.

Xbox Live moderators getting serious about Modern Warfare 2's Javelin glitch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft says it's 'well within legal rights' to ban consoles

Richard Mitchell — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

In response to a possible class action lawsuit resulting from a recent round of Xbox Live bans, Microsoft has now asserted the legality of its position. A spokesperson has told the Financial Post that piracy is a violation of the company's terms of use and that Microsoft is "well within its legal rights" to ban users from its Xbox Live.

It was reported earlier this month that the law firm AlbingtonIP is "investigating" the possibility of a class action lawsuit against Microsoft over the bans. The firm argues that timing of the bans -- shortly after the release of Halo 3: ODST and just prior to the launch of Modern Warfare 2 -- was designed to get as much money from Xbox Live subscriptions as possible. In other words, the firm believes that Microsoft personally waited for a time when many people -- modders in this case -- would be purchasing Live subscriptions for popular games -- money that probably wouldn't be refunded after a ban.

Joystiq's Law of the Game columnist, Mark Methenitis, classified the suit as a likely "cash grab," explaining that anyone savvy enough to mod an Xbox would know to stay well away from Xbox Live. We might add that major releases, like ODST and Modern Warfare 2, are the biggest targets for piracy, and likely correspond with rises in illegal downloads. And that just might have something to do with the timing of the bans in question.

[Via Kotaku]

Microsoft says it's 'well within legal rights' to ban consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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