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[Steam deletes games with 'Half-Life 3,' offensive content from Greenlight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/steam-deletes-games-with-half-life-3-offensive-content-from-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/steam-deletes-games-with-half-life-3-offensive-content-from-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/steam-deletes-games-with-half-life-3-offensive-content-from-g/#comments Steam deletes games with 'HalfLife 3,' offensive content from GreenlightSteam's Greenlight service allows anyone to upload a game idea for community vetting, no matter what stage of production it's in - including "not real." This is an issue Valve predicted, and it has started taking measures to ban games that are obviously fake, such as anything called "Half-Life 3," and those that are patently offensive, such as "Best WTC Plane Simulator."

The only way Greenlight will succeed in its intended purpose is if its users take it seriously, and unfortunately for Steam, "the users" are "the internet." We'll keep an eye on Greenlight's progress once the initial hubbub dies down.

This is why absolute freedom is a terrible idea, people. The rabble can't be trusted with such a liberated, unchecked service, and let's be honest, most of them need to be kept on a short government-dispersed leash. That in mind, check out our new game on Steam Greenlight, Freedom Sucks: Revenge of the Plutocrats.

JoystiqSteam deletes games with 'Half-Life 3,' offensive content from Greenlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbansgreenlighthalf-life-3macoffensivepcSTEAMsteam-greenlightvalveMon, 03 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/#comments ImageEA 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.

JoystiqEA 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbanbannedcontenteagamesoriginpcplayerssingle-playerupdateMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports: Banned Xbox 360s briefly allowed back on Xbox Live, promptly banned again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/banned-xbox-360s-briefly-allowed-back-on-xbox-live-promptly-ban/#comments Reports began swirling Tuesday evening that Xbox Live users with banned Xbox 360 consoles were able to reconnect to Microsoft's online service. Forum users across Xbox.com, Xbox-Scene and NeoGAF claimed to have reconnected banned consoles, though said consoles were unable to download content from Xbox Live, including Marketplace purchases and game updates. As of early this morning, however, Xbox-Scene users are reporting that previously banned consoles have been totally barred from Xbox Live once again.

It's unclear just what happened, though Xbox-Scene user DUBiSM noticed Tuesday afternoon that the Xbox Live status page (image above) noted that users could experience problems "creating new Xbox Live accounts, managing those accounts, or recovering an account on a different console." The message has since been changed to warn of Modern Warfare 2 phishing scams.

On Twitter, Xbox Live director of policy and enforcement Stephen Toulouse said that all banned consoles are still banned, adding, "you can't trust message boards." For the moment, it would appear that the alleged reconnections were a fluke, though still a fluke that deserves attention given the ongoing drama surrounding the recent attack on Sony's PlayStation Network. We've contacted Microsoft for further comment.

JoystiqReports: Banned Xbox 360s briefly allowed back on Xbox Live, promptly banned again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedhackershacksmicrosoftmoddersmodsxboxxbox-liveWed, 27 Apr 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move ad banned in UK for condoning 'violent behavior']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/playstation-move-ad-banned-in-uk-for-condoning-violent-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/playstation-move-ad-banned-in-uk-for-condoning-violent-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/playstation-move-ad-banned-in-uk-for-condoning-violent-behavior/#comments The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned an ad for Sony's Move (and, by association, The Fight: Light's Out) after receiving eight complaints. Brand Republic reports that the watchdog agency said the ad was likely to "condone or encourage violent behavior" and wasn't suitable for children's precious, innocent modern eyes.

Two of the complaints claimed the ad might condone racially motivated violence because the player is white and the man being tackled is "black." The ASA said the ad featured men of "slightly different skin tones," but wasn't likely to be interpreted as condoning racist violence.

The race card may have been difficult to play on this ad (especially when compared to the infamous Dutch white PSP campaign), but the ASA has been concerned about violence in ads for quite some time. Previous kerfuffles had to do with violent imagery in ads for Kane & Lynch and Condemned 2.

JoystiqPlayStation Move ad banned in UK for condoning 'violent behavior' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advertising-Standards-AuthorityASAbannedBritainMoveplaystationps3The-FightThe-Fight-Lights-OutUKWed, 22 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 banned in United Arab Emirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mafia-2-banned-in-united-arab-emirates/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to a report from ME Gamers, the United Arab Emirates National Media Council has officially banned the sale of Mafia 2 within its borders. No statement has been formally issued by the NMC regarding the ban, though a report from Arabian Business (via Gamasutra) cites "excessive violence and nudity contained in the game."

Mafia 2 joins a laundry list of other titles deemed inappropriate by the UAE's media governance body, including this year's Heavy Rain and Darksiders. That said, reports in the past have pointed out the relative ease with which UAE residents can still pick up various "banned" games.

Mafia 2 has been criticized by UNICO National, an Italian American organization, as a "pile of racist nonsense." The game was also criticized by Joystiq for forcing us to spend "way too much time in shallow block-counter-repeat fistfights or behind the wheel of a clunky automobile."

JoystiqMafia 2 banned in United Arab Emirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-czechbannedMafia-2microsoftnational-media-councilpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactiveuaeunited-arab-emiratesxboxTue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aussie ratings board to discuss an R 18+ rating at April meeting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/aussie-ratings-board-to-discuss-an-r-18-rating-at-april-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/aussie-ratings-board-to-discuss-an-r-18-rating-at-april-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/aussie-ratings-board-to-discuss-an-r-18-rating-at-april-meeting/#comments 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]

JoystiqAussie 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adelaide-nowattorney-generalaustraliaaustralian-national-classification-schemebanbannedgamepoliticsm15ma15michael-atkinsonr18ratingssouth-australiasouth-australian-attorney-general-michael-atkinsonThu, 04 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Firm considers class action over Xbox Live bannings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/firm-considers-class-action-over-xbox-live-bannings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/firm-considers-class-action-over-xbox-live-bannings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/firm-considers-class-action-over-xbox-live-bannings/#comments Boutique law firm AbingtonIP is "investigating" what it considers the "convenient" recent Xbox Live bannings. The firm posits that the "tens of thousands" of banned Xbox Live subscribers who used modded consoles deserve recompense due to the timing of the action. The firm believes that said timing -- i.e., after Halo 3: ODST and shortly before Modern Warfare 2's releases -- was executed to net Microsoft as much money as possible out of potential Xbox Live subscribers before banning the modded devices. The class action lawsuit would attempt to obtain a refund for the prorated sums left on the banned Xbox Live subscriptions.

According to Joystiq legal columnist Mark Methenitis' analysis: "To me, this certainly sounds a lot like a cash grab directed at a company with deep pockets, but perhaps there are more facts than they are letting on." He explains that a user savvy enough to have a modded console would also know not to connect it to Live without "serious risk." Methenitis concludes, "If, in fact, Microsoft is inducing people to buy a service only to terminate them, then there's certainly a deceptive business practice concern. But this seems far more cut and dry than that."

[Thanks, C. Carl Carlston]

JoystiqFirm considers class action over Xbox Live bannings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abingtonipbannedbanningclass-actionlawlawsuitmark-methenitisMicrosoftxblXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-banningsThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[L4D2 rated in other violence sensitive regions, Valve appeals Aussie ban]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/l4d2-rated-in-other-violence-sensitive-regions-valve-appeals-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/l4d2-rated-in-other-violence-sensitive-regions-valve-appeals-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/l4d2-rated-in-other-violence-sensitive-regions-valve-appeals-au/#comments
In the wake of its Australian "banning," Valve has seen fit to send out an update of Left 4 Dead 2's ratings across this zombie smorgasbord we call a planet. We knew that Valve was "bummed" about the ban, but the letter that the company sent out could be interpreted as it saying, "Hey, wait up, places like Germany and Japan gave us '18+' ratings ... and you know how sensitive they are about violence."

Valve is still awaiting a rating in the UK (BBFC) and New Zealand, and submitted its appeal regarding Left 4 Dead 2's non-classified status in the land down under on September 23. With any luck, Aussies will be able to play the game -- with some edits, perhaps -- when the zombie sequel launches November 17.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2


JoystiqL4D2 rated in other violence sensitive regions, Valve appeals Aussie ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabannedfalseleft-4-dead-2MicrosoftoflcvalveXbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risen banned in Australia for incentivizing sex and drugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/risen-banned-in-australia-over-incentivizing-sex-and-drugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/risen-banned-in-australia-over-incentivizing-sex-and-drugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/risen-banned-in-australia-over-incentivizing-sex-and-drugs/#comments RPG Risen has been refused classification by Australia's OFLC, meaning it can't be sold at retail on the continent. Kotaku was informed by the game's Aussie distributor that the board was concerned by "sexual activity and drug use related to incentives or rewards." Ignore the fact that both of those concepts are directly related to teaching children how to succeed in business.

Why are we talking about children? Well, it's because Australia only rates games that are appropriate for children 15-years-old and younger. The US's ESRB summary of Risen notes that sex is implied but never depicted, while "wood reefer" can be bought, sold and used. That sounds a lot like high school.

JoystiqRisen banned in Australia for incentivizing sex and drugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabannedMicrosoftoflcpoliticsrisenXbox-360Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW.com: June 23-30, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-best-of-wow-com-june-23-30-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-best-of-wow-com-june-23-30-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/the-best-of-wow-com-june-23-30-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


See that shocked look on Thrall's face above? That guy's the leader of the Horde, and he just read (on WoW.com, of course) that for the first time, players of World of Warcraft will be able to switch their factions -- players will be able to leave his Horde, and those dirty Alliance might come to his side. No wonder he's so shocked. That story and more in this week's most popular posts from Joystiq's Azeroth-obsessed sister site.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW.com: June 23-30, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbest-ofchangesexodusfaction-changesguildjoystiqpatchpatch-3.2ptrpublic-test-realmpunishedroundupsuspensionupdatesworld-of-warcraftwow.comyogg-saronWed, 01 Jul 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony pulls Killzone 2 ads in Toronto following complaints [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/sony-pulls-killzone-2-ads-in-toronto-following-complaints/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/sony-pulls-killzone-2-ads-in-toronto-following-complaints/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/12/sony-pulls-killzone-2-ads-in-toronto-following-complaints/#comments
PlayStation Canada has decided to pull about 300 bus shelter Killzone 2 ads throughout the Greater Toronto Area ahead of schedule following a string of complaints by parents regarding the violent imagery. Davis Mirza, a 4/5 grade teacher, contacted Sony Canada when he noticed one such ad on display at a bus shelter near his Scarborough school.

Mirza told The Toronto Star that ads of such a violent nature do not "help promote any kind of community renewal or even responsibility." Kyle Moffatt, public relations specialist for Sony Computer Entertainment Canada, said the entire bus shelter campaign would be pulled, telling Joystiq the campaign was set to expire soon but the company has decided to "speed up the process."

Moffatt told The Star, PlayStation would establish an off-limits radius around schools for any future, related promotional material. As for the trip to and from school, maybe parents should invest in blindfolds to shield their children from violent images of glowing orange eyes ... we eagerly await Killzone 2 branded innocence protectors.

Update: Kyle Moffatt's position is public relations specialist at Sony Computer Entertainment Canada, not Sony Canada as originally listed.

JoystiqSony pulls Killzone 2 ads in Toronto following complaints [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementbannedkillzone-2Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ASA bans misleading Xbox 360 video rental service ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/asa-bans-misleading-xbox-360-video-rental-service-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/asa-bans-misleading-xbox-360-video-rental-service-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/asa-bans-misleading-xbox-360-video-rental-service-ad/#comments
UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has struck an advertisement for Xbox 360's video download service with the ban hammer because it did not disclose the expiration time frame of Video Marketplace content.

The ASA investigated the advert after receiving a complaint that it did not specify Microsoft's actual policy on video rentals, which states that rentals will become unwatchable 24 hours after initial viewing or 14 days after purchase. The ASA concluded that "new users could be influenced to purchase" with the belief that they would own the right to watch the film at any time.

According to Webuser, Microsoft argues the brief television spot did not allow enough time to detail the entire Video Marketplace policy, but the ASA maintains the service has "significant conditions" that must be disclosed to consumers. It's true, gamers, you really don't own anything you put into your Xbox 360 console. Cracking it open will only reveal a stack of digital IOU's.

[Image]

JoystiqASA bans misleading Xbox 360 video rental service ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingadvertising-standards-authorityasabannedukvideo-marketplaceWed, 11 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 not releasing in Germany, Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/gears-of-war-2-banned-in-germany-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/gears-of-war-2-banned-in-germany-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/gears-of-war-2-banned-in-germany-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,


Microsoft has confirmed that Gears of War 2 will be "banned" in Germany and won't release in Japan. Per standard operating procedures in these situations, the title was refused a rating in Germany, which means it cannot be sold in the country. The news isn't exactly shocking considering the original Gears of War was also verboten in Deutchland.

The Germany ban was expected, but lack of Japanese release is a little surprising. It could have been the violence was just too over-the-top for the ratings board there -- even with the game's optional gore and language filter.

Update: We're not exactly clear on the Japan situation. We've contacted Microsoft to find out if the game was refused classification or wasn't even submitted for a rating. Microsoft responded to our request stating: "We have no announcements to make about Gears of War 2 releasing in Japan at this time."

[Via X3F]

JoystiqGears of War 2 not releasing in Germany, Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbanningcensorcensoredcensorshipepicgears-of-war-2germanyjapanXbox-360Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thailand's GTA IV distributor pulls game following murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/thailands-gta-iv-distributor-pulls-game-following-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/thailands-gta-iv-distributor-pulls-game-following-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/thailands-gta-iv-distributor-pulls-game-following-murder/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Grand Theft Auto IV's Thailand distributor, New Era Interactive Media, is asking retailers to pull the title after an 18-year-old said he was inspired by the game to rob and murder a 54-year-old cab driver. According to police investigator Veeravit Pipattanasak (via Reuters), the young man wanted to find out if it was as easy to rob a taxi in real life as it was in the game. After the cab driver fought back, the young man stabbed him to death.

Thailand's Culture Ministry plans to use the incident as an opportunity to try and regulate violent video games. As for the 18-year-old, if found guilty, he faces the possibility of lethal injection as punishment for the murder.

[Via GI.biz]

JoystiqThailand's GTA IV distributor pulls game following murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbbcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivPS3thailandXbox-360Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[England, Wales prisoners lose access to 18-rated games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/england-wales-prisoners-lose-access-to-18-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/england-wales-prisoners-lose-access-to-18-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/25/england-wales-prisoners-lose-access-to-18-rated-games/#commentsFiled under:


The Prison Service in England and Wales will not allow prisoners to play 18-rated games after September 30. The BBC reports that well-behaved residents and those at risk of suicide will still be allowed to play games -- we hope the suicide folks aren't playing Persona.

The government apparently spent £10k ($19,763 USD) last year on consoles and games for inmates. Effective immediately, inmates will have to buy their own consoles and games. Those who can't afford the video game distraction are sure to occupy their time with more constructive ventures ... like shiv production.

[Via GI.biz]

JoystiqEngland, Wales prisoners lose access to 18-rated games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbarredbritainjailprisonprison-serviceukwalesFri, 25 Jul 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 ad banned for touting backwards compatibility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ad-touting-ps3-backwards-compatibility-banned-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ad-touting-ps3-backwards-compatibility-banned-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/ad-touting-ps3-backwards-compatibility-banned-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: ,


A television advertisement created by UK retailer PC World promoting the PS3 has been yanked from the airwaves. GI.biz reports the Advertising Standards Authority found the ad "misleading" because it claimed the PS3 could play all PS2 games. PC World retorted that the system can play a significant amount of PS2 titles -- and lost.

Now, if only 26 complaints can get the ASA to ban a Kane & Lynch poster, we can only imagine how many rabid fanboys it took to ban this "misleading" ad. We've been unable to find a version of the commercial online, but if anybody finds it, we'll give thanks and place it after the break.

JoystiqPS3 ad banned for touting backwards compatibility originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asabannedPS3ukWed, 07 May 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stranglehold ad gets choked off UK airwaves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/stranglehold-ad-gets-choked-off-uk-airwaves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/stranglehold-ad-gets-choked-off-uk-airwaves/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/stranglehold-ad-gets-choked-off-uk-airwaves/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has banned the ad for John Woo Presents: Stranglehold from the airwaves, citing the ad could be seen as "encouraging and condoning violence." GI.biz reports that Midway believes the ad was edited in a way that it would show no blood or gore. Considering there's no negotiation on the matter, it's time for Midway to go back to the editing room.

The ASA has been rather comical in its banning practices whenever they pop up on the gaming radar. Last year the ASA banned an old Xbox 360 ad depicting people doing stunts and driving recklessly despite the ad clearly stating: "Dramatisation. Professional stunt. Do not attempt." We can't wait to see what ad the ASA decides to ban next by throwing darts blindfolded at an index card covered wall.

JoystiqStranglehold ad gets choked off UK airwaves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsbannedmidwayPCPS3strangleholdukXbox-360Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese planes ban Wi-Fi gaming systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/japanese-planes-ban-wireless-gaming-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/japanese-planes-ban-wireless-gaming-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/japanese-planes-ban-wireless-gaming-systems/#commentsFiled under: , ,


According to The Hollywood Reporter, Japanese airplanes no longer allow gaming systems with wireless functions to be played on board. The revised law went into effect Monday and passengers are asked to not play systems like the Nintendo DS. Apparently Japan's transport ministry concluded the "electromagnetic waves emitted by the consoles have the ability to interfere with aircraft navigation systems and other devices."

Passengers are still allowed to use game systems that don't have wireless communications functions, so hopefully you didn't throw out that GBA yet. Wireless computer mouses and headphones not provided by the airlines are also banned now. No word yet if American planes will implement similar rules, but if they do they'd better drop the cost of liquor 'cause we'll be damned if we're actually going to start reading on flights.

JoystiqJapanese planes ban Wi-Fi gaming systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlinesbannedDSjapanPSPTue, 02 Oct 2007 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Banning Manhunt 2 impossible in the Netherlands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/banning-manhunt-2-impossible-in-the-netherlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/banning-manhunt-2-impossible-in-the-netherlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/banning-manhunt-2-impossible-in-the-netherlands/#commentsFiled under:

European gamers hoping to play Manhunt 2 should call their Dutch friends, because if the game's coming out anywhere in Europe, it'll be there. This isn't because the Dutch government loves their games murdery, but because there's no legal way to prevent the game's sale. They can, however, prosecute people under 16 for buying or playing it.

This doesn't mean that the Netherlands will get an uncut version of the game, or any version at all. It's up to Rockstar to decide if it's worth the trouble to release a different version of the game. At this point, with Manhunt 2 effectively banned in Germany and the UK, there's some question as to whether they'll release it anywhere in Europe in any form.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqBanning Manhunt 2 impossible in the Netherlands originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedmanhunt2netherlandsrockstarFri, 31 Aug 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: The Darkness is the banned in Singapore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/rumor-the-darkness-is-the-banned-in-singapore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/rumor-the-darkness-is-the-banned-in-singapore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/02/rumor-the-darkness-is-the-banned-in-singapore/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A Singapore based game website says The Darkness is banned in that country. They report that the "distributor responsible for bringing in games from 2K" says the title has been officially banned for "excessive violence." The same website reports that another 2K game, BioShock, is also on the chopping block.

We can semi-understand the whole Manhunt 2 saga, we're even on board with some of Germany's issues causing The Darkness to be delayed there for a month, but why did Singapore pick The Darkness when there are plenty of violent games out there to ban? We'll admit that we aren't on top of our Singapore game banning rules, so we don't know what major issues they found offense to. Maybe it was the ever-present heart eating mechanic? Although, The Darkness' heart eating mechanic isn't offensive because of the gore, it's more offensive that it's such a tedious task that needs to be performed on every ... single ... body. There wasn't a more efficient way to make that concept work? The whole process seems tacked on for shock value ... ohhhhh, now we get it.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqRumor: The Darkness is the banned in Singapore originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedPS3singaporethe darknessTheDarknessXbox-360Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout Dominator ad pulled for 'encouraging violence']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/burnout-dominator-ad-pulled-for-encouraging-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/burnout-dominator-ad-pulled-for-encouraging-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/burnout-dominator-ad-pulled-for-encouraging-violence/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The above ad for Burnout Dominator -- depicting a crashed vehicle and a burning tire -- was pulled from London subway stations after the UK's Advertising Standards Authority received 37 complaints that the ad appeared to encourage violence, dangerous driving, and vandalism. Though Electronic Arts argued that the focus was on the game since the advertisement (we're saying that the British way) did not show people, just the mangled wreckage of your virtual accomplishments, the ASA nevertheless called the ad "irresponsible." Poe-tay-toe, poe-tah-toe. Ad-ver-tize-ment, ad-ver-tis-ment.

[Thanks, Vince]

JoystiqBurnout Dominator ad pulled for 'encouraging violence' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedburnoutburnoutdominatorEAElectronic-ArtsPS2UKWed, 27 Jun 2007 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NIMF hails Manhunt 2 rating as 'victory' for parents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nimf-hails-manhunt-2-rating-as-victory-for-parents/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nimf-hails-manhunt-2-rating-as-victory-for-parents/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nimf-hails-manhunt-2-rating-as-victory-for-parents/#commentsFiled under:


The National Institute on Media and Family, an advocacy group that tasks itself with monitoring media for content they deem dangerous to children, is pleased with the ESRB's decision to rate Manhunt 2 as AO. They have previously criticized the ESRB for their lack of use of the Adults Only rating in their 2005 Video Game Report Card.

In their statement, the NIMF said "Hopefully Take-Two has learned from its Manhunt 2 experience and will undertake preventive measures to ensure its future games, including Grand Theft Auto IV, are appropriate for families and gamers." Does that sound like a threat to anyone else?

The fact that the AO rating basically bans the game isn't directly mentioned, but we think that might have something to do with their advocacy of its use. But since the game can no longer be released in its original form, the only "victory" here is for censors, which the NIMF explicitly claims not to be.

JoystiqNIMF hails Manhunt 2 rating as 'victory' for parents originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultsaobanbannedesrbmanhunt2nimfnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiratingrockstarwiiMon, 25 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 banned by UK ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/manhunt-2-banned-by-uk-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/manhunt-2-banned-by-uk-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/manhunt-2-banned-by-uk-ratings-board/#commentsFiled under:


Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 is now illegal to supply, according to the British Board of Film Classification due to its extreme violent content. David Cooke, the BBFC's director, said that they were unable to suggest changes that would make the game sufficient for release. "There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game," he said.

Paul Jackson of the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association said that this decision "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective." To editorialize a bit, we couldn't disagree more; ratings systems are designed to prevent censorship by ensuring that material goes to the proper age groups only.

JoystiqManhunt 2 banned by UK ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbannedmanhuntmanhunt2nintendoratingsrockstarwiiTue, 19 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live update hurts online roster sharing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/xbox-live-update-hurts-online-roster-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/xbox-live-update-hurts-online-roster-sharing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/xbox-live-update-hurts-online-roster-sharing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Innocent bystanders get hurt in every war. In Microsoft's war on online cheating, those victims are sports game fans that make and share customized rosters online.

5WG did some digging and found that the latest Microsoft dashboard update stealthily disables hundreds of customized rosters that are shared on unofficial sites like 360gamesaves. Apparently, the new update checks all save files against a list of banned system IDs extracted from sharing sites. Files from banned systems will not work on other systems.

Why does Microsoft care whose save files you use on your machine? We can only assume the move is an effort to stop players from getting Achievements without earning them by using downloaded save files. This is somewhat understandable -- Achievements are good for both bragging rights and real freebies, and it's important to keep that playing field level.

The side effect, though, is the destruction of a small but vibrant community of players using these game saves to extend the value of their sports games. As 5WG points out, "there's no cheat here: just a group of people giving back to the community for little or no compensation."

Hopefully Microsoft will come up with a solution that protects their Achievement system and allows for a healthy roster trading community at the same time.

[Via ArsTechnica]

JoystiqXbox Live update hurts online roster sharing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banneddashboardfilerostersavesharingsportsupdateXboxXbox-360Wed, 16 May 2007 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Brits ban 'old' Xbox 360 commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/brits-ban-old-xbox-360-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/brits-ban-old-xbox-360-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/brits-ban-old-xbox-360-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The same Xbox 360 commercial we posted last November improbably showing the release date for Halo 3 has been banned in England. The Advertising Standards Agency says the advertisement "could be seen to condone dangerous driving," despite the prominent text stating "Dramatisation. Professional stunt. Do not attempt." Apparently ad agency McCann Erickson worked closely with the ASA and were given clearance to run the ad after 9 PM. The ASA decided to ban the ad anyway stating it "reinforced the sense that the events were real, rather than fantasy, and were therefore capable of being copied." Sorry England, looks like you're just going to have to watch the ad over, and over, and over again here on Joystiq ... what a shame.

The Reuters story doesn't say how long the advertisement was in circulation, but like we said, it's been on our radar since last November. If it's been in rotation in England since that time, bless the ASA, they just gave that little commercial a second life through controversy. This isn't the first time we've seen this sort of odd behavior. Boston's transit authority banned ads for M rated games after a minor Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories controversy. The thing was that nobody raised a fuss a year prior when Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories ads were all over the same system.

JoystiqBrits ban 'old' Xbox 360 commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asabannedbritaincommericalenglandhot coffeeHotCoffeemccann ericksonukxboxXbox-360Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 barred from UK prisons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/playstation-3-barred-from-uk-prisons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/playstation-3-barred-from-uk-prisons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/playstation-3-barred-from-uk-prisons/#commentsFiled under: ,

British prison just got a whole lot more hostile as prisoners are barred from having PS3s. Home Secretary John Reid banned the console because it can "send and receive radio signals." Of course, Britain loves the PS3 more than any other console, so it makes sense to only ban the PS3 and not the Wii, DS or PSP, which also have Wi-Fi. Spending a little extra the Xbox 360 can add the capability as well.

It's so sad when felons have things snatched from them. We now wait to see if other consoles who use "radio signals" will also be banned from British prisons or if it's all just PlayStation hate. It must be nice to have a prison system where an issue like this comes up. In an American prison someone would file the Sixaxis into a shiv and motion control that into a fellow prisoner's soft parts.

[via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqPlayStation 3 barred from UK prisons originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bannedbarredbritainenglandplaystation 3Playstation3prisonps3Sat, 31 Mar 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Nelson banned from XBL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/15/major-nelson-banned-from-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/15/major-nelson-banned-from-xbl/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/15/major-nelson-banned-from-xbl/#commentsFiled under: ,

No, he wasn't yelling about chocolate milk.

[Thanks Nick]

JoystiqMajor Nelson banned from XBL originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jul 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbannedfanslivetrash talkTrashTalkxblSat, 15 Jul 2006 16:30:00 EST