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[Another used games retailer in Florida is selling their business on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/another-used-games-retailer-in-florida-is-selling-their-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/another-used-games-retailer-in-florida-is-selling-their-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/another-used-games-retailer-in-florida-is-selling-their-business/#comments Another used games retailer in Florida is selling their business on eBayRemember a couple weeks ago, when Shane Butcher tried to sell his entire material life on eBay, including the chain of games resale shops he owns? Well, it turns out no one took him up on his $3.5 million "American dream," but that hasn't stopped the owner of a competing chain of Florida resale shops from deciding to do the same thing.

Rather than selling an entire life's worth of cars and property along with the stores, "Buddy and Dave" will only be selling the three existing Gamers HQ locations in Belleview, Inverness and Gainesville, Florida for a cool $2.6 million. All three locations are profitable and have been since day one, according to the eBay listing.

Both Buddy and Dave will stay on as consultants for three months after purchase, with an option to help open a fourth location that is already in the planning stages. Additionally, 10 percent of the listing's final sale price will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "This business succeeds thanks to children and giving back to them will be our first step if sold," reads the listing.

The chain of stores reportedly makes over $400,000 a year and prospective new owners can expect to earn a monthly take-home income of around $4,000, but if you can afford to spend $2.6 million on something, you're probably earning more than 50 grand a year anyway.

JoystiqAnother used games retailer in Florida is selling their business on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionebayfloridaGamers-HQretailersalesSat, 01 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ModernWarfare3.com owner outed by GoDaddy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/modernwarfare3-com-owner-outed-by-godaddy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/modernwarfare3-com-owner-outed-by-godaddy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/modernwarfare3-com-owner-outed-by-godaddy/#comments
Miami, Florida resident Anthony Abraham has been sitting on a very valuable URL for approximately two and a half years at this point. And though he'd hidden his identity through his URL registrant, GoDaddy.com, via its "Domains By Proxy" hiding service, a domain dispute from Modern Warfare 3 publisher Activision dissolved that shield this past weekend. Abraham is the owner of ModernWarfare3.com who has been seemingly trolling Activision for days now.

The publisher filed a domain-name dispute with the National Arbitration Forum, claiming that the site owner violates Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy. Rather than stand by Abraham, GoDaddy instead lifted the electronic shroud hiding the URL registrant's name, opening him up to direct contact with Activision (and by extension, we imagine, Activision's legal team).

Currently, the ModernWarfare3.com URL brings up nothing more than an error, though over the weekend it redirected to both Battlefield 3's main site as well as a spoof site lampooning Modern Warfare 3 (featuring the video seen above) Activision has yet to publicly comment on Mr. Abraham's actions, instead choosing to let its UDRP complaint act as representation. The publisher believes Abraham "has no right or legitimate interest in the Domain Name," and argues that it's entitled to control given its history with the Modern Warfare IP.

JoystiqModernWarfare3.com owner outed by GoDaddy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanthony-abrahambattlefield-3call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3floridagodaddylegalmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3modernwarfare3.compcplaystationps3urlxboxTue, 19 Jul 2011 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ignition Florida shutting its doors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/report-ignition-florida-shutting-its-doors/#comments More trouble for Ignition Entertainment -- after the recent closure of its London studio and the subsequent cancellation of WarDevil, it looks like Reich is headed for the same fate, as the company's Florida studio is now closed, according to a report from Gamasutra. Unconfirmed reports say that all of the studio's 70 employees were let go by the company and escorted off of the premises by executives and police officers. Calls to the studio went unanswered, although a rep from Ignition says that Reich is still being worked on, but that the company is "refocusing it in the right direction."

If the rumors are true, that just leaves Ignition offices in Tokyo and Los Angeles, with El Shaddai left standing as the main title in development for the company. Even if Reich is still in development, rumors say it's cost the company as much as $23 million so far. Quite the disaster indeed.

JoystiqReport: Ignition Florida shutting its doors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>El-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronfloridaignitionignition-entertainmentlondonlos-angelesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tokyoxboxWed, 03 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the 'vue' at this Florida Ritz-Carlton resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/check-out-the-vue-at-this-florida-ritz-carlton-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/check-out-the-vue-at-this-florida-ritz-carlton-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/check-out-the-vue-at-this-florida-ritz-carlton-resort/#comments With airport security so unpredictable these days, it's just not safe to travel with your consoles anymore. So why travel at all? It's a question that The Ritz-Carlton resort in Naples, Fla. has tried to answer with the introduction of its new "vue."

That's right -- it would seem that the "dazzling" views of the Gulf of Mexico just aren't engaging enough for today's vacationer, so the hotel has constructed a "virtual user experience." That's marketing-speak for "really jazzy living room." Pictured above, you'll spot the room's setup of LCDs wired to Wiis, PS3s and Xbox 360s, along with some iMacs in the center (not known for gaming, but they sure look swell.)

We know it's a little awkward to share your "living room" with complete strangers, but after a few heavy cocktails, who isn't down for a wicked Rock Band sesh with that one couple's only child, who happens to be allergic to the sun? Hmmm ... on second thought, maybe a "staycation" does better suit your budget this year.

Gallery: VUE at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Fla.

JoystiqCheck out the 'vue' at this Florida Ritz-Carlton resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridahotelMicrosoftnaplesNintendoresortritz-carltonvisual-user-experiencevueWiiXbox-360Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida legislature passes bill for better digital tax breaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/#comments
 Though the peninsular state of Florida plays host to a handful of video game companies, including EA Tiburon and Alienware, it's not really a hotbed of ludological movers and shakers. The state's governing bodies are looking to change that with a recently passed bill which will increase tax cuts on film, television and digital media (see: video game) production from 15 percent to 20 percent.

Our favorite part about the bill, however, is that it awards an additional 5 percent break to film studios who produce movies during hurricane season. We wish this rule applied to game developers as well. "Okay, guys, we know we set a launch date of Spring 2011, but it's officially crunch time, because our studio doesn't have a roof anymore."

JoystiqFlorida legislature passes bill for better digital tax breaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredigital-mediaea-tiburonfloridapoliticstax-breakstax-cuttaxesThu, 08 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Police catch 360 thief thanks to RRoD return]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/police-catch-360-thief-thanks-to-rrod-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/police-catch-360-thief-thanks-to-rrod-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/police-catch-360-thief-thanks-to-rrod-return/#comments Ah, the Red Ring of Death. Most cursed malady of this console generation, maligned by the casual and the hardcore alike! But for all the frustration the Xbox 360's three lights of crimson chaos have caused, here's a little good: If it weren't for a certain RRoD in Florida, one Michael Dunbar would never have been brought to justice. Dunbar was accused of stealing the console and pawning it off to a shop, but without the serial number, police told the victim that they couldn't bring him in. Fortunately, the victim's grandmother suddenly remembered she'd sent the system in for an RRoD, and a phone call to Microsoft later, they got a serial number, Dunbar was arrested by the police, and we assume the console was returned to its rightful owner.

Little consolation, we're sure, for the eight painful weeks you had to wait while your Xbox was sent back to Microsoft for repairs (two separate breakdowns for me personally). But it's good to hear that someone somewhere has been helped by Microsoft's RRoD exchange process.

JoystiqPolice catch 360 thief thanks to RRoD return originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakfloridagrandmothermichael-dunbarmicrosoftred-ring-of-deathreturnrrodserial-numbertheftthiefvictimxbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Man forced by kidnappers to purchase a PlayStation 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/man-forced-by-kidnappers-to-purchase-a-playstation-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/man-forced-by-kidnappers-to-purchase-a-playstation-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/man-forced-by-kidnappers-to-purchase-a-playstation-3/#comments You can tell the recession is dramatically affecting folks all over the United States when stories about kidnappers forcing their detainee to buy them gaming consoles arise. That's exactly what Kyle Yarkosky is alleging that David Daniels and another unnamed suspect did to him, after forcing him at gunpoint into their vehicle, having him steal his stepfather's credit card, and then drive to the local Walmart where they made him buy them a PlayStation 3.

Naples News reports that the suspected assailants entered the Pebblebrooke Lakes gated community in a white truck, with Yarkosky following behind on foot, said to be headed to "meet a friend." Instead, the truck allegedly stopped, with Daniels and "an Asian-looking man" exiting and ordering Yarkosky into their vehicle. The two suspects are said to have forced Yarkosky to steal his stepfather's credit card and drive to a local Walmart, where Daniels intended on having a gun purchased. When the gun counter was closed, he then requested Yarkosky purchase a PlayStation 3. According to reports, Daniels then told Yarkosky he was "free to go," thus ending the ordeal.

[Thanks Kreyg!]

JoystiqMan forced by kidnappers to purchase a PlayStation 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collier-countycrimedavid-danielseconomyfloridakidnappingkyle-yarkoskynaples-newsrecessionrobberytheftTheFlamingLipsWal-Mart StoresWal-martStoreswalmart adWalmartAdSat, 14 Nov 2009 11:30:00 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[Florida fugitive apprehended after attempting to steal DS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/#comments
 A loss prevention specialist in a Florida Wal-Mart bagged themselves quite the trophy shoplifter this past week -- a fugitive named Daniel Larson, who was wanted for violating probation after a 2006 armed robbery charge. After being arrested and charged with larceny earlier in the month, he was released after presenting authorities with a fake I.D., and was placed on top of the Cape Coral, FL "Most Wanted" list.

His illicitly acquired freedom came to a sudden halt following his attempt to shoplift $120 worth of Nintendo DS titles from a local Wal-Mart. A loss prevention officer noticed the odd, rectangular shapes jutting out of his pants, and subdued him until authorities arrived. During police questioning, Larson claimed he was stealing the games to support his heroin addiction.

Then again, we wonder if that's really the true story. "Please, man," Larson might have said to the arresting officer, "don't tell them about my insatiable addiction for Imagine: Babyz games. I know! You could say I planned on pawning them to buy heroin! Please, come on, man. This would absolutely ruin me."
[Image]
[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFlorida fugitive apprehended after attempting to steal DS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeDSfloridanintendorobberyshopliftingwal-martSun, 27 Sep 2009 19:30:00 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[Thumbprint required to trade in games in Florida]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/thumbprint-required-to-trade-in-games-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/thumbprint-required-to-trade-in-games-in-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/thumbprint-required-to-trade-in-games-in-florida/#comments
Most of us are probably used to giving away a large amount of personal information to trade in video games. Many stores ask for all kinds of info. Phone numbers, zip codes, possibly even your home address will be locked away in some GameStop data vault. But what about your thumbprint?

According to Florida's Broward / Palm Beach News, local game retailers are now required to collect the thumbprint of anyone selling their used games. The practice has been enforced by the Broward County Sheriff's Office since October of last year, thanks to a new law enacted by the Florida legislature. The law essentially elevated used games to the same status as items sold to pawn shops, meaning that anyone that trades in a used game will have to provide a thumbprint "along with a bunch of other personal info."

Our hearts go out to all the game traders whose controllers are now blackened by the ink of oppression.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqThumbprint required to trade in games in Florida originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturefloridathumbprintused-gamesSat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Man shot for his Wii in home invasion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/#commentsFiled under:

During a recent home invasion at an apartment complex in Palm Beach County, Florida, a man was brutally beat and shot in the bicep by multiple assailants. They sought a variety of his valuables, demanding jewelry, money, and other items from the victim before attacking. In the end, the robbers made off with about $70 and his Nintendo Wii.

The two individuals could not be identified by the victim, who was last listed as stable in St. Mary's Hospital. The two robbers made their way into the apartment through an unlocked door. It goes to show that if you live in an apartment, always lock your door. Also, don't let anyone see you throwing away a Wii box.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMan shot for his Wii in home invasion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultattackfloridapalm-beachrobberytheftWed, 14 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson pays Florida Bar $42K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/20/jack-thompson-pays-florida-bar-42k/#commentsFiled under:


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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disbarmentdisbarredfloridaflorida-barjack-thompsonThu, 20 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida requests 10 years disbarment for Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/florida-requests-10-years-disbarment-for-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfloridajack-thompsonTue, 20 May 2008 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida Supreme Court orders Jack Thompson not speak directly to them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/florida-supreme-court-orders-jack-thompson-not-speak-directly-to/#commentsThe Florida Supreme Court has sent out an official STFU to controversial attorney Jack Thompson, who is not allowed to contact them directly ever again and will need to hire his own attorney to communicate with the Court on his behalf. This is an entirely separate matter from Thompson's Florida Bar trial we're currently awaiting a ruling on.

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

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridajack-thompsonjackthompsonsupreme courtsupremecourtThu, 20 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Orlando museum attracts record numbers with gaming convention]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/orlando-museum-attracts-record-numbers-with-gaming-convention/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/orlando-museum-attracts-record-numbers-with-gaming-convention/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/orlando-museum-attracts-record-numbers-with-gaming-convention/#commentsFiled under:


Going to the science museum? Boring. Going to the science museum to play video games? Excellent! At least that's what we took away from an Orlando Sentinel article on The Orlando Science Center's third annual Otronicon gaming event.

The conference, which just closed to the public, brought in a record 3,000 game players on Saturday as part of an expected 18,000 attendees total. The throng did more than just play over 100 displayed games, though -- they attended exhibits focused on the therapeutic benefits of gaming, workshops on game development and even performances by the Orlando Magic dancers (the last of which we can only assume was somehow game-related).

Though the event is now closed to the public, some lucky youngsters will get to attend school field trips to the event over the next few days, which makes us extremely jealous. The best field trip we took in grade school was to the box factory. Or was that The Simpsons? We can't remember, honestly.

JoystiqOrlando museum attracts record numbers with gaming convention originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferenceconventionexhibitfloridafull sailFullSailmuseumorlandoscienceTue, 22 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii party at ... the library?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-party-at-the-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-party-at-the-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-party-at-the-library/#commentsFiled under:


We can only guess that gaming at the ALA's Annual Conference took off (and how!), since now a library in Florida is turning to the Wii in order to lure in new readers. The library in Cape Coral managed to get their collective mitts on a few consoles and will be using them for (undoubtedly loud) weekend events designed to get people playing, talking ... and reading while they await their turn at the onscreen action.

We can't help but wonder how this one will actually work. Details on the original article were slim (one might even say nonexistent), and Wii gaming can get pretty rowdy, even at organized events. Toss in people of all ages who want to get their hands on a Wii, and it could be a recipe for destruction -- not exactly conducive to a quiet reading environment. But hey, maybe we're just cynical and it will work like a dream.

[Via QJ]

JoystiqWii party at ... the library? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridalibraryreadingwii-eventTue, 01 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercury Meltdown pub expands, promises new next-gen IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/mercury-meltdown-pub-expands-promises-new-next-gen-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/mercury-meltdown-pub-expands-promises-new-next-gen-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/mercury-meltdown-pub-expands-promises-new-next-gen-ip/#commentsFiled under:

As much as we have grown tired of having games developed for this generation of consoles referred to as "next-gen entertainment," that ire is evidently not shared by all. Ignition Entertainment, publisher of Mercury Meltdown and the adolescent undead romp Teenage Zombies, today announced the opening of not one, but two new studios committed to so-called next-gen game development.

The new studios will operate out of both Tokyo and Florida, and according to Ignition will focus on creating "new IP specifically for the next generation formats," but which formats exactly remain a mystery. In fact, no details about upcoming projects from either Ignition Tokyo or Florida have been announced, though in looking at the company's subsidiary Digi-Guys, which has been working on WarDevil since well before the launch of the Xbox 360, it's clear that these studios are not in a hurry.

JoystiqMercury Meltdown pub expands, promises new next-gen IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Digi-GuysexpandFloridaIgnition EntertainmentIgnition-EntertainmentIgnitionEntertainmentMercury MeltdownMercury-MeltdownMercuryMeltdownstudiosTokyoWarDevilMon, 17 Dec 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 on Wii a concern for Florida Attorney General]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/manhunt-2-on-wii-a-concern-for-florida-attorney-general/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/manhunt-2-on-wii-a-concern-for-florida-attorney-general/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/06/manhunt-2-on-wii-a-concern-for-florida-attorney-general/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, in an un-aired interview with Fox News reporter Orlando Salinas, is concerned over the release of the Rockstar's Manhunt 2 for the Wii. McCollum is apparently concerned over the motion controls, which are expected to simulate general movements of a murderous nature. GamePolitics has the details, but at this point it looks like a lot of posturing and not too many actions words like: investigate, interrogate and, our favorite, sue.

The Fox News report was originally expected to air last night, but is now being slated closer to Manhunt 2's July release. Fox News also spoke with Jack Thompson, who sent a letter to McCollum and Florida Governor Charlie Crist about the game. A portion of the letter says, "Florida retailers are scheduled to sell a very violent video game called Manhunt 2 which will be available, remarkably, for "play" on the kids-friendly Nintendo Wii gaming platform ... [it] utilizes hand-held motion capture devices... It is a training device."

Here's where it gets good. According to GamePolitics sources, McCollum will not be focusing on the PS2 or PSP version ... only the Wii. One source says, "That's where they're kicking up their heels." At this point, neither McCollum, nor Gov. Crist have made any official statements on the game. Thompson asked that Manhunt 2 be declared a public nuisance, which also tried and failed to do in 2006 with Bully. We can already imagine the headline if this escalates: Nintendo Wiimote waggles into court over Manhunt 2.

JoystiqManhunt 2 on Wii a concern for Florida Attorney General originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cristfloridamanhuntmccollumrockstarthompsonWiiWed, 06 Jun 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two counters lawyer's 'nuisance' threat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/take-two-counters-lawyers-nuisance-threat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/take-two-counters-lawyers-nuisance-threat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/16/take-two-counters-lawyers-nuisance-threat/#commentsFiled under: ,

bzzzzzzzTake-Two Interactive has filed a preemptive suit against attorney Jack Thompson. This past Saturday, Thompson hatched plans to meddle in the sales of future Take-Two and Rockstar titles Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV. Take-Two claims that if Thompson were to succeed in having the games declared public nuisances (under Florida law), the action would violate the publisher's First Amendment rights. Take-Two hopes its petition to the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida will crush Thompson's proposed suit before it grows wings. Plan B? Drop a DDT-bomb on his dome.

Last fall, Florida courts rejected a similar suit filed by Thompson that sought to restrict sales of Take-Two's "Sim Columbine" Bully.

Update: Read the lawsuit.

JoystiqTake-Two counters lawyer's 'nuisance' threat originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridagrandtheftautogtagta4gtaivjackthompsonlawsuitmanhuntmanhunt2rockstartaketwothompsonFri, 16 Mar 2007 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson faces disciplinary action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/jack-thompson-faces-disciplinary-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/jack-thompson-faces-disciplinary-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/jack-thompson-faces-disciplinary-action/#commentsFiled under:

Karma is making her rounds and Jack Thompson is looking to be on top of that list. As GamePolitics reports, Thompson was recommended for review following five counts of professional misconduct (three related to his video game violence campaign). If the charges hold up in front of the Florida Supreme Court, Thompson faces disciplinary action and possible disbarment.

Of course, Thompson isn't taking this laying down. In a statement to GamePolitics he said, "A referee is appointed and we have a trial. The Supreme Court reviews it later. The trial isn't going to happen, however. I have sued The Bar in Circuit Court. It's in far more trouble than I am." That's right! He sued the Florida bar!

There is no word yet on when the referee appointed by the Florida Supreme Court will rule on Thompson's alleged misconduct. Just remember, when the world ends there will be three things left: Cockroaches, Cher and Jack Thompson.

JoystiqJack Thompson faces disciplinary action originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Feb 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disciplinefloridahearingjack thompstonJackThompstonpoliticsSat, 03 Feb 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox burned down house -- three years ago]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/xbox-burned-down-house-three-years-ago/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/xbox-burned-down-house-three-years-ago/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/xbox-burned-down-house-three-years-ago/#commentsFiled under: ,

Boston has been full of really stupid mainstream media game reporting lately. Yesterday, WBZ's Chris May reported on a three year old case of an original Xbox allegedly burning down a house in ... Hollywood, Fla. Wow, the local news was so streched for content that they took a three year old story -- from another state -- and repackaged it for Boston audiences. Looks like someone picked up their assignment editor from a FOX affiliate. So, for all we know, this story of the Steckler family's house burning down wanders the country like Cain in Kung Fu. Let us know if you've seen this sensationalist piece of journalism in your region of the country.

For starters, this power cord recall is ancient news. If you still own an original Xbox that was part of the recall, do yourself a favor and get the new cord. It may not prevent your original Xbox from having other power cord incidents, but at least you won't be on the local news three years from now because your house burned down. Only you can help prevent stupid local news reports.

JoystiqXbox burned down house -- three years ago originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burningfloridahousepower cordxboxTue, 28 Nov 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[73 year old grandmother shoved in PSP robbery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/#commentsFiled under:

A 13 year old boy was robbed of his newly purchased PSP in the once-peaceful town of Largo, Florida. A teen came up behind him, took the system, and shoved the victim's 73 year old grandmother to the floor. "I said, 'Give me my PSP back!' and I ran and I was right behind him, but I didn't do anything. I didn't know if he had a gun or not."

Tampa Bay's 10 reports that the police are still investigating the crime.

Joystiq73 year old grandmother shoved in PSP robbery originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridagrandmotherlargorobberytampa bayTampaBayTue, 28 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii Fanboy at the Nintendo Fusion Tour: Orlando]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/nintendo-wii-fanboy-at-the-nintendo-fusion-tour-orlando/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/nintendo-wii-fanboy-at-the-nintendo-fusion-tour-orlando/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/nintendo-wii-fanboy-at-the-nintendo-fusion-tour-orlando/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nice logo, there.Yes, these Fusion Tour events have been going for several weeks now, I know. And you've probably read plenty of impressions, too. But not from Nintendo Wii Fanboy, you didn't, so grab a mug of hot cocoa and your favorite fuzzy slippers. It's time to read.

I, like most of you, had never played with the Wii before tonight. I was unable to attend E3, and despite my posting nigh every single day on the strange little machine, I had no idea if it could actually fulfill my every expectation. Would I have to convince myself that the controls would work, as opposed to just knowing that they would? It was almost nervewracking ... waiting to see if all that I work on and write about would be somehow validated.

Continue reading Nintendo Wii Fanboy at the Nintendo Fusion Tour: Orlando

JoystiqNintendo Wii Fanboy at the Nintendo Fusion Tour: Orlando originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExcitetruckFloridaNintendo-Fusion-TourOrlandoWarioWareWarioWare-Smooth-MovesWii-PlayWii-SportsWiiSportsFri, 13 Oct 2006 03:08:00 EST<![CDATA[The Happiest Arcade on Earth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/the-happiest-arcade-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/the-happiest-arcade-on-earth/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/the-happiest-arcade-on-earth/#commentsFiled under: ,


Responding to our post on Japan's Sega-themed Joypolis arcade, Joystiq reader Filth sent in a tip for a similar arcade mecca in Orlando, Fla. DisneyQuest, part of Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney complex, is six floors featuring over 180 new and retro arcade games and 14 Disney-themed rides. Best of all, unlike neo-arcades like Dave & Busters, one $30 ticket gets you unlimited play on the games and rides all day long.

Opened in the late '90s, the Orlando location was supposed to be the first of a series of DisneyQuests around the country, but financial troubles stopped the project from going forward. Rumor has it that the location will be converted into another ESPN Zone in 2008, so gamers who might be planning a pilgrimage shouldn't wait too long.

JoystiqThe Happiest Arcade on Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aracdedisneyfloridaorlandotheme parkThemeParkTue, 19 Sep 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Saved by the Bell's Screech mugged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/#commentsFiled under:

Dustin Diamond, aka "Screech" from the "hit" television series Saved by the Bell is going through some tough times. He hasn't had a "career" since his teen acting days, he's losing his house, and now... he's lost his precious PSP games (to quote "good games.") According to his account on a Florida radio station, a woman broke into his hotel room with some mace, grabbed his PSP games and ran out. He tried to stop her, but she yelled "rape" and ran away.

If you feel sorry for the guy, go and buy a t-shirt from him.

(This incredible non-news story was brought to you by our sister site, TV Squad. Let's never do a crossover with them ever again.)

JoystiqSaved by the Bell's Screech mugged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustin diamondDustinDiamondfloridamacemuggedraperobberysaved by the bellSavedByTheBellscreechtv squadTvSquadWed, 09 Aug 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video games are a part of prisoner rehabilitation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/03/video-games-are-a-part-of-prisoner-rehabilitation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/03/video-games-are-a-part-of-prisoner-rehabilitation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/03/video-games-are-a-part-of-prisoner-rehabilitation/#commentsFiled under: ,

The issue of video games in prisons has resurfaced; this time the publicity surrounds a private prison in Florida purchasing two PlayStation 2 systems (with inmate commissary, not with tax dollars) as part of an attempt to relax prisoners. This comes after recent debates over the right of prisoners to play video games, with Missouri first removing violent games after a blunder that resulted in prisoners shooting virtual cops in GTA, and then banning the use of games outright after a new Governor took office. Currently the overwhelming majority of prisons in the U.S.A. do not allow prisoners access to games.

Hernando County Jail Assistant Warden Russell Washburn told the St. Petersburg Times:

"I'd rather them be thinking about race cars than how I'm mad at someone... I don't want it portrayed that all they do is sit around and play PlayStation. I would agree that's not right if that's all you do. But this is just part of the rehabilitation. You can't throw them into a place and not give them anything to do and expect no problems. ... This is not a warehouse."

We've previously reported on the positive aspects of allowing prisoners to play video games as part of the rehabilitation process: Oregon's game-friendly jails (1, 2) show how video games can help calm prisoners and reduce violent behavior inside prisons. Shouldn't that be all we need to know? If video games make the jobs of prison staff easier and potentially reduces the rate of prison suicides, then arguments of principle like Maj. Robert Lucas', an administrator with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, statement that jail is "not fun and games" should be irrelevant.

I have an inkling that the real reason the "video games in prison" issue has been susceptible to such unwarranted attention (and sensational reporting) is due to inherent controversies with video games themselves. Why is the overall topic of entertainment in prisons being ignored? No one seems to have a problem with prisoners watching TV or DVDs, so it's reasonable to suggest that this particular problem has nothing to do with prisoner rehabilitation. Instead, this entire "controversy" shows all the hallmarks of being a thinly veiled extension of the ongoing resistance to video game media by out of touch (and/or vote grabbing) political figures.

[Thanks, Babylonian]

JoystiqVideo games are a part of prisoner rehabilitation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BabylonianEntertainmentFloridaGamepoliticsGames in prisonsGamesInPrisonsPoliticsPrisonPrison TycoonPrisonersPrisonTycoonPunishmentRehabilitationRobert LucasRobertLucasSensationalTaxpayerMon, 03 Jul 2006 14:25:00 EST