Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[How Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/how-bulletstorm-became-the-worst-video-game-in-the-world/#comments Much like seasonal allergies and taxes, the gaming populace is periodically subjected to mainstream news coverage of its favorite entertainment medium. And while said coverage is often laced with inaccurate statements and fear-laden non sequiturs, it doesn't usually ask questions in the headline like Fox News' latest treatment: "Is Bulletstorm the Worst Video Game in the World?"

Our brief time with the game's demo -- not to mention the time we spent playing Superman 64 so many years ago -- certainly gives us the impression that Bulletstorm isn't "the worst video game in the world," but we get the feeling that Fox's John Brandon is asking something else.

Continue reading How Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world'

JoystiqHow Bulletstorm became 'the worst video game in the world' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billy-pidgeonBulletstormcarole-liebermaneaelectronic-artsepic-gamesfirst-person-shooterfox-newsfpsjerry-weichmanjohn-brandonm2-researchmainstream-newsmicrosoftpcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3violent-gamesxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox News uncovers NBA Jam's liberal agenda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/fox-news-uncovers-nba-jams-liberal-agenda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/fox-news-uncovers-nba-jams-liberal-agenda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/fox-news-uncovers-nba-jams-liberal-agenda/#commentsNBA Jam politicians At journalism camp, we all learned to ask "the hard questions." For your pals at Joystiq, given the opportunity to chat with Peter Moore following EA Sports' last-minute delay of NBA Elite 11 and the subsequent rush to make NBA Jam on Xbox 360 and PS3 a fully featured product in and of itself, we'd have had no shortage of questions. "How are you going to bring the HD versions of the game up to feature parity with the Wii this year?" "With NBA 2K 11 gathering accolades, are you concerned that changing the NBA Live formula and then delaying it is ceding ground to the competition?" And the list goes on.

Fox News' Jenna Lee, given the same opportunity, asked the hard hitting question that we -- perhaps because of our single-minded focus on video games or perhaps because of our shortage of political acumen -- never thought to ask: "Is this a bipartisan game though, Peter?"

You see, President Obama, in addition to actually playing basketball, not being ancient and being president of the country, has some special moves in the game, clearly illustrating political bias on the part of the liberal fat cats at EA. In the interest of defusing this tense political standoff, we'd like to point out that Ms. Palin appears to have her own special move: playing men's basketball.

Watch the full clip after the break.

Continue reading Fox News uncovers NBA Jam's liberal agenda

JoystiqFox News uncovers NBA Jam's liberal agenda originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFox-Newsmicrosoftnba-jamnintendoPeter-Mooreplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 08 Oct 2010 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Six Days in Fallujah creative director leaves company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/rumor-six-days-in-fallujah-creative-director-leaves-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/rumor-six-days-in-fallujah-creative-director-leaves-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/rumor-six-days-in-fallujah-creative-director-leaves-company/#comments
We knew things weren't exactly going well for Six Days in Fallujah developer Atomic Games when the game's publisher, Konami, dropped out of the equation. GamesIndustry.biz is reporting today that the game's creative director, Juan Benito, may also be out. In contacting both Atomic and Mr. Benito, neither would comment on the possibility.

Atomic Games president Peter Tamte has said multiple times that he would like his company to continue with development -- even going so far as to argue the game's case on Fox News. Thus far, however, Mr. Benito's departure remains a rumor. The fate of Six Days in Fallujah seems more uncertain than ever.

Gallery: Six Days in Fallujah

JoystiqRumor: Six Days in Fallujah creative director leaves company originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamesfox-newsjuan-benitokonamipeter-tamterumorsix-days-in-fallujahWed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atomic Games' Peter Tamte says Six Days in Fallujah 'about two-thirds' complete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/atomic-games-peter-tamte-says-six-days-in-fallujah-about-two-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/atomic-games-peter-tamte-says-six-days-in-fallujah-about-two-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/atomic-games-peter-tamte-says-six-days-in-fallujah-about-two-t/#comments
We know, we know: For us to approach video game coverage on Fox News and expect anything more than "fair and balanced" reporting (with a heavy dose of bias and spin) is, to say the least, simply asking too much. Things get much worse when a game with as controversial a setting/plot as Six Days in Fallujah falls into the mix. Atomic Games prez Peter Tamte appeared alongside the game's consultant, Capt. Read Omohundro (a gentleman who fought in the actual battle of Fallujah), and Tracey Miller, a woman who lost her son to the fight, on the channel's "Fox & Friends" program (found after the break) recently, to talk about the game and the controversy surrounding it.

Tamte reveals to the show's host that "about two-thirds of the game is complete at this point ... we only have about a third left to go." Atomic Games' challenge now, he says, is to find a new publisher for the game after Konami pulled out of the project in late April. The show ends with a totally fair and balanced comment from the show's host, who says, "Obviously you knew that you might get some blowback on it, 'cause, uh, some people lost their chidren in that battle," before cutting off any more comments and excusing all the show's guests.

Anyone want to place bets on this game never being released? We've got $20 on "Never. Ever ever ever."

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading Atomic Games' Peter Tamte says Six Days in Fallujah 'about two-thirds' complete

JoystiqAtomic Games' Peter Tamte says Six Days in Fallujah 'about two-thirds' complete originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamescontroversyfoxfox-and-friendsfox-newskonamipeter-tamteread-omohundrosix-days-in-fallujahtracey-millerFri, 12 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Get Up, Stand Up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/top-5-get-up-stand-up/#commentsFiled under:


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

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

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


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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>censorshipdrmdrm-freedrm-toolesrbesrb-ratingfox-newsfree-speechjack-thompsonjoystiqfeaturestop-5Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: October 28-November 4, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/the-best-of-wow-insider-october-28-november-4-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's almost here. While Election Day is surely going to be exciting, and yes, we're also waiting for Gears of War 2, the biggest game release for WoW fans comes next week: the Wrath of the Lich King is finally upon us. And Joystiq's sister site WoW Insider is on top of things as usual -- stay tuned to the site all this week for pre-expansion news, and next week, at T minus zero to launch, we'll have more updates than Arthas has zombies. It'll be great!

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: October 28-November 4, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthasbeta-testerfox-newsnerfpaladinquestionsworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderwrath-of-the-lich-kingzombiesWed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox News loves Fat Princess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/fox-news-loves-fat-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/fox-news-loves-fat-princess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/fox-news-loves-fat-princess/#commentsFiled under:

So Fox News decides to discuss Fat Princess. Not because it falls in line with their "women exploited in gaming" line of stories, but rather quite the opposite. In fact, they seemingly love it despite the feminist outrage, which they mildly go over. "She has chunk ... I love it," a Fox News anchorwoman chimes in.

It is nice to hear that not all women are insecure about their bodies as to take offense towards Fat Princess, and at least more mainstream media and possibly casual audiences might like the game. Best quote of the day: "She's a fat princess. It happens."

To watch the footage, just follow this link. Or, if you can get the trailer after the break to play for you, then just watch it here.

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading Fox News loves Fat Princess

JoystiqFox News loves Fat Princess originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fat-princessfox-newsFri, 01 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox News does a Metal Gear Solid retrospective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/fox-news-does-a-metal-gear-solid-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/fox-news-does-a-metal-gear-solid-retrospective/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/fox-news-does-a-metal-gear-solid-retrospective/#commentsFiled under:

GameTrailers isn't the only place where you can find a Metal Gear retrospective to get you pumped up for Metal Gear Solid 4. You can watch another one of those compilations of nostalgic memories at Fox News. Yes, that's right, Fox News. It looks like the hype surrounding the final tale of Solid Snake is slithering into mainstream press coverage; albeit, Fox News' take on the series is rather dry and flavorless compared to GameTrailers. All in all, it's still good to see that gaming is grabbing the attention of a major news network ... and more importantly, in a good way.

JoystiqFox News does a Metal Gear Solid retrospective originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fox-newskonamimetal-gear-solid-4mgs4Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Transit Authority caves to minimal pressure, pulls Grand Theft Auto IV ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/chicago-transit-authority-caves-to-minimal-pressure-on-gta-iv-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/chicago-transit-authority-caves-to-minimal-pressure-on-gta-iv-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/chicago-transit-authority-caves-to-minimal-pressure-on-gta-iv-ad/#commentsFiled under:


According to a report on Monday from GamePolitics, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has caved to minimal pressure from FOX News regarding the use of advertisements promoting the latest installment of Grand Theft Auto IV on public transportation throughout the city. The local Chicago affiliate of the controversial news desk questioned the city's use of the ads, stating, "With so much focus on kids and violence these days, we wondered why ads for a violent video game have begun popping up again on CTA buses and train stations." Days later the ads were pulled.

This isn't the first time public Grand Theft Auto ads have been pulled, previously similar instances have occurred in Portland, Denver and Boston, the latter of which saw Massachusetts transit chief justify the decision by issuing a policy which equated M-rated games to pornographic films.

While the title is known for liberal helpings of violence the ads themselves have never depicted the content of the game (as seen above). We're used to certain politicians, lawyers and family groups blaming our industry for every violent incident that happens, but when an entire city sides with the issue we can't help but feel a little shafted.

[via Joystiq]

JoystiqChicago Transit Authority caves to minimal pressure, pulls Grand Theft Auto IV ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementsfox-newsgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivrockstarWed, 23 Apr 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warning: Be wary of offensive Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/warning-be-wary-of-offensive-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/warning-be-wary-of-offensive-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/warning-be-wary-of-offensive-wii-games/#commentsFiled under:

If you frequent video game blogs or boards, you've probably heard about the Fox News debacle that was sparked by the "pornography" in the game Mass Effect. Wired decided to poke fun (or jab sarcasm) at the alarmist network, pointing out a few other games that should raise hysteria among the stick-up-their-butt crowd.

And no, we're not talking Manhunt 2 or the newly announced Saw games. We're talking about the really dangerous games, like Super Mario Galaxy, Endless Ocean, and Geometry Wars (as well as some games from other consoles).

We won't spoil the whole feature, but to steal an excerpt, this is why Fox News should fear Geometry Wars: "Geometry is math. Math leads to science. Science leads to lies. Thus, Geometry Wars directly indoctrinates our children into the evolutionary lie that we're all descended from homosexual monkeys. Naked homosexual monkeys. We recommend instead the game Intelligent Design Wars, which is just like Geometry Wars, except that the credits read, "We don't know who made this. (But it was probably God.)"

We couldn't agree more. Won't someone think of the children?

JoystiqWarning: Be wary of offensive Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endless-oceanfox-newsgeometry-warsgeometry-wars-galaxiesmass-effectsmgsuper-mario-galaxyWed, 30 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/todays-most-satirical-video-loading-ready-run-tackles-max-eff/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been a week since Fox News ran a largely ignorant news segment on the the brief, minor and optional sex scene found in Mass Effect. The crew of Loading.Ready.Run have produced a satire of the news segment for our enjoyment. All the important interview tactics are present, from the gaming supporter being frequently cut off mid-sentence, having his mic turned off, and the host giving loaded questions and descriptions ("full on hardcore porn sex ... with freaky alien chicks"). The acting may not be top-notch, but the snark is.

For a summary of events surrounding Mass Effect so far, including head-turning comments by Jack Thompson, check out this post. Video embedded after the break.

[Thanks, Pattmyn]

Continue reading Today's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect'

JoystiqToday's most satirical video: Loading.Ready.Run tackles 'Max Effect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newshottestvideomasseffectsexXbox-360Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson: Mass Effect controversy 'ridiculous']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/jack-thompson-mass-effect-controversy-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/jack-thompson-mass-effect-controversy-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/jack-thompson-mass-effect-controversy-ridiculous/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps the most well-versed individual on gaming controversy (by merit of instigating many of them), Jack Thompson has found a way to make the Mass Effect Fox News report more ridiculous by defending the game. Unfortunately, weather.com has not updated the current temperature in Hell, but we'll let you know when we find out.

Responding to the latest press release, Kotaku's Brian Crecente asked Thompson what he thought about the Mass Effect story. Thompson responded, "The guy who shot his mouth off about it had no idea what the Hell he was talking about." (We assume he meant conservative columnist Kevin McCullough and isn't confusing Fox News guest Cooper Lawrence's gender.) Thompson later added, "This contrived controversy is absolutely ridiculous."

To catch you up to speed: just after McCullough apologized for writing about Mass Effect's "virtual orgasmic rape," Fox News' Live Desk with Martha MacCollum ran a similar, ignorant segment on the "Sexbox" (so clever) title that pitted Geoff Keighley against a child care author who openly admitted she never played the game. Publisher Electronic Arts demanded a correction, Fox countered, and Lawrence apologized after gamers review-bombed her book on Amazon.

JoystiqJack Thompson: Mass Effect controversy 'ridiculous' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newsjack-thompsonkotakumass-effectXbox-360Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Drama: Lawrence is sorry and Sessler speaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/mass-drama-lawrence-is-sorry-and-sessler-speaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/mass-drama-lawrence-is-sorry-and-sessler-speaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/mass-drama-lawrence-is-sorry-and-sessler-speaks/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Mass Effect versus FOX News drama continues and gets juicier and juicier by the moment. So juicy, we're required to wear raincoats when blogging about it. No joke.

First on the docket is news that Cooper Lawrence, the psychiatrist/author who participated in the on-air Mass Effect bashing, has surprisingly apologized for her remarks. Lawrence admits that she never played the game prior to the discussion and was told before going on air that Mass Effect was like pornography. Now, after being given a demo of the game, she admits that "it's not like pornography. I've seen episodes of 'Lost' that are more sexually explicit" and is sorry for her statements. It should also be noted that her apologetic words come at a ripe time as angry gamers flooded Amazon.com's listing of her self-help book with negative reviews and negative press. Damage control much?

Finally, you must watch the video embedded above. The vid comes from our favorite G4 personality Adam Sessler as he stands on his soapbox and gives us his two cents about the Mass Drama. Not only does Sessler make some damn great points, but his rant should expand your use of the English language. That Sessler, what an energetic and articulate dude.

[Thanks, SirUrza and Trekster_Gamer]

Read - Sessler's Soapbox
Read - Lawrence's apology

JoystiqMass Drama: Lawrence is sorry and Sessler speaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coopereafox-newsmass-effectsesslerSun, 27 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox says EA ignored invite to discuss Mass Effect [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-says-ea-ignored-invite-to-discuss-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In what looks to be a standstill, MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo contacted Fox News to follow up on a letter sent to them yesterday by Electronic Arts asking to "correct the record" on the ignorant Mass Effect "sexposé." An unnamed spokesperson replied, "Fox News Channel has extended several invitations to EA through a company representative to appear on 'Live Desk With Martha MacCallum' to discuss 'Mass Effect' and the segment which aired on Monday. We have received no response."

We're wondering if an EA representative coming on MacCallum's show would get the same treatment as Geoff Keighley in the original segment. Also today, Totilo contacted Brown, who reiterated his position from yesterday's letter. Hence, both sides are waiting for other to somehow respond. Is someone going to make the next move (we're doubtful), or is this just going to blow away until the next batch of "sex-ified" games? (Potential candidates include Grand Theft Auto 4, Smash Bros Brawl and Spore.)

Update: GameDaily contacted EA VP of Communications Jeff Brown, who wrote the original letter to Fox News, to see if there was any update on the situation. Said Brown, "Not much to say other than there's no interest here in another debate with an 'expert' that will say anything to sell a book. They need to step up and correct the record." We couldn't agree more (and we can't seem to get the image of Brown's razor sharp fangs out of our minds).

JoystiqFox says EA ignored invite to discuss Mass Effect [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newsmaccullummasseffectXbox-360Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox: EA invited to talk Mass Effect 'SE'XBOX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-ea-invited-to-talk-mass-effect-sexbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-ea-invited-to-talk-mass-effect-sexbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/fox-ea-invited-to-talk-mass-effect-sexbox/#commentsFiled under: ,


The hullabaloo surrounding an inaccurate Fox News report on Mass Effect continues today. Joystiq readers will recall that Fox News recently ran a story claiming that Mass Effect contains "full digital nudity and sex," a charge that is simply untrue. Electronic Arts, who now owns the Mass Effect property, later contacted Fox via a letter from EA VP of communications Jeff Brown. The letter asked Fox to correct the errors in the segment and also cited more than a bit of hypocrisy by pointing out that many of Fox's own programs, such as Family Guy and The OC, show sexual situations that are just as graphic (and are rated for ages under 17 by the way, unlike Mass Effect).

MTV did a little digging and got their own response from Fox on the matter. A Fox spokesperson, who would not be named, said, "Fox News Channel has extended several invitations to EA through a company representative to appear on 'Live Desk With Martha MacCallum' to discuss 'Mass Effect' and the segment which aired on Monday. We have received no response." So, in other words, Fox can apparently report as much erroneous information as they want, because the party they were defaming wasn't present to defend itself. We'll have to wait and see if EA takes the bait.

Editor's rant: Fox's stance on this matter is complete bunk. The fact remains that they misrepresented Mass Effect, and having EA on to "discuss" the game isn't going to change that. What's called for is a correction of inaccurate reporting. Sorry folks, but as a member of the Joystiq network, it's disgusting. We do our absolute best here to report the facts as they are. Should we find out that we published something that was inaccurate, we fix it and post a correction. That's the way it should be. If we tried to get away with the same things that Fox is trying, our commenting public would skewer us. It's as simple as that. If Fox really wants EA to go on the air, it should be for an apology. Will that happen? We don't think so, but it should.

JoystiqFox: EA invited to talk Mass Effect 'SE'XBOX originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfoxfox-newsmass-effectsexboxFri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA calls for Fox News to correct Mass Effect story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-calls-for-fox-news-to-correct-mass-effect-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-calls-for-fox-news-to-correct-mass-effect-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-calls-for-fox-news-to-correct-mass-effect-story/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you've been paying attention to any of the internets lately, you've probably heard about the recent (belated) controversy surrounding the sex scene in BioWare's Mass Effect. It was first lambasted by a little known writer for its "virtual orgasmic rape" among other things that aren't actually in the game. Said columnist later apologized for his errors (and he made more than a few) but the train kept a-rollin' and the next to attack was none other than Fox News. Fox aired a segment about the game, also making false claims about its actual contents, even running a headline that claimed "New videogame shows full digital nudity and sex." As the hordes of gamers who've actually watched the scene (NSFW) can tell you, Mass Effect does no such thing. Far be it from journalists (or psychologists) to actually play the game they're defaming.

All of this has now led to EA -- BioWare's new parent company -- sending Fox a letter regarding the false claims about their new property. The letter comes from EA's VP of communications Jeff Brown and asks that Fox correct the claims made in its report. Brown takes particular exception to the claims that the game shows full nudity and sex, noting that the game shows no "explicit or frontal nudity" and that what is on display is no worse than what's seen on Fox's own programs like The OC. He further take exception to Fox's assertion that Mass Effect is "marketed to kids and teenagers," by noting that the game is rated M and that ESRB ratings "work as well or better" than ratings placed on television content.

Brown then takes the four person "panel" that discussed the game during the segment, saying "They have had zero experience with Mass Effect and are largely ignorant about videogames, the people who play them, and the ESRB system that governs their ratings and sales." He concludes the letter civilly, "This isn't a legal threat; it's an appeal to your sense of fairness. We're asking FNC to correct the record on Mass Effect."

So basically, Brown has said what we were all thinking. The difference is that this message comes from EA, one of the most powerful and most recognized faces of the video game industry. Here's hoping someone at Fox takes notice.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqEA calls for Fox News to correct Mass Effect story originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsfox-newsmass-effectThu, 24 Jan 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA to Fox News: 'correct the record' on Mass Effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-to-fox-news-correct-the-record-on-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-to-fox-news-correct-the-record-on-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/ea-to-fox-news-correct-the-record-on-mass-effect/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following Fox News' horrifically ignorant segment on Mass Effect, publisher Electronic Arts showed it is not about to go quietly into the night. Kotaku obtained a letter sent by EA VP of Communications Jeff Brown to Live Desk with Martha MacCallum producer Teri VanHorn, asking her show to set the record straight on "serious errors" made by the program concerning the game.

Shown in excerpts of the letter, Brown cites specific lines from the segment (hint: something to do with "full digital nudity" and sex) and explains why they were wrong -- and if you've played through Mass Effect, you know full well how wrong they were. Cited, too, are comparisons to the more sexual content found in less-castigated primetime television such as Fox's own Family Guy and The OC.

Said Brown about the four people who concluded the show: "They have had zero experience with Mass Effect and are largely ignorant about videogames, the people who play them, and the ESRB system that governs their ratings and sales." Watch the video again and see for yourself.

The letter concludes, "This isn't a legal threat; it's an appeal to your sense of fairness. We're asking FNC to correct the record on Mass Effect." Niceties aside, it's great to see EA stand up for the industry and flex its muscle. Gamers have shown much less restraint, bombing segment specialist Cooper Lawrence's book into low ratings oblivion on Amazon.

[Via GameDaily; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqEA to Fox News: 'correct the record' on Mass Effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfox-newsgeoff-keighleymass-effectXbox-360Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Keighley takes on Fox News' seXbox seXposé]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/keighley-takes-on-fox-news-sexbox-sexpose/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/keighley-takes-on-fox-news-sexbox-sexpose/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/keighley-takes-on-fox-news-sexbox-sexpose/#commentsFiled under:

SeXbox? Really, Fox News? You can't even pretend that you didn't crib that title straight from last week's insane rant on Mass Effect, wherein one right-wing blogger claimed players could "hump in every form, format, multiple, gender-oriented possibility they can think of." But you didn't just crib the title, you covered the same topic in the very same game and even managed to recycle the same erroneous claims that the original creep had already recanted! And it only took you what ... two months after the game first landed in the impressionable hands of pre-pubescent boys everywhere? Bravo!

But oh, what's this? You invited the capable Geoff Keighley on the show to combat the embarrassingly uninformed opinions of one Ms. Cooper Lawrence (loving that book cover, Cooper), a "developmental psychologist" who literally laughs at the mere prospect of playing a video game before flapping her gums about it on national television. Sure, they don't give Geoff enough time to get as many punches in as we'd have liked to see, but that double dose of "that's completely incorrect" is sure to leave a mark in the morning.

JoystiqKeighley takes on Fox News' seXbox seXposé originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fox-NewsGeoff-KeighleyMass-EffectMon, 21 Jan 2008 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fox News offers their unique 'reporting' on PS3 dust story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/fox-news-offers-their-unique-reporting-on-ps3-dust-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/fox-news-offers-their-unique-reporting-on-ps3-dust-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/fox-news-offers-their-unique-reporting-on-ps3-dust-story/#commentsFiled under:

We love Fox News, if only because they offer such a unique perspective on things. Here's their reporting -- you decide on how hilarious it is. You may have read about one man's crusade to get his PS3 replaced ... but it was "too dusty" to be repaired. Sony is supposedly refusing to repair his machine due to "neglect." (Here's a picture of the system in question.)

It's fascinating to see the mainstream media pick up on this "story." With so much attention being placed on one man's defective machine, it seems wise for Sony to simply hush him with a replacement system, even if its unwarranted.

JoystiqFox News offers their unique 'reporting' on PS3 dust story originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustdustyfox-newsMon, 19 Nov 2007 22:00:00 EST