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[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[Boston Herald editorial questions Mass. game bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/boston-herald-editorial-questions-mass-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/boston-herald-editorial-questions-mass-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/boston-herald-editorial-questions-mass-game-bill/#commentsFiled under: ,


As Massachusetts legislators meet today to discuss HB1423, a bill that would restrict access of minors to video games deemed too violent by the state, the normally obtuse Boston Herald has weighed in on the issue with a shockingly sane editorial.

The newspaper lays out that the bill is another example of Boston Mayor Menino, who drafted the bill with Jack Thompson, trying to throw a "big idea against the wall in the hope that it might stick." The paper points out that just yesterday a similar, constitutionally murky bill failed, and asks if "lawmakers sponsoring the bill [are] willing to find money in their budgets to fight the inevitable court challenge?" The Boston Herald piece concludes that the mayor needs to make better use of his time than going after "such low-hanging fruit." We don't know about low-hanging, but it's definitely rotten and is going to cause taxpayers financial pain later between court costs and inevitably paying back the ESA for wasting its time.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBoston Herald editorial questions Mass. game bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billboston-heraldesajack-thompsonjackthompsonmassachusettsmeninothompsonTue, 18 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA rejects 'impossible' collaboration with Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/ea-rejects-impossible-collaboration-with-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/ea-rejects-impossible-collaboration-with-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/ea-rejects-impossible-collaboration-with-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:


No thanks, we don't need Jack. So says publisher EA, having rejected Florida's attorney at lawl, Jack Thompson, and his recent offer to assist in the attempted buyout of Grand Theft Auto publisher, Take-Two. In an impassioned letter, the spirited lawyer and friend of Mass Effect threw his support behind EA's (thus far unsuccessful) maneuver, claiming he would be "delighted" to help "evict the [Strauss] Zelnick Trojan Horse from within Take-Two's corporate walls."

Responding via e-mail (posted by GamesIndustry.biz), EA's Mariam Sughayer politely turns down the offer, saying, "In response to your offer to assist in the proposed acquisition of Take-Two, we would strongly prefer that you not get involved in this matter." Sughayer goes on to cite Thompson's past behavior towards gaming, "including false claims about content in [EA's] games," as a source of enmity, rendering any possible collaboration "impossible."

JoystiqEA rejects 'impossible' collaboration with Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquisitionEAElectronic-ArtsGTAJack-ThompsonJackThompsonTake-TwoTakeTwoZelnickThu, 06 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson offers to help EA with Take-Two takeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/jack-thompson-offers-to-help-ea-with-take-two-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/jack-thompson-offers-to-help-ea-with-take-two-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/jack-thompson-offers-to-help-ea-with-take-two-takeover/#commentsFiled under:


Last week, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello revealed an offer put forward to Take-Two Interactive executive chairman Strauss Zelnick to buyout T2 for nearly $2 billion. Zelnick expediently and publicly shot down the offer, though this battle of the peculiar last names was far from over -- since then we've heard that other companies took interest in T2 after EA was shot down, though certain industry analysts believe EA will eventually win out. Yesterday brought news of a new player on the field that could tip the battle in EA's favor -- Enter: Jack Thompson!

Yes, everyone's favorite Floridian moralist (and T2 shareholder) recently threw his support behind Electronic Arts in an impassioned letter, saying he would help "evict the Zelnick Trojan Horse from within Take-Two's corporate walls". We think that EA and J.T. would be strange bedfellows, given Thompson's denunciation of Sims 2 a few years back -- though his uncustomary defense of Mass Effect might have rebuilt that once-burnt bridge. How about it, EA? Is your raid on Take-Two LFM?

JoystiqJack Thompson offers to help EA with Take-Two takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyouteaElectronic-Artselectronicartsjack-thompsonjackthompsonmergert2take-twotaketwothompsonSun, 02 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson rears head in response to GTA IV release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/jack-thompson-rears-head-in-response-to-gta-iv-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/jack-thompson-rears-head-in-response-to-gta-iv-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/jack-thompson-rears-head-in-response-to-gta-iv-release-date/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a while since we've heard anything from the infamous anti-gaming crusader, Miami attorney Jack Thompson -- then again, being faced with the possibility of being disbarred in your home state is enough to really tie a guy up. However, with last week's announcement of a late-April release date for Grand Theft Auto IV came Thompson's mandatory adverse response to the series, and negativity towards Take Two, the game's distributor.

Contained within an email from Thompson were promises to keep this "murder simulator for violence against women, cops, and innocent bystanders" out of the hands of children by contacting "state and federal officials" to warn of the game's immediate danger. Though no immediate threats were made towards Take Two or Rockstar Games, we're sure the fireworks will really start going off by the time GTA IV drops April 29 -- which just happens to be around the same time the outcome of Thompson's Florida Bar trial will be decided.

JoystiqJack Thompson rears head in response to GTA IV release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIVGTAGTA IVGtaIvJackThompsonRockstarTakeTwoSun, 27 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson says he'll debate at GDC, GDC says otherwise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/thompson-says-hell-debate-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/thompson-says-hell-debate-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/thompson-says-hell-debate-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update (3:40 PM EST): We just received the following statement from GDC Executive Director Jamil Moledina: "The Game Developers Conference has not extended an invitation to Jack Thompson to speak at GDC 2008. We look forward to announcing the full speaker lineup closer to the show." So much for that.

Original story: Fresh off his respectable performance at Philadelphia's VGXPO, activist lawyer Jack Thompson says that his public debating days are just beginning. In a legal brief unearthed by GamePolitics, Thompson says that a Game Developers Conference organizer asked him to "reprise the Philadelphia debate, this time in February in San Francisco in a 5000 seat arena, as the keynote event."

Such a keynote would surely be a blockbuster part of the conference, but Thompson has been known to stretch the truth in the past. We've put in a call to the people behind GDC and we'll update as soon as we can confirm (See update, above).

JoystiqThompson says he'll debate at GDC, GDC says otherwise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debateGDCjack thompsonJackThompsonMon, 05 Nov 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Live at the Jack Thompson debate in Philadelphia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/live-at-the-jack-thompson-debate-in-philadelphia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/live-at-the-jack-thompson-debate-in-philadelphia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/live-at-the-jack-thompson-debate-in-philadelphia/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're live at the Philadelphia Convention Center, waiting for the panel discussion between Jack Thompson and Oddworld's Lorne Lanning - and moderated by Newsweek's N'Gai Croal - to begin. After watching Spencer Halpin's Moral Kombat (more on that later), we returned to the same theater eager to hear the debate.

3:55pm - N'Gai lays out the rules (no cameras, sorry folks) and introduces himself and the participants. N'Gai asks Jack how he came to be involved with the film. Jack delivers what appears to be a sincere appreciation for the film and the opportunity to be involved with it. He commends both N'Gai and Lorne, as well as director Halpin, for being will-intentioned, and that's a major reason he was in the film and he's here tonight.

4:00pm - How does Jack feel about Lorne's point in the film saying that it's easier for games to contain violence - canceling something out? Since Lorne's games aren't known for being the most violent on the market (Oddworld, Stranger's Wrath), how does he see himself in the debate? He wanted his games to be more "substantive" in their content, address socio-political issues he saw on the news, for example global warming. He points to the control over science regarding global warming, and how what used to be fact is now a grey area.

Does what Lorne said resonate with Jack at all? "We've lost the idea of the public space, public square, whatever you want to call it." He argues for the common good, and encourages people to see things beyond money. He said a gamer thanked him for uniting gamers the world over (in opposition to him, obviously) and got a hearty laugh. He says the first time he saw the documentary, he wept. He's audibly choked up as he says that the film clearly shows both sides of this issue care about people.

Continue reading Live at the Jack Thompson debate in Philadelphia

JoystiqLive at the Jack Thompson debate in Philadelphia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debateJack-ThompsonJackThompsonLorne-LanningMoral-KombatN'Gai-CroalVGXPOSat, 03 Nov 2007 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson shows how smart he is on Fox News]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/jack-thompson-shows-how-smart-he-is-on-fox-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/jack-thompson-shows-how-smart-he-is-on-fox-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/jack-thompson-shows-how-smart-he-is-on-fox-news/#commentsFiled under:


As if Fox News has been a beacon for intelligent discussion and sensible thinking throughout the years, it still manages to surprise us every now and then. Take the Cashin' In segment presented above, for example, which brings on "anti-violence activist" Jack Thompson to discuss the Manhunt 2 ban in Europe and the debate as to whether it should be banned here in the States. Jack claims that there are different acts of fraud going on with the game and the ESRB (o ... kay?) and that the game surely didn't have enough time to be altered from an "Adult's Only" to "Mature" rating. Last time we checked, Jack wasn't a game designer or programmer, so we're sure he has no clue when it comes to game development (or much else, for that matter).

The rest of the video is pretty much your usual Fox News fair, with each side yelling at each other and no resolution to the conflict made, so if it's your thing, hit up the video above.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqJack Thompson shows how smart he is on Fox News originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbfoxjackthompsonmanhunt2rockstarWed, 24 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kill Jim Liebowitz mocks all sides of gaming politics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kill-jim-liebowitz-mocks-all-sides-of-gaming-politics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kill-jim-liebowitz-mocks-all-sides-of-gaming-politics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/11/kill-jim-liebowitz-mocks-all-sides-of-gaming-politics/#commentsFiled under:

Both sides of the video game violence divide are mocked in the satirical Kill Jim Liebowitz. The video tells the tale of Jim Liebowitz, an anti-games Republican senator from Connecticut who is obviously a composite of Jack Thompson and Joe Lieberman, and how the video game Kill Jim Liebowitz messes with his life.

Violent video game creators are also mocked as the developer of Kill Jim Liebowitz explains that any similarity to Liebowitz is coincidental and you don't have to kill Liebowitz in the game if you don't want to. Soon after there's a scene where a man in the background is using a Wiimote -- in a way we wish would actually be that satisfying -- to eviscerate the Liebowitz character to very dramatic sounds. The developer even makes a great causality argument equating video games to corn bread. Following an attack on Liebowitz blamed on the game the developer says, "These kids love cornbread. Should we ban cornbread? I love cornbread."

So, what happens at the end? Watch the video and find out a potential fate for violent video games.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqKill Jim Liebowitz mocks all sides of gaming politics originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connecticutjackthompsonjoeliebermankilljimliebowitzThu, 11 Oct 2007 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[The Political Game: The Public Nuisance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-political-game-the-public-nuisance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-political-game-the-public-nuisance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-political-game-the-public-nuisance/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Dennis McCauley contributes The Political Game, a column on the collision of politics and video games:

nuisanceOnce again, Miami attorney Jack Thompson is attempting to have a video game -- Halo 3 this time -- declared a public nuisance. He failed badly in such an attempt in 2006 with Rockstar's Bully.

Under Florida law the term "public nuisance" is generally applied to the likes of brothels and illegal gambling operations, things which, as the law states:

"...tend to annoy the community, injure the health of the citizens in general, or corrupt the public morals..."

It's difficult to imagine anyone but Thompson trying to shoehorn a video game into that legal definition. But this isn't really about public nuisances, or even Halo 3.

It's video game legislation -- through the backdoor.

Continue reading The Political Game: The Public Nuisance

JoystiqThe Political Game: The Public Nuisance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jack-ThompsonJackThompsonJoystiqFeaturesThePoliticalGameThu, 27 Sep 2007 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Morning crazy pill: LaRouche PAC says Halo 3 'destroying US']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/morning-crazy-pill-larouche-pac-says-halo-3-destroying-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/morning-crazy-pill-larouche-pac-says-halo-3-destroying-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/morning-crazy-pill-larouche-pac-says-halo-3-destroying-us/#commentsFiled under:


There's some good amounts of crazy going on this morning. For starters, Jack Thompson had his son buy the M-rated Halo 3 yesterday; just like he had his son buy the M-rated BioShock a couple weeks ago. But after the whole "sending gay porn into court" thing from yesterday, we just can't be bothered to write about Thompson's kid. What we can tell you is that another one of our favorites on the train o' Planters is stepping up this morning. The LaRouche PAC, who you may recall from the Virginia Tech massacre as working the "video games made Cho do it" angle even though no evidence was ever found, have written an article that should really be taken in pure "lawlz." The article is Halo 3: The 'Third Wave' of Destroying the U.S. -- and let us tell you, totally worth the read.

Now before you go reading it, we highly recommend you not have any liquids in your mouth or they may come shooting out of your nose, and if you're a rager, just try to laugh a little. Oh, also, make sure to read it like Andrew Ryan from BioShock is reading it to you -- it makes a world of difference. For example, try out this line: "For all those individuals salivating about the new Halo 3 video game, ask yourself the question: what is the difference between man and beast?"

The article continues later, "[With Second Life, or Halo 3] either way, the dehumanization process occurs in any instance, by the first-person shooter games' precision to kill another object, or by the adoption of an arbitrary set of anti-scientific, anti-principled rules, like that of Second Life ... The vicious attack on the human mind by this cybernetics cult has been one of the key tricks by the oligarchy, that has arrested the development of the youth, today, preventing any consistent intellectual and political motion to change the world." Fantastical amounts of crazy await those about to read the full article. Enjoy!

Read: Halo 3: The 'Third Wave' of Destroying the U.S.
Read: Thompson & Son at it again ... says junior bought Halo 3 at Target.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqMorning crazy pill: LaRouche PAC says Halo 3 'destroying US' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jackthompsonlarouchelarouchepacthompsonThu, 27 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson submits gay porn to court -- judge not amused]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/jack-thompson-submits-gay-porn-to-court-judge-not-amused/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/jack-thompson-submits-gay-porn-to-court-judge-not-amused/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/jack-thompson-submits-gay-porn-to-court-judge-not-amused/#commentsFiled under:


Although not exactly linked to his continuing video game related litigation, Jack Thompson submitting gay porn in court documents could certainly impact his ability to practice law in Florida and continue those cases. GamePolitics really has all the details on what's going on here, the backstory gets really complex. The main gist is Thompson believes the Florida Bar, in their continued effort to have him disbarred, is collaborating against him with a gay activist attorney from Miami who owns NationalGayNews (NGN). In a move to discredit this other lawyer, Thompson submitted to the court graphic content from adult entertainment advertisers the NGN links to in an attempt to show that this other lawyer was in the business of distributing "hardcore porn to anyone of any age." Judge Adalberto Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida was not amused -- at all.

Judge Jordan issued an order that Thompson show cause as to why he shouldn't face sanctions or contempt charges for the act. Obviously the judge didn't see the relevance of Thompson's evidence. See, the funny thing is because Thompson submitted these as court documents they are "made available for unlimited public viewing, on the court's docketing system." The images according to Judge Jordan include "several graphic images of oral and genital sex between adult males, [and were] filed electronically in the docket in this case, without prior permission from the court." Thompson now must justify his actions by Oct. 5 as to why he shouldn't be referred to the Florida court's review board. The bizarre thing about all of this -- beyond the porn if you can believe it -- is that Thompson upset the judge who'll decide the case of if the Florida Bar can stop him from practicing law.

JoystiqJack Thompson submits gay porn to court -- judge not amused originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridabargayjackthompsonpornthompsonWed, 26 Sep 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson sends own son on personal sting operation against Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thompson-sends-own-son-on-personal-sting-operation-against-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thompson-sends-own-son-on-personal-sting-operation-against-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/thompson-sends-own-son-on-personal-sting-operation-against-best/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We have just received an email from Attorney Jack Thompson stating that his 15-year-old son purchased the Mature-rated game BioShock from a local Best Buy. Thompson informs us that BioShock is created by "the notorious Take-Two interactive," you may remember them from publishing such ultra-violent games as Grand Theft Auto. Thompson says that in using his son in a sting operation, he's proven "that Take-Two's upcoming releases of hyperviolent and sex-themed Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV will be widely sold to kids of all ages, despite promises by Take-Two, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), and major retailers." No word if Thompson will allow his son to play the copy of BioShock he purchased.

Thompson goes on to say that retailers and the gaming industry are "engaged in a fraudulent and deceptive trade practice across the nation" by claiming to check IDs. This is exacerbated by his son purchasing the M-rated game from the same Best Buy store Thompson sent his son to buy Grand Theft Auto: Vice City at when he was 10-years-old. Thompson is demanding that Best Buy fire the store's manager and the girl with the "piercing through her right eyebrow" who sold his son the game. Thompson finishes by saying, "The entire video game age rating system is a fraud perpetrated upon American families from sea to shining sea." We should keep that in mind the next time we recruit our own child into a crusade and approve of him or her purchasing an M-rated game.

JoystiqThompson sends own son on personal sting operation against Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestbuyjackthompsonPS2PS3thompsonWiiThu, 13 Sep 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two warns Jack Thompson to back down ... again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/take-two-warns-jack-thompson-to-back-down-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/take-two-warns-jack-thompson-to-back-down-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/take-two-warns-jack-thompson-to-back-down-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,


And the Jack came back, the very next day. Yes, the Jack came back, they thought he was a goner, but the Jack came back -- he just couldn't stay away. In April, Jack Thompson entered into an agreement with Take-Two to essentially back down from his constant harassment of them, in exchange they would not continue their legal actions which could get him jailed or disbarred. In late June, the signs were already there that the agreement was starting to fall apart. Now GamePolitics has an exchange between Take-Two and Thompson, which Thompson made public, showing how the original agreement meant nothing.

If you've never witnessed a Thompson email exchange, you should definitely head over to GP and soak in the madness and try to hold back saying aloud, "You must be kidding me?" The exchange is between Thompson and Gena Feist, Take-Two's VP and Associate General Counsel. Thompson says some inflammatory things, Feist responds -- eventually getting to the point where she knows she can't reason with him. Feist writes, "We entered into the settlement agreement because we did not want to engage in unnecessary litigation with you, but I assure you that we will enforce the terms of the agreement if necessary and that any suit will include a claim for our legal fees under paragraph 11." That's legal talk for "sit down and shut up." Maybe with all the BioShock money Take-Two is making they can afford to finally end this legal bout once and for all.

Oh, and in case you have no idea where the image comes from, we've placed the video after the break. We find it appropriate.

Continue reading Take-Two warns Jack Thompson to back down ... again

JoystiqTake-Two warns Jack Thompson to back down ... again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jackthompsonlawsuitPS2settlementtaketwoWiiFri, 31 Aug 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson mentally fit according to Dr. Wunderman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/thompson-mentally-fit-according-to-dr-wunderman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/thompson-mentally-fit-according-to-dr-wunderman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/thompson-mentally-fit-according-to-dr-wunderman/#commentsFiled under:

Following the Florida Bar's option of seeking psychological testing or face a 91-day suspension, GamePolitics has the details of Jack Thompson seeing a psychologist on his own dime who said he is allegedly free of mental health issues. The analysis was done by a Dr. Wunderman and Thompson filed the psych. report yesterday to go with a pair of lawsuits he has against the Florida Bar.

According to Thompson's psychologist Dr. Wunderman, "Mr. Thompson appears to be a thoughtful, prosocial and erudite man whose life is anchored, fortified and enriched by his Evangelical Christianity. I find no evidence that his faith distorts, clouds or impairs his personal or professional judgment." Wunderman during his analysis focused on if Thompson suffers from mental illness, if he's obsessed with porn and obscenity and if he's obsessed with stopping the sale of violent games to minors. "Obsessed" being a clinical term here and not what we'd all clearly say is obsession. Thompson also says he will try to cut down on his use of hyperbole and sarcasm in his motions and says he knows he may have offended with his writings. It'll be interesting to see if the Florida Bar asks for Thompson to see their own psychologist.

JoystiqThompson mentally fit according to Dr. Wunderman originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freudjackthompsonobsessionpsychiatristshrinkthompsonwundermanWed, 22 Aug 2007 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson files BioShock ad complaint with FTC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/19/jack-thompson-files-bioshock-ad-complaint-with-ftc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/19/jack-thompson-files-bioshock-ad-complaint-with-ftc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/19/jack-thompson-files-bioshock-ad-complaint-with-ftc/#commentsFiled under: ,


Attorney Jack Thompson has sent a complaint letter to the Federal Trade Commission for BioShock advertisements aired during Friday night's WWE Smackdown. GamePolitics has the full complaint from Thompson, a portion of it states: "Take-Two... is aggressively marketing its newest Mature-rated video game to kids under 17 years of age... On this Friday's night's 8 pm Eastern time airing of WWE's wrestling program "Smackdown," there were repeated ads for Take-Two/Rockstar Game's Mature-rated, incredibly violent BioShock ... This rampant fraudulent trade practice is precisely what 'Big Tobacco' did with its 'Joe Camel' and other teen-targeting ads, while at the same time lying to Congress that it was not marketing its adult product to kids."

Hey, we had no idea Rockstar had anything to do with BioShock ... oh wait, that's right, they didn't. The FTC has already stated they think the industry is doing a relatively fine job handling itself; however, the FTC does say the movie and video game industry are both guilty of marketing R and M rated content during shows with inappropriate demographics. That's all good and fine of course, but we're just way too busy bathing in the irony of a FTC violence complaint being brought upon the airing of BioShock ads during an episode of WWE Smackdown.

Gallery: BioShock

JoystiqJack Thompson files BioShock ad complaint with FTC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adbioshockftcjackthompsonsmackdownwweXbox-360Sun, 19 Aug 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson says Florida Bar requested he get psych test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/thompson-says-florida-bar-requested-he-get-psych-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/thompson-says-florida-bar-requested-he-get-psych-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/thompson-says-florida-bar-requested-he-get-psych-test/#commentsFiled under:

The referee for Jack Thompson's Florida Bar issues, Sheila M. Tuma, has allegedly requested that Thompson seek psychological testing and accept a 91-day suspension of his law license. The e-mail explaining the situation was sent to GamePolitics by Thompson himself. The claim could not be verified as the Florida Bar did not respond to requests for comment. The recommendation comes following issues stemming from Thompson's Bully case last year where there were issues regarding his professional conduct.

According to Thompson's email, "Ms. Tuma not only did not move off her [suspension] demand one iota, not one smidgeon, but she instead upped her demand by requiring that Thompson undergo a battery of psychological tests as part of the fabulous deal The Bar offered him ... Ms. Tuma [sic] last demand going into the mediation was a 91-day suspension, and she opened and ended with that and a shrink's couch." According to GP, this would not be the first time Thompson has been compelled to seek psychological testing by the Bar. In the '90s he also was sent, sadly in that situation he subsequently sued the Bar and settled for $20K according to his 2005 book, Out of Harm's Way. So Take Two is telling Thompson to back down and the Florida Bar wants to send him for psych testing. We'd totally watch Thompson on the couch if it were anything like Breaking Bonaduce.

JoystiqThompson says Florida Bar requested he get psych test originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>florida barFloridaBarjack thompsonJackThompsonpsych testingthe barTue, 03 Jul 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two and Thompson truce torched already?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/take-two-and-thompson-truce-torched-already/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/take-two-and-thompson-truce-torched-already/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/take-two-and-thompson-truce-torched-already/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Take-Two is telling Jack Thompson to cool down his escalating GTA IV and Manhunt 2 maneuvers or else he may be in violation of the agreement that kept him from getting disbarred, along with a slew of other potential problems, a few months ago. GamePolitics reports that Thompson received a letter from Take-Two that he may be in breach of their earlier settlement. Ever tell a kid numerous times to not touch a hot stove and they still do it anyway? Yeah, that's what this is like.

The violation revolves around Thompson sending a letter to the Governor and Attorney General of Florida "alerting" them to an "incredibly violent video game called Manhunt 2." Thompson says he agreed to stop filling suits invoking Florida's public nuisance law and contacting companies that Take-Two does business with; however, Thompson says in court filings, "Thompson DID NOT... agree not to contact government officials... no settlement agreement... that prohibits a citizen from contacting any government at any level about anything is enforceable because such a restriction on the First Amendment rights of citizens is contrary to public policy." Thompson also writes in the court documents that he's filed a complaint against Take-Two's attorneys with the Florida Bar over the June 7th letter telling him that he's in violation of the agreement. Well, maybe this helps explain a little bit what the secret meeting between Thompson and Take-Two's CEO was about.

JoystiqTake-Two and Thompson truce torched already? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contractjack thompsonJackThompsonmanhunt2PS2PSPtaketwovoidWiiThu, 28 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar: We 'emphatically disagree' with UK's Manhunt 2 ban]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Rockstar has issued a statement in response to the BBFC's earlier decision to reject Manhunt 2 for classification and thus prohibit it from being sold in the UK. "We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2, said the Grand Theft Auto creator. "While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision."

Rockstar goes on to defend Manhunt 2 by pointing out that its subject matter is no different than that of "other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers," noting that "adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more." A rational defense, no doubt, but perhaps one better suited to a world where only "adult consumers" would be in a position to play the game.

ELSPA earlier declared that the ban "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective," when it really seems to imply the opposite. Had game ratings been truly effective, the BBFC could have simply slapped the appropriate rating on the box and trusted adults and parents to judge the game's content accordingly. In the real world, however, the sloppy enforcement of ratings and general apathy towards content descriptors have prompted the certification body to add an extra barrier of entry, underlining a clear lack of faith in the effectiveness of its own warning labels. The ratings system should be powerful and heeded enough to handle any video game, no matter how violent it may be.

JoystiqRockstar: We 'emphatically disagree' with UK's Manhunt 2 ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBFCELSPAJack ThompsonJackThompsonManhuntManhunt 2Manhunt2PS2PSPRockstarWiiTue, 19 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar's Manhunt 2 rejected by UK ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstars-manhunt-2-rejected-by-uk-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstars-manhunt-2-rejected-by-uk-ratings-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstars-manhunt-2-rejected-by-uk-ratings-board/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It is the duty of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to classify or rate any films or video games before they are released in the UK -- if they are indeed deemed fit for release. After spending some time strangling strangers and stabbing psychopaths in Rockstar's Manhunt 2, it seems the BBFC are none too pleased by the game's content, rejecting it for certification entirely. This means that Manhunt 2 may not be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.

MCV quotes the BBFC's director David Cooke as saying, "Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board's published Guidelines." With the game already filled with all manner of cuts, slashes and eviscerations, the BBFC could simply not see a way around the game's "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone" and its "sustained and cumulative casual sadism."

With Rockstar being no stranger to controversy, we half expect those quotes to show up on the back of the box. Then again, publisher Take-Two is unlikely to let an entire country of wallets just slip from its grasp, so there may yet be an appeal or a round of strict censorship. The Wii, PS2 and PSP game is still en route to America though and it shouldn't be long before we all learn whether UK gamers have been robbed... or rescued.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Gallery: Manhunt 2 (Wii)

JoystiqRockstar's Manhunt 2 rejected by UK ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBFCJack ThompsonJackThompsonManhuntManhunt 2Manhunt2PS2PSPRockstarUKWiiTue, 19 Jun 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson and Take-Two have secret meeting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-thompson-and-take-two-have-secret-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-thompson-and-take-two-have-secret-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/14/jack-thompson-and-take-two-have-secret-meeting/#commentsFiled under: ,


GamePolitics is reporting that Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick and Jack Thompson recently had a rendezvous in New York. There are very few details on what actually occurred at the meeting. All that GP knows is Zelnick asked for the meeting and Thompson acknowledged that it occurred. If you're just joining us, let's just say that Take-Two and Thompson have history.

Was Zelnick trying to bury the hatchet? Did he try to pay Jack off? Or were they conspiring to create their next brilliant marketing scheme to sell millions of extra copies of Manhunt 2 and GTA IV? Only their waiter and maybe the bartender at The Palm, Sardi's, and later in the evening, Splash, know for sure. GP thinks Zelnick was getting a feel for "'Take Two's most abiding critic' ... who has vowed to bring the company down." All we can hope is that one of the guys was wearing a wire, because that's one conversation we'd really like to hear with no real lawyers present.

JoystiqJack Thompson and Take-Two have secret meeting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gtaJackThompsonmanhuntmanhunt2taketwozelnickThu, 14 Jun 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 in all its gory glory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/manhunt-2-in-all-its-gory-glory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/manhunt-2-in-all-its-gory-glory/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/manhunt-2-in-all-its-gory-glory/#commentsFiled under: ,

IGN has put up a fresh new preview for a certain lawyer's most hated game, Manhunt 2. This new preview also puts to bed, rather violently we might add, all those rumblings that the game will somehow be watered down on the Wii. From images and the preview's contents itself, Manhunt 2 is looking to be comprised of several buckets, each of with is overflowing with precious life's blood. Seriously, this game is going to be gory.

But, that's not all the exciting and fun news, as we're happy to bring forth fresh new screens and box art for the game, which you can find tucked away for your convenience in the gallery below.

JoystiqManhunt 2 in all its gory glory originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2007 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jackthompsonmanhunt2nintendonintendowiirockstarwiiWed, 30 May 2007 21:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazy Jack Thompson goes after Halo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/crazy-jack-thompson-goes-after-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/crazy-jack-thompson-goes-after-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/crazy-jack-thompson-goes-after-halo-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

We'll make this short and sweet, because we hate giving this guy attention. Crazy Jack Thompson is on the warpath again, but this time he's going after Microsoft and their "hyperviolent" game Halo 3. In a letter addressed to Mr. Bill Gates and sent out to various media outlets (not including us) Thompson threatens legal action against Microsoft if they do not take the proper steps to make sure that no one under 17 years old purchases Halo 3 game due to its mature rating. Jack then goes on to illustrate a few examples, blah, blah, thinks he's smart, blah, blah, and ends his letter with a soft threat. Crazy Jack's crazy letter can be read in its entirety after the break, but be warned he's crazy. Oh, and if it were to come down to it we wish you the best of luck Jack in going toe to toe with Microsoft's lawyers. Their legal team is twice the size of their entire Windows division.

[Thanks, MuJaHiDeEn 420]

Continue reading Crazy Jack Thompson goes after Halo 3

JoystiqCrazy Jack Thompson goes after Halo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshalo 3Halo3jack thompsonJackThompsonmicrosoftWed, 23 May 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 wallpapers bring the violence to your desktop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/manhunt-2-wallpapers-bring-the-violence-to-your-desktop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/manhunt-2-wallpapers-bring-the-violence-to-your-desktop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/manhunt-2-wallpapers-bring-the-violence-to-your-desktop/#commentsFiled under:



If you happen to use your computer near someone who fancies themselves a Jack Thompson-alike, then boy have we got something for you: freakalicious Manhunt 2 wallpapers to dress up that desktop. There's nothing like a giant glaring eyeball of death to get you through the workday.

Our spiffy new galleries balk at anything over 800px wide, so you'll have to hit the source for the bigger, better versions. To make up for it, we added some screenshots as well. Enjoy!

JoystiqManhunt 2 wallpapers bring the violence to your desktop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionhorrorimageJack ThompsonJackThompsonmanhunt 2Manhunt2nintendorockstartake-twowallpaperwiiWed, 16 May 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Failed Louisiana video game bill sponsor speaks out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/failed-louisiana-video-game-bill-sponsor-speaks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/failed-louisiana-video-game-bill-sponsor-speaks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/failed-louisiana-video-game-bill-sponsor-speaks-out/#commentsFiled under:

Following an embarrassing defeat of his unconstitutional video game bill, Louisiana Rep. Roy Burrell (D) wrote an op-ed piece in this morning's Shreveport Times. The newspaper had previously criticized him and it seemed he was attempting to explain himself. The naive representative worked with Jack Thompson to pen the bill that would not only eventually get defeated, but would force Louisiana taxpayers to pony up the $100,000 in legal fees to the ESA for wasting their time fighting the bill. From the op-ed piece Burrell still doesn't quite get what's wrong.

Burrell (pictured with Jack Thompson) writes, "I am offended The Times and one federal judge would question state legislators' commitment, integrity and legal knowledge because of a controversial constitutional court ruling on the protection of the First Amendment Right of free speech. Like me, during the legislative process, legislators never knew they would vote unanimously on HB 1381, only to have it struck down by a federal district judge, then publicly criticized by him and the media for doing their legislative duty. This is appalling. Conversely, they should be commended and not humiliated on standing up finally for children and families against the powerful entertainment industry."

So, not only was Burrell "humiliated," but he ended up costing taxpayers 100 grand. He says it's worth it if it stops one child from being harmed by "mind-altering harmful ultra-violent video games." Burrell closes saying, "It is difficult for me to ignore the facts that explicitly sexual and ultra-violent video games are severely and adversely affecting our children's behavior." Sorry Roy, no facts, you just got Jack.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFailed Louisiana video game bill sponsor speaks out originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burrellfailuregame billjack thompsonJackThompsonlouisianaThu, 10 May 2007 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson goes after Wendy's]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/jack-thompson-goes-after-wendys-logic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/jack-thompson-goes-after-wendys-logic/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/jack-thompson-goes-after-wendys-logic/#commentsFiled under:


The ever-antagonistic Jack Thompson is up to his usual business of publicly decrying anything remotely connected to video games. It doesn't get much more remote than Wendy's. According to GamePolitics, Jack sent an angry email to the CEO of the company about their association with the Wii.

As we know, Manhunt 2 will be released on the Wii. And as we also know, Wendy's has begun giving away promotional Wii-themed toys. It might be kind of hard to tell from the picture, but look closely and you'll see that the toys have nothing to do with Manhunt 2.

We may only be amateur logicians, but in addition to the inaccurate claim that the promotion of the Wii is an indirect endorsement of Manhunt 2, we think we see a hasty generalization here: one violent game doesn't mean that the entire set of Wii games (which contains the games promoted here) is violent, or that the Wii is a violent platform. Feel free to correct our analysis in the comments. We could always use more logic in our discussions of Mr. Thompson.

JoystiqJack Thompson goes after Wendy's originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jackjackthompsonmanhunt2nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiithompsontoyswendywendyswiiWed, 09 May 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Murder sim to Wendy's with Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/murder-sim-to-wendys-with-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/murder-sim-to-wendys-with-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/murder-sim-to-wendys-with-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:

Previously, we showed off Wendy's new Wii-based toys, part of their kid's meal and, as GamePolitics shows us, this is the last thing we would have seen coming. Turns out Jack Thompson doesn't like Wendy's working with Nintendo because Manhunt 2 will be distributed on the Wii console. Thompson says, "A dear friend of mine worked for Wendy's and with Dave Thomas closely for years. From that I know that Dave Thomas never would have tolerated the use of Wendy's good name to promote Nintendo's Wii, not with this game available on the Wii platform."

Here's your six-degrees of murder simulation:
  • Manhunt 2 is what Thompson calls a "murder simulator"
  • Manhunt 2 will appear on the Wii (among other systems)
  • Wendy's is promoting the Wii, therefore;
  • Wendy's is promoting Manhunt 2, which promotes murder, and;
  • Bacon is in the Wendy's burger
  • Bacon is last name of actor Kevin Bacon (oops, forgot what we were doing here)
Thompson is not suing Wendy's, nor Nintendo -- he's merely making it known that Kevin Bacon is connected to a "murder simulator." What won't he think up next?

JoystiqMurder sim to Wendy's with Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack thompsonJackThompsonmanhuntmurder simulationtoyswendy'sTue, 08 May 2007 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenwalt: Forza 2 may make you a better driver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/greenwalt-forza-2-may-make-you-a-better-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/greenwalt-forza-2-may-make-you-a-better-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/greenwalt-forza-2-may-make-you-a-better-driver/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We really wish videogame companies would unify their message. First we're told that crashing is awesome, and now Forza 2 lead designer Dan Greenawalt is telling CVG that his game is driver's ed. on a disc! Well, actually, he said that "things you learn in Forza Motorsport apply in the real world," but that's practically the same thing. Greenwalt explains, saying that there are some videogame conventions that would have your family clipping coupons for Casket Town if you tried them in reality. "They learn that if you're at the edge of traction and you brake, you'll get more turning," Greenwalt said. "Well, that's just not true, and it'll get you killed on a track."

As a result of our completely non-court-orded house arrest (we just loved Disturbia) we're unable to test Greenwalt's assertions. But that also means we're without an answer to the big question: Will games turn us into "Machine Gun" Joe Viterbo or Hoke Colburn? No matter what you think the answer is, let's just keep it between us, shall we? We don't need any attorneys-at-lawl getting any bright ideas.

JoystiqGreenwalt: Forza 2 may make you a better driver originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnoutcvgdrivingforzaforza2jackthompsonXbox-360xbox360Fri, 04 May 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming in the face of tragedy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/gaming-in-the-face-of-tragedy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Within 24 hours of the horrific Virginia Tech tragedy, prominent personalities began popping up on TV with their opinions on why it happened and what facet of society and entertainment we should blame. Many in the gaming industry braced for fierce public backlash. But it never really happened.

GameDaily BIZ's media watchdog Kyle Orland (who is also a prolific contributor to Joystiq) chronicles the media's behavior in how they did or did not try to connect video games to the recent campus tragedy and provides a historical perspective and where the industry goes from here. It's a fascinating read that succeeds in summarizing the last few weeks of mainstream coverage.

See Also: What I know about violent games

JoystiqGaming in the face of tragedy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack thompsonJackThompsonmediavirginia techVirginiaTechvtSat, 28 Apr 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson balks at free game violence debate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-balks-at-free-game-violence-debate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We know it's been a Jack-Thompson-filled couple of weeks here on Joystiq, but we can't help it if the guy keeps doing newsworthy stuff (or can we?). Anyway, we were kind of surprised to hear today that the latest bit of hate-filled invective Thompson hurled at IGDA president Jason Della Rocca actually came close to developing into something more than name calling. Apparently, Della Rocca tried to accept Thompson's challenge "to one or more college debates, anywhere anytime, to discuss whether violent video games in any fashion caused school killings..."

A series of e-mails, reprinted on Della Rocca's blog, details the back and forth between the pair on the debate's location and particulars. When the subject of money comes up, Thompson reveals that they can "expect to net approximately $3000 or more per event" though he's quick to add that he's "not in this issue for the money." When Della Rocca balks at being paid to talk, Thompson puts it bluntly: "That isn't how it works and I can't justify leaving my family to go to Montreal on a freebie. Sorry. Have to pay the bills."

Now we can understand the need to make ends meet as much as anybody, but when you make a boast to publicly debate someone "anywhere anytime," the cost of a plane ticket shouldn't really be a deal breaker. That is, unless Thompson can't live up to his own taunt to "put your mouth where your money is." As Della Rocca puts it, it seems that sometimes "the critics of media violence are in fact the ones profiting most from real-world violence and fears of virtual violence."

JoystiqThompson balks at free game violence debate originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debatedella roccaDellaRoccaIGDAjack thompsonJackThompsonmediamoneythompsonviolenceThu, 26 Apr 2007 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson sues Kotaku owner over comments, suit dismissed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-sues-kotaku-owner-over-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-sues-kotaku-owner-over-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/thompson-sues-kotaku-owner-over-comments/#commentsFiled under: ,

[Update: The Kotaku suit has been dismissed by Federal District Court Judge Paul Huck, GamePolitics.com is now reporting. Apparently, Thompson "failed to follow the proper federal court procedure for amending a complaint." Thompson says he'll try it again though, so please, read on.]

The smoldering battle between Florida lawyer Jack Thompson and the gaming press has been taken to a new level. In a tersely worded post yesterday on Kotaku, Brian Crecente revealed that Thompson has added a complaint against Kotaku owner Gawker Media to a March 13 suit against the Florida Bar.

The childishly-worded complaint (He actually makes a "NOT!" joke on page 27) focuses on a few Kotaku commenters (which Thompson mistakenly refers to as "bloggers") that allegedly said Thompson "should be shot ... struck with a baseball bat, shot in the face by an irate gamer, [and] castrated and his testicles stuffed down his throat," among other things. To be fair, those are some strong, hateful words, and threats like these are not necessarily protected by the first amendment. Still, Gawker or Kotaku probably can't be held liable for them -- a federal judge ruled in June 2006 that "bloggers cannot be hit with libel suits on the basis of anonymous postings on their Web sites."

Perhaps knowing this, Thompson goes a different route in his complaint by alleging Kotaku is part of a "civil conspiracy ... to deprive Thompson of his various basic constitutional rights" and that the site is "attempt[ing] to intimidate a citizen for the exercise of his constitutional rights." Mark Methenitis goes into detail on what exactly is legally wrong with this overreach over at his Law of the Game blog. All we'll add is that we're sickened by this obvious attempt at legal intimidation and we support our blogging brothers at Gawker all the way.

JoystiqThompson sues Kotaku owner over comments, suit dismissed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogbloggingJack ThompsonJackThompsonjournalismkotakulawlawsuitlegallibelsuitwritingThu, 26 Apr 2007 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson responds to Rocca as we Zen on Take Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/22/jack-thompson-responds-to-rocca-as-we-zen-on-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/22/jack-thompson-responds-to-rocca-as-we-zen-on-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/22/jack-thompson-responds-to-rocca-as-we-zen-on-take-two/#commentsFiled under:

After the break we have a video of Jack Thompson responding to IGDA Director Jason Della Rocca's quote about him being a "massacre chaser." Particularly choice moments are when Thompson calls Della Rocca an "idiot" and "jackass" on national television. The anchor concludes the piece, "Clearly on a campaign, we appreciate your sharing, attorney Jack Thompson."

Something worth thinking about as this Thompson "jacklash" continues, we sorta passed over a major event this week: Thompson can't mess with Take Two anymore. This was part of a settlement reached between Take Two and Thompson following a string of lawsuits going back to the Bully case. GamePolitics has the terms of the settlement in a handy PDF download. The big question is if Thompson can't go after Take Two's GTA IV or Manhunt 2, the VT Massacre angle isn't quite going his way, then what is there left to go after? Any violent game Thompson could decide to take on would probably pale in comparison to the carnage in either GTA IV or Manhunt, which he legally can't attack anymore.

So, take a deep cleansing breath and ponder: Without the ability to go after Take Two anymore -- what can Thompson do?

Continue reading Jack Thompson responds to Rocca as we Zen on Take Two

JoystiqJack Thompson responds to Rocca as we Zen on Take Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversyjack thompsonJackThompsonjason della roccaviolent video gameszenSun, 22 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Thompson receives 'Jacklash' in a week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/21/thompson-receives-jacklash-in-a-week/#commentsFiled under:

It doesn't matter how many times he experiences failure or comes close to no longer being able to practice law -- there is always somebody willing to listen to Jack Thompson. No time was this more obvious than this week following the Virginia Tech massacre. Before the dead were counted, the shooter named or anyone could wrap their brain around what had just happened, Thompson was already on Fox News as a "school shooting expert" spouting theories, and Fox News let it slide without challenge.

The situation was exacerbated Tuesday when the Washington Post impulsively reported video game related information they later retracted. By mid-week information was starting to turn against Thompson and even Hardball's Chris Matthews wasn't buying what Thompson was selling anymore. By yesterday the "Jacklash" was in full effect, the boulder rolled down the hill again and Jack "Sisyphus" Thompson will have to start over again -- without the help of using Take Two as his punching bag.

In GamePolitics' recap of the week's events they have a quote from the International Game Developers Association's Jason Della Rocca, who says, "It's so sad. These massacre chasers -- they're worse than ambulance chasers -- they're waiting for these things to happen so they can jump on their soapbox." But as sure as the sun will rise and the moon will set, Jack Thompson is already rolling his boulder back up the hill, waiting for the next tragedy that he can blame on video games.

JoystiqThompson receives 'Jacklash' in a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backlashjack thompsonjacklashJackThompsonmediaSat, 21 Apr 2007 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Take Two and Thompson settle before trial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/take-two-and-thompson-settle-before-trial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/take-two-and-thompson-settle-before-trial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/take-two-and-thompson-settle-before-trial/#commentsFiled under:


Word comes that Jack Thompson and Take Two have settled before going to trial in Florida. This comes after news that Thompson would sue the publisher to put a dent in sales of its upcoming games Grand Theft Auto IV and Manhunt 2. The settlement reached by both parties has stipulations, preventing Thompson from:
  • Suing Take Two or its subsidiaries in an attempt to threaten or block sales of any game
  • Communicating with anyone at Take Two, or its business partners, that the company has committed any wrongdoing by selling its games. Thompson can criticize games from the company and may still act as legal counsel in any upcoming lawsuits.
  • Making any contact with Take Two through any party that is not their attorney
Game Politics has a copy of the settlement, so if you want to give it a read, go right ahead (link opens a .pdf file).

JoystiqTake Two and Thompson settle before trial originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jackthompsonmanhuntnintendonintendowiitaketwowiiFri, 20 Apr 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No video games found in VT shooter's dorm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/no-video-games-found-in-vt-shooters-dorm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/no-video-games-found-in-vt-shooters-dorm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/19/no-video-games-found-in-vt-shooters-dorm/#commentsFiled under:

Video games were one of the first things blamed for the recent shootings at Virginia Tech. Dr. Phil and a certain Floridiot lawyer were two of the loudest voices, while an article in the online version of the Washing Post briefly mentioned Cho was a Counter-Strike player in high school. Not a big deal in our eyes, but to the general public if Cho even looked at a video game, it's case-closed.

After police searched Cho's dorm room, however, it seems he didn't own any video games at all. No murder simulators or gun training programs, not even a copy of Tetris. If video games didn't teach him these skills, where did they come from?! Oh noes!

We've posted our feelings about violent video games. Hopefully this lack of evidence will silence the anti-gaming pundits for a while.

JoystiqNo video games found in VT shooter's dorm originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drphiljackthompsonnewsviolencevirginiatechThu, 19 Apr 2007 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge: Louisiana must pay ESA's legal bill, Taxpayers: Crap.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/judge-louisiana-must-pay-esas-legal-bill-taxpayers-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/judge-louisiana-must-pay-esas-legal-bill-taxpayers-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/judge-louisiana-must-pay-esas-legal-bill-taxpayers-crap/#commentsFiled under: ,


"The Court wonders why nobody objected to the enactment of this statute. In this court's view the taxpayers deserve more from their elected officials."

We've heard some harsh criticism of video game legislation before, but this holds just a bit more weight than the others. It's not just that it was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge James Brady (represented here by the lovable [yet honorable] Judge Harry Stone). No, this criticism is special thanks to the price tag of $92,000 attached to it that the state of Louisiana must pay to cover the Electronic Software Association's legal fees. It's the latest shockwave from House Bill 1381, which would've banned the sale of "violent" video games to minors. Surprising no one, the bill at the heart of the controversy was written by fear-mongering superstar, Jack Thompson, attorney-at-lawl. Also of no surprise: It was ruled unconstitutional.

But don't get excited just yet, as bill sponsor Rep. Roy Burrell (D) says he might try again with a similar bill. Well, why wouldn't he? When a bump in your approval rating among frightened parents (read: voters) is on the line, is $92,000 in taxpayer dollars really such a high price to pay?

JoystiqJudge: Louisiana must pay ESA's legal bill, Taxpayers: Crap. originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esajackthompsonlegislationlouisianaMon, 16 Apr 2007 14:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson's further Florida Bar issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The day of reckoning for Jack Thompson approaches ever so slowly -- looks like somebody needs a luck dragon. Separately from another disciplinary hearing brought by the Florida Bar based on issues of misconduct, Thompson could be in trouble with the Florida Bar again over complaints filed by the judge from last year's Bully suit. The Florida Supreme Court has assigned a Miami judge for trial and if the complaints by the judge are upheld Thompson would face professional sanctions.

The complaints brought by Judge Ronald Friedman were based on Thompson's conduct during the Bully trial. The Bar believes Thompson lashed out against Friedman during the trial making statements with "a reckless disregard as to [their] truth." The Bar points to statements made in the 15-page complaint which include gems from Thompson like, "Here's a tip, Judge, I don't practice law. I save lives from reckless jurists like you." And about the game Bully, Thompson says to Friedman, "You missed the gay sex ... I'm sure the voters are going to love that. Go ahead, Judge. File your bar complaint. Make my day."

It's no secret at this point the Thompson's grip on reality is slipping. It seems the Florida Bar is looking to shut him down before he embarrasses the profession further. There is no word yet how this will affect Thompson's lawsuit to stop Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV from hitting store shelves.

JoystiqJack Thompson's further Florida Bar issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullydisciplinary actionflorida bargrand theft autogtajack thompsonJackThompsonjudgemanhuntPCPS2PS3WiiXboxXbox-360Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Activist lawyer drops RICO charges against Take Two, others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/activist-lawyer-drops-rico-charges-against-take-two-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Phew, that was close. And to think, he almost discovered our master plans ...

Infamous Miami lawyer Jack Thompson has thoroughly revised his complaint and counterclaim against Take Two. Concerning his counterclaim, Thompson shortened it from nearly 20 pages to a single paragraph that makes no mention of previous racketeering charges that listed Penny Arcade, the ESA, Joystiq, Kotaku and others as collaborators and conspirators.

Of course, Joystiq was left unaware what racketeering really was, having ignored Denis McCauley's thorough explanation for enlightenment via Tycho and Gabe's funny pictures.

In light of this pseudo-victory, Joystiq is celebrating with cake, ice cream and engaging in illegal business activities usually associated with organized crime.

JoystiqActivist lawyer drops RICO charges against Take Two, others originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gabegame politicsGamePoliticsjack thompsonJackThompsonpenny arcadePennyArcadepoliticsracketeeringricorocketrocket eeringRocketEeringtychoFri, 30 Mar 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two finds no buyers, to face shareholders Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/take-two-found-no-buyers-to-face-shareholders-thursday/#commentsFiled under:

After postponing a shareholder meeting so as to court potential buyers, publisher Take-Two has announced that no deal has been made and the company will proceed with the shareholder meeting Thursday without any company interested in purchasing the controversy-laden publisher.

How bad will the meeting be for Take Two? Game Politics predicts that several major stockholders are planning to revolt, CEO Paul Eibeler will be ousted from his position and "T2-hatin' shareholder Jack 'RICO' Thompson may gain access to the microphone and spew his particular brand of vitriol at Eibeler and Take Two management."

Here's a plan: seeing as Thursday's event will be extremely entertaining, why not sell tickets to the event or broadcast the meeting, with advertising, on the internet? There's no perceivable way that the publisher will have an optimistic outcome, so they might as well monetize the entertaining disaster.

JoystiqTake-Two finds no buyers, to face shareholders Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jack thompsonJackThompsontake 2take twoTake2TakeTwoTue, 27 Mar 2007 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Mar. 12 - Mar. 18: ridiculously rampant racketeering edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-ridiculously-rampant/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-ridiculously-rampant/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/23/japanese-hardware-sales-mar-12-mar-18-ridiculously-rampant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's not very often that you get accused of being part of an evil conspiracy. It certainly isn't very often that you're given opportunity to use words such as "collusion," "racketeering" or "farcical," especially not in the same sentence! It is thus with great pleasure that we inform you that Joystiq has been implicated in an imagined and entirely farcical collusion that promotes racketeering.

The always entertaining and fundamentally unhinged attorney at lawl, Jack Thompson, has deemed it fit to include us (along with the ESA, Penny Arcade, Gamespot, Kotaku and more) in his latest attack on Take Two. Apparently, the publisher has "collaborated and conspired" with us to further their racketeering activities.

Of course, we're not even sure what racketeering is. "I'm selling these fine leather rackets," springs to mind, but we're convinced it's more complex than that. Perhaps we've been USING TOO MANY CAPITALIZED WORDS? Should we "turn it down a notch," as the old folks are fond of saying? Either way, please let us know in the comments section -- or else we'll punch you in the face and trash your store, ya hear?

- DS Lite: 121,471 12,959 (11.94%)
- Wii: 67,070 22,575 (50.74%)
- PSP: 43,769 12,406 (22.08%)
- PS3: 21,635 10,480 (32.63%)
- PS2: 13,321 1,264 (8.67%)
- Xbox 360: 2,910 423 (12.69%)
- Game Boy Micro: 727 85 (10.47%)
- GBA SP: 557 122 (17.97%)
- Gamecube: 367 127 (52.92%)
- DS Phat: 159 40 (33.61%)
- GBA: 9 4 (30.77%)

[Sales chart beaten out of: Media Create]

See also, or else: Previous Japanese hardware sales charts

[This edition inspired by our fellow racketeers, rocketeers and raconteurs, Penny Arcade]

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Mar. 12 - Mar. 18: ridiculously rampant racketeering edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSGameCubeJack ThompsonJackThompsonJapanese hardware salesJapaneseHardwareSalesPenny ArcadePennyArcadePS2PS3PSPWiiXbox-360Fri, 23 Mar 2007 23:15:00 EST