Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Blue Toad Murder files for December 17 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/blue-toad-murder-files-for-december-17-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/blue-toad-murder-files-for-december-17-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/blue-toad-murder-files-for-december-17-release/#comments
Relentless Software is prepping the first episode of its PSN adventure game, Blue Toad Murder Files: The Mysteries of Little Riddle, for a December 17 release. The studio's first self-published game is inspired by classic murder mysteries of yesteryear, with players having to figure out "whodunnit." The first screenshots of the game showcase interrogations and puzzles, making good on our wish for a game "like Professor Layton meets ... uh, murder."

Unique to the Blue Toad Murder Files is the promise of "one to four player co-operative gameplay." Our interest is certainly piqued by that feature, and we're hoping it'll amount to something a bit more significant than one person holding the controller while three other people yell in their ear.

Gallery: Blue Toad Murder Files

JoystiqBlue Toad Murder files for December 17 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-toad-murder-filesmurderpsnrelease-daterelentless-softwarewhodunnitMon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Man gets life in killing over 'stolen' PlayStation 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/man-gets-life-in-killing-over-stolen-playstation-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/man-gets-life-in-killing-over-stolen-playstation-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/man-gets-life-in-killing-over-stolen-playstation-2/#comments
Former Fresno State student Jonquel Brooks was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, for the 2007 shooting of four men -- one of which died in the altercation. On May 7, 2007, Brooks was approached and accused of stealing a PlayStation 2 system from one of the four men. Police did not find the stolen PlayStation in his apartment, defense lawyer Jane Boulger said. The argument eventually turned violent when Brooks fired shots, striking two of the men and killing another. Following the incident Brooks, 21, fled from the scene -- later surrendering to authorities.

During his trial, Brooks claimed the shooting was in self defense, but prosecution argued he immediately resorted to the most extreme measures possible. According to prosecution, Brooks was known for "flashing a gun" and "dealing drugs." At sentencing, the mother of the deceased (Brant Daniels) forgave Brooks, calling him "a good kid who made a wrong choice."

Fresno County Superior Court sentenced Brooks to 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of Daniels. Brooks was also sentenced to 25 years for using a gun and a combined 59 years and four months for the attempted murder of the other three men involved in the altercation. Following the conviction, Brooks was remorseful, saying that he prayed for the "forgiveness" of Daniels' family and friends.

[Photo Credit: AP Images]

JoystiqMan gets life in killing over 'stolen' PlayStation 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jonquel-brookslegalmurdershootingtragedytragicSun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daniel Petric sentenced to 23 years in prison]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/daniel-petric-sentenced-to-23-years-in-prison/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/daniel-petric-sentenced-to-23-years-in-prison/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/16/daniel-petric-sentenced-to-23-years-in-prison/#comments
Daniel Petric, the teenager who shot and killed his mother and injured his father after being cut off from his precious Halo 3 back in 2007, received his sentence today, MSNBC reports. Judge James Burge sentenced the boy to 23 years to cries of mercy from the boy's surviving father, who stated that Daniel "still does not understand why he did something so terrible."

Daniel's sentence is actually a lot lighter than it could have been, as the prosecution was pushing for the maximum sentence of life without parole. The defense's argument was that Daniel was so young and so addicted to the game that he could not be held accountable. Petric, only 17 years old, was even younger when he committed the crime, and the judge's lenience is likely tied to his belief that young Daniel was addicted to the point of delusion.

[Thanks, Aaron]

JoystiqDaniel Petric sentenced to 23 years in prison originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedaniel-petrichalohalo-3lawMicrosoftmurdertrialXbox-360Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[First Bad Company 2 trailer light on gameplay, heavy on death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/first-bad-company-2-trailer-light-on-gameplay-heavy-on-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/first-bad-company-2-trailer-light-on-gameplay-heavy-on-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/first-bad-company-2-trailer-light-on-gameplay-heavy-on-death/#comments
Light on gameplay but heavy on murder the first trailer for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 got "world exclusive" status on this week's GameTrailers TV (after the break).

Showcasing the cycle of "smoke a cigarette, kill a dude, get killed yourself" in a MadWorld-esque aesthetic, we can't help but wish for actual gameplay footage from the game -- the first Bad Company 2 screen was madness! We'll expect to hear more from publisher EA and developer DICE as we near E3 2009 in June. More on murder, that is.

Continue reading First Bad Company 2 trailer light on gameplay, heavy on death

JoystiqFirst Bad Company 2 trailer light on gameplay, heavy on death originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-company-2dicee3-2009eaea-diceea-partnersElectronic-Artsgametrailersgametrailers-tvmadworldmurdertrailerSat, 28 Mar 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen on trial for murder, defense takes aim at stress & video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/teen-on-trial-for-murder-defense-takes-aim-at-stress-and-video-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/teen-on-trial-for-murder-defense-takes-aim-at-stress-and-video-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/teen-on-trial-for-murder-defense-takes-aim-at-stress-and-video-ga/#commentsFiled under:

Prosecutors at the murder trial of Daniel Petric claim the teen shot both of his parents, killing his mother, because they would not allow the 16-year-old to play Halo 3. According to the prosecution, Daniel Petric, who now stands trial at 17-years-old, was forbidden to buy the 'M' rated game Halo 3 by his parents Mark and Susan Petric. In response, the teen secretly purchased the game but was caught as he returned home prompting his parents to place the game inside of a lock box, which also contained a 9mm handgun.

Mark Petric, a minister at the Life Assembly of God in Wellington, Ohio, survived the shooting, which occurred the evening of October 20, 2007, when his daughter and her husband interrupted the horrific incident taking place. In his testimony, Mark Petric recalled Daniel sitting both him and his wife down saying, "Would you guys close your eyes. I have a surprise for you." Daniel Petric then opened fire on his parents.

Lawyers for Daniel Petric claim the teen had been under a large amount of stress due to a snowboarding accident which left him housebound for a year leaving him nothing to do but watch television and play video games. During testimony, Daniel Petric asked for his father's forgiveness and expressed his regret in the shooting which led to a heart-wrenching exchange that ended with his father exclaiming, "You're my son ... You're my boy."

It's difficult to form an opinion about this situation because the parents of Daniel Petric did exactly what should have been done, regulate their son's gaming habits. Regardless of your opinion, the Petric family story is a tragic one.

[via Kotaku]

JoystiqTeen on trial for murder, defense takes aim at stress & video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daniel-petricmurdervideo-games-on-trialMon, 15 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Murder linked to Advance Wars forum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/murder-linked-to-advance-wars-forum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/murder-linked-to-advance-wars-forum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/murder-linked-to-advance-wars-forum/#commentsFiled under:


Details are still very sketchy on the murder of a 20-year-old British man, allegedly killed by someone he'd met on an Advance Wars forum. The BBC reports Matthew Pyke, who ran the forum, is suspected to have been stabbed to death at his home in Nottingham by a man currently in custody with German police. The 21-year-old suspect, whose name has been withheld by authorities, is currently in Frankfurt for an extradition hearing.

All the German police will say at this point is that the two men "got to know each other through the internet" on Pyke's Advance Wars website.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqMurder linked to Advance Wars forum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-warsdeathgermanykillmatthew-pykemurderFri, 26 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Outrage! UK media up in arms over DS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/26/outrage-uk-media-up-in-arms-over-ds-games/#commentsFiled under:

It's rare to see DS titles being held responsible by the mainstream media for society's ills. Usually, such treatment is reserved for home console releases, but in the last 24 hours two DS games have triggered a bout of misguided bleatings, both from British papers that amazingly aren't the Daily Mail. That's right, readers: two titles. Welcome to a special, double edition "Outrage!" post. Double the horror! Double the controversy! Double the irrational fear!

We'll start with the obvious one, then. We sensed there'd be a backlash against Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars as soon as we saw these shots, but even we were impressed by the speediness of The Sun's error-strewn report. Next to an incorrectly captioned picture of Grand Theft Auto III, the paper reveals how a game about selling drugs will soon be playable on the "family-friendly" Nintendo DS, and remarks that, "Experts predict the final edition is unlikely to feature explicit criminality." They're in for a surprise, then.

Next up in the stocks is a far more surprising scapegoat: the rather innocent Advance Wars. According to the Daily Telegraph, police investigating the stabbing of a 20-year-old who was also a massive fan of the game (to the extent that he ran an Advance Wars fansite) are now investigating whether the killer was a fellow "internet gamer." Of course, that's just one of several potential links being examined by the authorities, but the newspaper still leads with the Advance Wars angle. Why? OUTRAGE!

Source: Grand Theft your child's INNOCENCE [Via Game Politics]
Source: Advance Wars: Murder Weapon [Via Game Politics]

JoystiqOutrage! UK media up in arms over DS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadvance-warscontroversygrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsintelligent-systemsmurderrockstarstrategyFri, 26 Sep 2008 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP may have helped police catch multiple murderer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/psp-may-have-helped-police-catch-multiple-murderer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/psp-may-have-helped-police-catch-multiple-murderer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/psp-may-have-helped-police-catch-multiple-murderer/#commentsFiled under:


The last story we posted on, it appeared a PSP lead to a violent crime. We now have an even more violent story coming out of London; however, this time the PSP might have helped catch the murderer. The Sun reports that two 23-year old French post-graduate students shown above, Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez, were "bound, gagged and stabbed to death" in an apartment in London on Sunday night. The police believe they were tortured for the PIN numbers to their ATM cards. Bonomo was stabbed 196 times and Ferez was stabbed 47 times.

Fortunately, the police did have clues. They "established that two Sony PSPs are missing and believe they were taken during the incident on Sunday when the two men were killed." They also released one of the PSP's serial numbers, SO1-0613169-C. Today, a 21-year old man has been arrested in connection with the murders. It is unclear whether the serial number released helped solve the crimes, but it is good to hear a culprit has been apprehended in these grisly murders.

[Note: Due to the tabloid nature of the Sun, here is the BBC's take.]

JoystiqPSP may have helped police catch multiple murderer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>murderpspSat, 05 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Case Closed: The Unexpected Localization]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/case-closed-the-unexpected-localization/#commentsFiled under:

Here's a slightly random announcement: this September, those of us not in Japan will be treated to a Detective Conan (or, as it's known outside Japan, Case Closed) game, after publisher Nobilis snagged the rights to publish Marvelous' Meitantei Conan: Tsuioku no Gensou "all over the world."

Case Closed: The Mirapolis Investigation will see pint-sized manga detective and bespectacled, precocious sod Jimmy Kudo return to locate clues, attend crime scenes, collect evidence, and tackle mini-games. His aim? To finally catch a shadowy figure who crashes the opening of a new theme park with a series of crimes.

Truth be told, this is one for the kids (much like the Japan-only DS game), but Nobilis is doing what it can to keep the hardcore fans happy: the original Japanese anime voices, for example, will remain intact. Grab your magnifying glass and sleuth your way past the break for both a TV spot and trailer for the Japanese version.

Continue reading Case Closed: The Unexpected Localization

JoystiqCase Closed: The Unexpected Localization originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case-closeddetective-conankidslocalizationmarvelousmurdermysterynobilissleuththe-mirapolis-investigationThu, 12 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Ninja on Ninja Gaiden accusations: 'Media shouldn't assume']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/team-ninja-on-ninja-gaiden-accusations-media-shouldnt-assume/#commentsFiled under:

A few days after a Japanese television network attempted to link Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword with the deadly rampage of 24-year-old Masahiro Kanagawa, Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi has criticized the Japanese media for "making assumptions" about the game's involvement in the tragedy. A copy of the title was found in Kanagawa's bag when he was arrested.

Speaking through a translator, Hayashi argued that the media "should not be the ones answering the questions or defining the reasons why this incident happened," yet was keen to point out that he wasn't defending either Team Ninja or Ninja Gaiden. "That's just my message from me to the media," he said, adding, "The media can report on these tragedies but they shouldn't just assume or lead into a question that doesn't have a definitive answer."

Entirely wise sentiments, of course, but we fear that they'll have little impact, at least while idle sensationalism sells newspapers and bumps ratings. This one could run and run, folks.

JoystiqTeam Ninja on Ninja Gaiden accusations: 'Media shouldn't assume' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncontroversydragon-swordjapanmediamurderninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmoFri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden: Depressing Scapegoat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/ninja-gaiden-depressing-scapegoat/#commentsFiled under:


Poor old Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword isn't having the best of times in Japan right now. Having shifted a criminally low 4,000 units in its first day on sale, the game is now having the crusty finger of blame pointed in its direction over a high-profile murder in the country. On March 19th, 24-year-old suspect Masahiro Kanagawa went on a horrific stabbing spree through his home town of Tsuchiura, killing one 27-year-old man, and wounding eight others.

We obviously can't explain what motivated Kanagawa, so hey, thank goodness for the news media, which has already nailed down the root cause of this young man's madness -- and it's all to do with that evil Ninja Gaiden game! Take that, professional psychologists and behavioral experts!

The above screenshot, captured by the My Games News Flash blog, was taken from a report by Japanese network Fuji TV. The blue and white text at the bottom knowingly points out that Kanagawa was arrested with a copy of Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword nestling at the bottom of his bag, implying that its presence there was somehow deeply meaningful. You'll all recognize the image, of course.

We seriously don't know what's more depressing about this: Fuji TV's gross over-simplification of what is a complex catastrophe, or the fact that this kind of lazy scapegoating passes as journalism pretty much anywhere in the world. Can we not all just move to the Moon or something? I call shotgun.


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden: Depressing Scapegoat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncontroversydragon-swordjapanmediamurderninja-gaidenteam-ninjatecmoTue, 25 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox rage child killer convicted of third-degree murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/xbox-rage-child-killer-convicted-of-third-degree-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/xbox-rage-child-killer-convicted-of-third-degree-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/xbox-rage-child-killer-convicted-of-third-degree-murder/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tyrone Spellman was found guilty yesterday of third-degree murder for killing his 17-month-old daughter in 2006 after she knocked over his Xbox. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports the jury reached the verdict after eight hours, adding that Spellman faces 23.5 to 47 years in prison. He has three prior drug convictions.

Apparently, after impulsively beating his daughter to death, Spellman propped the dead child by some barbells in order to mask the death as an accident in the eyes of arriving EMTs. In a post-verdict conversation, Prosecutor James Berardinelli was told by the forewoman that the jury believed Spellman acted "in a rage" but didn't mean to kill the child.

JoystiqXbox rage child killer convicted of third-degree murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamekillingsjusticemurderphiladelphiaspellmanvideogamemurderXboxWed, 30 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lineage II clan rivalry ends in real life murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/lineage-ii-clan-rivalry-ends-in-real-life-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/lineage-ii-clan-rivalry-ends-in-real-life-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/lineage-ii-clan-rivalry-ends-in-real-life-murder/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've all faced off against some frustrating adversary in an online game; be it a sword-hogging, trash-talking, rabid teabagger on Halo 3; or a cocky member of a rival faction in an MMORPG. However, the boundaries established between virtual enemies are never impermeable, and when online rivals decide to settle their differences in a real world context, the result is almost always tragic -- as was the case for Albert, a 33-year-old Lineage II player who was allegedly beaten to death by a vindictive member of an opposing clan.

Albert is survived by his sister Albina, a fellow member of Albert's Platanium clan, who reports that she's received a number of death threats from members of her brother's alleged murderer's guild, the Coo-clocks clan. Considering this is Russia's second Lineage II related murder in one year, perhaps warring clans and other sparring members of the gaming community should momentarily cool their jets and firmly reestablish those necessary borders between video games and reality.

JoystiqLineage II clan rivalry ends in real life murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clancooclocksclanlineagelineageiimurderPCplataniumSun, 20 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit prosecutor makes outdated violent games list for holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/detroit-prosecutor-makes-outdated-violent-games-list-for-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/detroit-prosecutor-makes-outdated-violent-games-list-for-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/detroit-prosecutor-makes-outdated-violent-games-list-for-holiday/#commentsFiled under:

Detroit has a bit of a crime problem and prosecutor Kym Worthy is looking to bring that down by issuing her third annual list of the "Top 10 Most Violent Games" for parents. As GamePolitics points out, the list isn't looking to be topical or specific; wide brush strokes will do. For example, if reading literally, the original Grand Theft Auto, the original Manhunt, and last year's Scarface round out the top three. 50 Cent Bulletproof comes in at number four -- because that already forgotten 2005 title is on every any kid's wish list for 2007.

The problem with Worthy's list is its basic redundancy of what one would hope is common sense, because every title on her list is rated M. How about just telling parents not to buy M-rated games for their kids? Blanket statement, end of story. Why pick and choose games when the ESRB has been kind enough to slap an M on the cover, giving parents adequate warning in the first place?

JoystiqDetroit prosecutor makes outdated violent games list for holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathdetroitkillkym-worthymurderviolentworthyTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Law & Order game pulled from shelves, image of murdered child to blame]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/law-and-order-game-pulled-from-shelves-image-of-murdered-child-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/law-and-order-game-pulled-from-shelves-image-of-murdered-child-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/21/law-and-order-game-pulled-from-shelves-image-of-murdered-child-to/#commentsFiled under: ,


The PC game Law & Order II: Double or Nothing has been withdrawn from retail shelves, due to the inclusion of a CCTV image of James Bulger, a two-year-old who was abducted and brutally murdered in England in 1993.

Sky News reports that the image appears on a bulletin board in the game's police station, as seen above, and the murder case is directly referred to by one of the detective characters during gameplay. The victim's mother, Denise Fergus, recently became aware of the inclusion of the image, and complained to Legacy Interactive, the California-based developer responsible for the Law & Order games.

According to GamesIndustry, Legacy has since issued a formal apology to the Bulger family, and has release a patch to remove the image from the game. They also promise to remove the photo from future printings of the title. Law & Order II: Double or Nothing was originally released in the UK and US in 2003.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqLaw & Order game pulled from shelves, image of murdered child to blame originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abductionlawandordermurderpatchPCrecallviolenceThu, 21 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 murders Xbox 360 with hot air]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/ps3-murders-xbox-360-with-hot-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/ps3-murders-xbox-360-with-hot-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/ps3-murders-xbox-360-with-hot-air/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When robotic lions get together, they form a robot that defends the universe. When the PS3 and Xbox 360 get together, they apparently sometimes kill each other. In the battle for 1UP Editor John Davison's living room, Round 1 goes to the PS3, smacking the 360's red-ringed ass to the curb.

The truncated version of Davison's tale of woe goes a little like this: His toddler turns on the PS3 (without Dad's knowledge) while the 360 is on. The two systems share the same confined space, but Davison always opens the shelving when the PS3 is on, for fear that it would go nuclear. It totally does. But instead of shutting down, it blows out so much hot air that it kills the 360. He learned it from watching you, Dad! ... He learned it from watching you.

JoystiqPS3 murders Xbox 360 with hot air originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upjohndavidsonmurderps3voltronXbox-360xbox360Fri, 04 May 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Guns may kill, but video games close second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/guns-may-kill-but-video-games-close-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/guns-may-kill-but-video-games-close-second/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/28/guns-may-kill-but-video-games-close-second/#commentsFiled under:

If there's anything we've learned quite well in the United States over the last six years it's this simple concept: Who needs facts? Facts are messy and they just get in the way of truthiness. In the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre it would be too easy to look at gun control. Republican Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt spoke about the VT shootings Friday at a news conference. Leavitt, who is part of President Bush's cabinet, stated, "Inevitably we'll have conversation about guns. We have video games and the media and its impact. Inevitably we'll hear conversations about mental health and available [sic] of mental health."

Both Huntsman and Leavitt in the quotes pulled by GamePolitics put guns as the top issue and then media/video games in second. Mental health remained tertiary. Of course, the focus will probably be about anything but guns. Having a conservative discuss gun control in the US is like trying to get liberals to discuss welfare reform -- some golden cows you just don't touch. Looking at video games in the two recent US killing sprees, instead of focusing on guns and mental health, is certainly interesting considering neither killer had video games -- but we're pretty sure they were crazy and had guns. President Bush has requested a report on the VT issue in 30 days. We can't wait to see if the Pokémon episode "The Legend of Dratini" (pictured) is brought into this debate -- guns, media and video games in one neat, easy to digest, package.

JoystiqGuns may kill, but video games close second originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gun controlgunskillingmurdervideo game violencevtSat, 28 Apr 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Oregon attempts game bill because Timmy broke Mary's arm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/oregon-attempts-game-bill-because-timmy-broke-marys-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/oregon-attempts-game-bill-because-timmy-broke-marys-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/10/oregon-attempts-game-bill-because-timmy-broke-marys-arm/#commentsFiled under: ,

GamePolitics reports the Oregon House of Reps. is trying to blaze new trails by introducing a law making it unlawful to sell "ultra-violent" video games to people of the great state under 18 years of age. The bill was introduced by Rep. Arnie Roblan (D) and has no provision on what punishment would be given for those breaking the law, it also grants exception for parents who choose to purchase the game for their child. So, what's the point of this thing again?

Anyway, best part of the bill is the definition of "ultra-violent." The bill states, "'Ultra-violent video game' means a video game depicting serious injury to human beings in a manner that is especially heinous, atrocious or cruel." So, killing an alien, smearing its blood all over your avatar and then eating its entrails would be fine -- it's not a "human." That's quite speciesist, I hope the great state of Oregon has an excuse set up when the aliens arrive.

JoystiqOregon attempts game bill because Timmy broke Mary's arm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathgame billkillmurderoregonoregon trailultra-violentTue, 10 Apr 2007 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Schizophrenic man kills, says GTA told him to do it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/schizophrenic-man-kills-says-gta-told-him-to-do-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/schizophrenic-man-kills-says-gta-told-him-to-do-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/schizophrenic-man-kills-says-gta-told-him-to-do-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ezekiel Maxwell, a 17-year-old paranoid schizophrenic on "skunk cannabis," stabbed a woman to death because the "gangster voices" from Grand Theft Auto told him to do it. Although this incident is just being reported now as part of Britain's supposed "skunk cannabis" epidemic, the murder actually occurred last September.

Maxwell believed he was Carl Johnson from GTA: San Andreas when he committed the murder and believed the game was telling him to "stab a woman for seven days, it had to be a black Afro-Caribbean woman." The voices took over his thoughts and "made him do things." According to reports he was playing GTA and smoking skunk cannabis for months to the exclusion of everything else before the killing. Maxwell has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Yesterday he was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

JoystiqSchizophrenic man kills, says GTA told him to do it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincrazyenglandmanslaughtermaxwellmurderparanoidPS2PS3schizophrenicskunk cannabisXboxXbox-360Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Blame the games defense fails in Oregon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blame-the-games-defense-fails-in-oregon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blame-the-games-defense-fails-in-oregon/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/blame-the-games-defense-fails-in-oregon/#commentsFiled under:

Note for future lawyers: "The games made me do it" defense isn't going to work. Patrick Morris, 19, was found guilty in the 2006 shotgun murder death of a 15-year-old boy and sentenced to life in prison.

Morris' mother, Irma Espitia, said she tried to connect with her son but, "He would just go into his room and play those video games." Morris' attorney defended his client with the video game defense, also adding a history of emotional and behavioral disorders -- oh, and use of mind-altering Mario mushrooms. Prosecutors said the drugs and emotional disorders were probably a greater influence on Morris' disturbing behavior and decision to murder than the video games.

See also: The other side of a disturbed teens tale

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBlame the games defense fails in Oregon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convictiongames made me do itmurderoregonTue, 06 Mar 2007 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Ball ripping action in Manhunt 2?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/ball-ripping-action-in-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/ball-ripping-action-in-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/ball-ripping-action-in-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:

The first Manhunt received some mixed reactions and with good reason, it was vile and disgusting and showcased the worst about humanity, making the gamer feel dirty just playing it. That's precisely why I enjoyed Manhunt since that was the aim and I can't say I've ever felt the way Manhunt made me feel before or since. Lucky for me Manhunt 2 is coming to PSP.

Some may wonder if Rockstar is going to tone the violence down in the sequel since they've gotten so much negative attention and legal issues lately. I think the fact that the main character can rip off a victim's testicles with pliers should answer that question. In addition to that, players can also stab someone in the eye with a syringe, push someones face into a live fuse or if you're time restrained, shoot them.

There are also finally some story details. Manhunt 2 has a new main character, Dr. Daniel Lamb who is a scientist locked in an asylum called The Project. They use the asylum to test a top secret drug that Lamb was working on and was to be used as a weapon. Lamb breaks out of the asylum and goes on the run with a psychotic inmate named Leo Kasper. Mr. Kasper teaches Lamb how to use violence to his advantage.

Other than the name Lamb sounding brutally cliche, Manhunt 2 sounds promising to fans of the first game.

[Via Games Radar]

JoystiqBall ripping action in Manhunt 2? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballsmanhuntmanhunt 2Manhunt2murderrockstarTue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese man kills for arcade money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/japanese-man-kills-for-arcade-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/japanese-man-kills-for-arcade-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/19/japanese-man-kills-for-arcade-money/#commentsFiled under:

A student of Nihon University in Japan has admitted to killing two people for video game money. Hiroshi Shimura, 21, admits to killing 61-year-old Shinchiro Nomoto and his mother Tomie, 86, in their apartment.

Shimura says, "I spent the money at video game arcades. I murdered them so I could steal some money." Shimura was caught after attempting to use the dead man's credit card to withdraw money from a convenience store ATM. What a stupid way to get caught. Even stupider, maybe he can attempt to escape using the Colors prison sex method.

[Thanks Ariel]

JoystiqJapanese man kills for arcade money originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade moneyjapanmurderMon, 19 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Moscow's Lineage II meet up murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/moscows-lineage-ii-meet-up-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/moscows-lineage-ii-meet-up-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/moscows-lineage-ii-meet-up-murder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Moscow Times reports that according to Moscow police, a man attempting to break up a fight between two Lineage II players in the real world was killed when one of the men stomped him to death. Alexander Blyoskin, 22, died trying to stop members of two rival Lineage II clans from hurting each other during a meet up in a Moscow café Jan 12. The two men were allegedly posting negative statements about each other on Lineage forums and when meeting each other in person decided to take their differences outside.

Statements differ about what happened outside. Some witnesses say Blyoskin hit his head on the ground after being punched and others say Alexander Ponamorenko stomped on his head after he fell on the ground. Ponamorenko has been formally charged with the beating death of Blyoskin and faces 15 years in prison.

[Via Raph Koster's Website]

JoystiqMoscow's Lineage II meet up murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guildslineagemoscowmurderncsoftPCWed, 31 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox cited in trial of child-slaying father]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/xbox-cited-in-trial-of-child-slaying-father/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/xbox-cited-in-trial-of-child-slaying-father/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/xbox-cited-in-trial-of-child-slaying-father/#commentsFiled under: ,

ye ole 'boxXbox is in the news this week, again linked to tragedy. During the opening hearing for Tyrone Spellman's murder trial we were reminded how Spellman beat his 17-month-old daughter Alayiah to death after she allegedly knocked his Xbox off of the shelf while he was playing Ghost Recon. "I thought it was broken. I popped her in the face," Spellman told police.

Alayiah's death is one of several child slayings, at the hands of parents, recently profiled by the Philadelphia Inquirer in an effort to expose the Department of Human Services' failings. DHS workers had visited Alayiah's home twice during the month before she was murdered.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

See also:
'Xbox Killers' get death

JoystiqXbox cited in trial of child-slaying father originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department of Human ServicesDepartmentOfHumanServicesDHSGhost ReconGhostReconMurderPhiladelphiaPhiladelphia InquirerPhiladelphiaInquirerTom ClancyTomClancyTrialXboxFri, 15 Dec 2006 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 shooting case is still open, says DA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/ps3-shooting-case-is-still-open-says-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/ps3-shooting-case-is-still-open-says-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/15/ps3-shooting-case-is-still-open-says-da/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite a grand jury dismissal of murder charges earlier this week, New Hanover County Cpl. Christopher Long could still be retried over the shooting of a suspected PS3 thief. New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David told North Carolina's WCNC that the investigation against Long is continuing and that a new grand jury convening next month could decide to bring charges against him.

Long's attorney argued that in the absence of any new evidence, the court should not second-guess the determination of the original grand jury. He also insisted Long be allowed to testify to any future grand jury, a privilege he was not allowed during the first trial.

Also see: Deputy charged with second degree murder

JoystiqPS3 shooting case is still open, says DA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copdeputymurderPS3shootingFri, 15 Dec 2006 11:50:00 EST