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[Over 2,100 sex offenders discovered and banned from online games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/over-2-100-sex-offenders-discovered-and-banned-from-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/over-2-100-sex-offenders-discovered-and-banned-from-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/over-2-100-sex-offenders-discovered-and-banned-from-online-games/#comments Over 2,100 sexual offenders discovered and banned from online gamesNew York Attorney General Eric T. Schniderman says that five gaming companies, including NCSoft and THQ, have agreed to purge the accounts of over 2100 registered sex offenders from their services. Earlier this year, over 3500 accounts were purged from major online game services run by Microsoft, Apple, Blizzard, EA, and others, and this latest drive adds more to that total (including some from Sony, which agreed to the initial purge but wasn't able to remove the accounts until now).

The goal here is to keep registered sex offenders (who are required by law to register their email addresses, screen names, and other online information) away from children who might be playing on these platforms, and prevent them from contacting potential prey anonymously. Operation: Game Over, as this drive is being called, is the first instance of using this registration information to keep predators off of gaming networks. Hopefully, says Schniderman, it will help "block sex offenders from using gaming systems as a vehicle to prey on underage victims."

JoystiqOver 2,100 sex offenders discovered and banned from online games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attorney-generalchildreneric-schnidermaneric-t-schneidermangaminginternetlawlegalonlinepredatorssafetyservicessex-offendersThu, 20 Dec 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 passes safety certification in China, valid to 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/ps3-passes-safety-certification-in-china-valid-to-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/ps3-passes-safety-certification-in-china-valid-to-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/ps3-passes-safety-certification-in-china-valid-to-2016/#comments PS3 passes safety certification in China, valid to 2016The PlayStation 3 received regulatory approval in China via the China Compulsory Certificate, which outlines safety requirements for participation in the Chinese market. Sony was granted the Certificate in July and it is valid through 2016.

Consoles in general have been banned in China since 2000, though customers are able to purchase them as grey market imports - this means the consoles are legally bought and sold, though the transactions stem from third parties not affiliated with console manufacturers. Other consoles, such as China's own Eedoo, can be sold under the label of "home entertainment devices."

Last we heard of Sony scoping out the Chinese PS3 market, it signed a letter of intent to implement training and R & D buildings in Guangzhou province, and hinted at developing games in the region. July's Certificate doesn't guarantee PS3 sales in China, but it's certainly a step toward a console incursion in the Asian mainland.

JoystiqPS3 passes safety certification in China, valid to 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationchinachina-compulsory-certificateplaystationps3safetySun, 04 Nov 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS warning label: children under six shouldn't use 3D mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/nintendo-3ds-warning-label-children-under-six-shouldnt-use-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/nintendo-3ds-warning-label-children-under-six-shouldnt-use-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/nintendo-3ds-warning-label-children-under-six-shouldnt-use-3d/#comments Ever since the device was first shown at E3, we've been under the impression that the Nintendo 3DS is too good to be true -- three-dimensional, portable versions of beloved N64 games? That's un-possible. The other shoe we've been waiting to drop might have just done so with Nintendo's recently released 3DS warning label; not only does it caution adults to stop using the device if they start to feel ill, it also says that children under six shouldn't use the handheld's 3D functionality at all, as it may affect the development of their poor, innocent eyes.

This isn't quite as explosive a story as the mainstream media will likely make it out to be -- 3D display experts have long discussed the possible repercussions the technology has on eyesight. The worry isn't that displays like the one included in the 3DS will actually harm your vision, but that the way it "tricks" your eyes into seeing 3D might impair the way you actually see depth, which is, of course, the coolest dimension.

Of course, there's no firm research confirming these worries, but Nintendo's playing it safe -- the 3DS' parental controls will allow parents to lock the device into 2D mode for their under-six progeny.

JoystiqNintendo 3DS warning label: children under six shouldn't use 3D mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschildrendseyeseyesightnintendoparental-controlssafetywarningwarning-labelThu, 30 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Scrub your gaming console's memory before selling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/psa-scrub-your-gaming-consoles-memory-before-selling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/psa-scrub-your-gaming-consoles-memory-before-selling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/psa-scrub-your-gaming-consoles-memory-before-selling/#comments Usually, when we label a headline as a "PSA," it's in a joking manner; say, "PSA: Bacon is delicious, good for you." However, we're pretty sure this post constitutes a legitimate public service announcement: Ars Technica recently published an article that the frequent trade-in-ers among us should probably read. In short, if you're not erasing your consoles' hard drives before trading them in, there's a pretty good chance you could be robbed blind. (Or at least robbed astigmatic.)

Seriously, if you're thinking about trading in or pawning one of your gaming consoles sometime soon, follow the helpful tips provided in the Ars piece. They'll ensure that you don't accidentally leave your credit card information in the system's memory for its next owner to exploit. You also don't want to leave your Avatar, Mii or PlayStation Home account on there, either. That's how e-stalkers get started, donchaknow.

JoystiqPSA: Scrub your gaming console's memory before selling originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fraudgamestophardwareidentity-theftmemoryMicrosoftNintendopawnpsasafetytrade-inWiiXbox-360Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO teaches kids all about road safety ... by keeping them safely indoors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/mmo-teaches-kids-all-about-road-safety-by-keeping-them-safel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/mmo-teaches-kids-all-about-road-safety-by-keeping-them-safel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/mmo-teaches-kids-all-about-road-safety-by-keeping-them-safel/#comments
 Edutainment title Code of Everand is the UK Department of Transport's effort to teach children road safety. The free MMO is targeted at 9-13 year olds and attempts to "encourage and reward" repetition of good behaviors for the real world. The premise is actually surprisingly clever, with players taking the role of the Pathfinders and endeavoring to safely cross "the Spirit Channels," which are glowing streams, laid out like roads filled with monsters.

On that note, if children from almost any other country play the game, remember to first look left before crossing the Spirit Channels and not right -- that's a free protip. Check out the Everand trailer after the break.

[Via Edge]

Continue reading MMO teaches kids all about road safety ... by keeping them safely indoors

JoystiqMMO teaches kids all about road safety ... by keeping them safely indoors originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincode-of-everandeverlandpublic-safetyroad-safetysafetytrafficukFri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[High schoolers learn life-saving lesson from Mario Kart Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/high-schoolers-learn-life-saving-lesson-from-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/high-schoolers-learn-life-saving-lesson-from-mario-kart-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/high-schoolers-learn-life-saving-lesson-from-mario-kart-wii/#commentsHow do you keep kids from getting distracted? One school thinks Mario Kart is the answer. In order to teach kids about the dangers of texting while driving, Colorado's Vail Christian High School has introduced the "distracted and drowsy driving program," in which kids play Mario Kart Wii while answering and sending text messages, in order to see how phone use adversely affects driving skill. As a bonus, the program teaches awareness of hazards like banana peels and turtle shells.

The program, which also includes deterrents like a chair that simulates a 5MPH collision and a golf cart that simulates drunk driving, is part of Vail Christian's entry in a National Organization for Youth Safety contest. The school stands to win a $10,000 award if its program wins. Students who successfully demonstrate understanding of how dangerous texting while driving is will also earn college credit in Obvious Studies.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqHigh schoolers learn life-saving lesson from Mario Kart Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kart-wiiNintendosafetyschoolWiiTue, 19 May 2009 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Protecting the precious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-daily-protecting-the-precious/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-daily-protecting-the-precious/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/ds-daily-protecting-the-precious/#commentsFiled under:

You know, the DS Lite is a pretty affordable handheld, but it's slick design and glossy finish makes us so protective of our own. In fact, we'd say we're too protective. We only clean our screens with a damp 2-ply toilet paper. The extra ply is for safety.

How do you keep your precious looking pristine? Do you use screen protectors? Have a heavy-duty case? Or do you simply not care, relegating your handheld to a lint-filled back pocket in your pair of jeans?

JoystiqDS Daily: Protecting the precious originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caseds-litegollumprecioussafetyscreen-protectorTue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A public service announcement regarding Mag Kid and cinder blocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/a-public-service-announcement-regarding-mag-kid-and-cinder-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/a-public-service-announcement-regarding-mag-kid-and-cinder-block/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/a-public-service-announcement-regarding-mag-kid-and-cinder-block/#commentsFiled under: ,

This just in: if any of you were curious enough to import Nintendo's Slide Adventure: Mag Kid, complete with its unusual "slide sensor" peripheral, then do not play it while resting your DS on top of your cinder block. We are deadly serious here: as far as we can ascertain, playing the game on your other individual masonry units is safe.

This advice is brought to you by the Slide Adventure: Mag Kid instruction manual, which also recommends you don't play the game atop a grand piano, and avoid pointing the slide sensor's laser directly at your eyeballs. Head to Aeropause for more hilarious scans of the manual (which totally reminded us of the ker-razy Japanese Wii safety pamphlet).

JoystiqA public service announcement regarding Mag Kid and cinder blocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuremag-kidmagkidmanualpsasafetyslidestandMon, 28 Jul 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK sees plague of dodgy DS chargers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/uk-sees-plague-of-dodgy-ds-chargers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/uk-sees-plague-of-dodgy-ds-chargers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/uk-sees-plague-of-dodgy-ds-chargers/#commentsFiled under: ,


Here's some advice for any Brits currently in need of a new DS charger: don't skimp on it. The consumer protection folks at Trading Standards have stated that there are "hundreds of thousands, or even millions" of unsafe AC power adaptors on UK high streets. The cheap (about £6) chargers originated from China, and have exposed wires and ill-fitting pins that can cause the adaptor to overheat, or even electrocute owners, like the poor Pig Slaves above! Yeep!

Versions labeled for the DS Phat, DS Lite and Game Boy are said to be among the biggest culprits, while a fake European CE safety mark appears on many. These might not just be limited to shadier outlets, either -- apparently, several retailers are stocking them, which could mean any of the bigger stores. We suggest using this as an excuse to pick up Hori's effortlessly stylish DS Lite Charge Stand.

[Via MCV]

JoystiqUK sees plague of dodgy DS chargers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchargersafetyukMon, 21 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Strong Bad gives safety tips for playing Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/strong-bad-gives-safety-tips-for-playing-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/strong-bad-gives-safety-tips-for-playing-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/strong-bad-gives-safety-tips-for-playing-wii/#commentsFiled under:

It's been a long time since we regularly kept up with Homestar Runner, but there's no doubting that it's still full of the funnies. Take this video of Wii safety tips, for example, which was linked as an easter egg in the latest Strong Bad Email.

In this video, Strong Bad tells you how to "enjoy" your game in total, unplayable safety. (Damn that Baba Jaga!) All in all, it's a perfect satire on Nintendo's overzealous safety mentality (although, maybe not as perfect as this).

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqStrong Bad gives safety tips for playing Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easter-egghomestar-runnerhomestarrunnersafetystrong-badstrong-bad-emailstrong-bad-gamewaysThu, 03 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Wearing the jacket]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/wii-warm-up-wearing-the-jacket/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/wii-warm-up-wearing-the-jacket/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/wii-warm-up-wearing-the-jacket/#commentsFiled under:


We did send away for our Wiimote jackets back when it was first revealed Nintendo would be giving customers free protective sleeves, but our freebies never arrived. It's just as well, because we're pretty sure we would've never put on the damn thing anyway.

What about you all? Did you send away for one, or multiple, jackets? Do you find you need it? Can't stand it? What say you all?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Wearing the jacket originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jacketsafetyWed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Precautionary measures for your new Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/precautionary-measures-for-your-new-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/precautionary-measures-for-your-new-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/25/precautionary-measures-for-your-new-wii/#commentsFiled under:

We know there must be a few new Wii owners out there taking a break from their video game playing to research their Christmas console. While there are a number of routines you can practice to ensure your system's longevity, please remember to keep these three things in mind:
  1. If you expose it to the light, you may hurt it
  2. If you get it wet, it will multiply
  3. Most important, no matter how much it begs, never, never let it eat after midnight
If none of this makes any sense to you, or if you just want to relive your 80s youth, peek past the break for a video explanation.

See also: Because you can never be too safe

Continue reading Precautionary measures for your new Wii

JoystiqPrecautionary measures for your new Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasgremlinsmanualsafetyTue, 25 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seizure brought on by DS game leads to banning crusade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/seizure-brought-on-by-ds-game-leads-to-banning-crusade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/seizure-brought-on-by-ds-game-leads-to-banning-crusade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/seizure-brought-on-by-ds-game-leads-to-banning-crusade/#commentsFiled under:


After a boy in the UK fell into an epileptic fit from playing Rayman Raving Rabbids on the DS, his mother, Gaye Herford, protested to Parliament that there should be more vigorous safety testing for video games. Should her campaign be successful, any games that could potentially cause seizures will be banned in the UK and game developers will have to adhere to stricter safety standards. Currently, thirty-five Members of Parliament stand behind the proposal.

Ubisoft (the makers of Rabbids) responded by saying that the company already pre-screened Rabbids DS for the potential to cause epileptic fits, and the testing showed that the game was unlikely to do so. Managing director of Ubisoft UK Robert Cooper added, however, that the company has made the decision to now test all in-house games prior to release.

[Via Pocket Gamer]

JoystiqSeizure brought on by DS game leads to banning crusade originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epilepsyepileptic-fitHealthParliamentPoliticsrabbidsraymanrayman-raving-rabbidsSafetyseizureUbisoftThu, 06 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii safety video done newsreel style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wii-safety-video-done-newsreel-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wii-safety-video-done-newsreel-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/wii-safety-video-done-newsreel-style/#commentsFiled under:


With everyone worrying about Wii safety these days, Gamevideos has put up a pretty hilarious video documenting some of the more ridiculous pages from one of the many Wii safety booklets in complete newsreel style. Not one to just tell you how to beef up that wrist strap and call it a day, the folks take this task much more seriously.

The video has been embedded into the post past the jump, however it should be noted that it could be considered NSFW due to language.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Wii safety video done newsreel style

JoystiqWii safety video done newsreel style originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamevideosnintendonintendowiisafetysafetypageswiiwiisafetywiisafetypagesTue, 12 Dec 2006 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii safety docs spoofed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/wii-safety-docs-spoofed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/wii-safety-docs-spoofed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/08/wii-safety-docs-spoofed/#commentsFiled under: ,

With the recent Japanese Wii manual scans being passed around the web like a super-resistant virus -- we kept saying not to use antibiotics for every meme, but noooo -- it was only a matter of time before a spoof. The Iconfactory took the challenge, creating some delicious mock-ups of Wii safety icons that should have made the manual.

Our favorites include, don't get the Wii drunk before proposing to it, and butter your bread after toasting it in the Wii, not before.

See also: Nintendo email encourages safe Wii-ing

[Thanks, Dan. Via Penny Arcade]

JoystiqWii safety docs spoofed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmanualparodysafetyspoofWiiFri, 08 Dec 2006 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Because you can never be too safe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/because-you-can-never-be-too-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/because-you-can-never-be-too-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/because-you-can-never-be-too-safe/#commentsFiled under:

Do it. You know you want to.You've heard the stories. Seen it on the news. Nintendo Wii consoles, on a rampage. Decimating joints, impaling innocent television screens, and taking candy from babies. We here at Nintendo Wii Fanboy place your safety at the very tippy-top of our list (but right below Twilight Princess), and thus, we'd like you to peruse this new and improved safety catalog for the Wii.

Some things on this list were obvious, like not skydiving with the Wii and attempting to use it as a parachute. But did you know that the Wii cannot toast bread? Fooled the hell out of us. We beg of you: for your own safety, take a glance at these helpful pictures.

The more you know.

[via GameBrink; thanks to all those that sent this in!]

JoystiqBecause you can never be too safe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ComedyFunnyInstructionManualPicturesSafetyTipsWed, 06 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST