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[Events 2012: SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/events-2012-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/events-2012-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/events-2012-sopa/#comments The Stop Online Piracy Act, had it been successfully enacted, would have given US law enforcement agencies the ability to legally bar search engines from linking to websites that were deemed to host copyright-violating content (whatever that may be), provided said agencies were able to obtain a court order.

It also would have given law enforcement the ability to bar advertisers and e-commerce payment providers from doing business with offending websites, but the bill's real party peace was its ability to block access to infringing websites at the ISP level.

If you think that sounds oddly familiar, that's because it's essentially what The Patriots were trying to accomplish in Metal Gear Solid 2, although the bill's less clandestine methodology wouldn't have required the construction of a massive submersible aquatic fortress.
  • As troubling as all that sounds, internet legislation isn't really in our wheelhouse since we're a video game website and everything. Once Nintendo, Sony and EA all put their weight behind the bill, however, the issue suddenly fell under our jurisdiction and became much more complicated, especially once Microsoft, Apple and a consortium of other tech giants expressed their support.

JoystiqEvents 2012: SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billcensorshipcongressevents-2012house-of-representativesinternetlawlegallegislationPIPApoliticssenateSOPAWed, 02 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/esa-spent-over-1m-last-quarter-partially-for-sopa-pipa-lobbyin/#comments Between October 1 and December 31, 2011, when the Entertainment Software Association wasn't having its quartet of lobbyists pushing lawmakers on subjects such as international trade, constitutional rights, immigration policy, and STEM initiatives, it was petitioning in favor of "copyright/patent/trademark" issues. More specifically, it was supporting SOPA and PIPA in the two Congressional houses up until January 20 when lawmakers pulled support.

And all that lobbying can add up, as the association's disclosure filing reveals expenditures of $1,082,167 across all lobbying initiatives in the fourth quarter -- that figure also includes regular overhead expenses, to be clear. How much of that was spent on SOPA/PIPA is unknown, but by comparison, the Motion Picture Association of America spent $850K during the same period, which also includes its own support for SOPA/PIPA.

The ESA collectively spent $4,391,201 last year, and declined a request for specifics regarding its spending in 2011.

JoystiqESA spent over $1m last quarter, partially for SOPA/PIPA lobbying originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disclosureentertainment-software-associationesalegallobbyingpipaprotect-intellectual-property-actsopastop-online-piracy-actFri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA withdraws support for SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/esa-withdraws-support-for-sopa/#comments The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) -- or, more accurately, its membership -- has decided to withdraw support for the ailing "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA). The move comes as both SOPA and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) continue to lose momentum.

"From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals," the ESA wrote in a public statement.

"Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."

Although SOPA and PIPA have retreated away from a vote, both had some powerful backing and could come back. You can continue to contact Congress and the US State Department and let them know how you feel by filling out forms found here.

JoystiqESA withdraws support for SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Entertainment-software-associationESASOPAstop-online-piracy-actFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PIPA on hold in light of 'legitimate issues raised by many,' says Senate majority leader Harry Reid [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/pipa-on-hold-in-light-of-legitimate-issues-raised-by-many-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/pipa-on-hold-in-light-of-legitimate-issues-raised-by-many-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/pipa-on-hold-in-light-of-legitimate-issues-raised-by-many-say/#comments It seems that the unending stream of protest from the internet, as well as from the meatspace, have helped to slow -- and potentially stop -- one of the broad reaching anti-piracy acts being proposed for legislation in the US Congress. An upcoming Senate vote on the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) has been postponed by Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV).

In a press release issued by Reid's office this morning, he cites "legitimate issues" brought up by protesters keeping the bill from being voted on, and calls on PIPA author and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy to "continue engaging with all stakeholders to forge a balance between protecting Americans' intellectual property, and maintaining openness and innovation on the internet."

Reid remains "optimistic" that the Senate will work out any issues with the bill "in the coming weeks," but given the bill's sister act in the house (SOPA) also getting a big delay, we're not similarly optimistic about PIPA's reintroduction. Additionally, Reuters reports that a "senior Democratic aide" speaking on condition of anonymity claimed the act was unable to garner support among the Senate, thus abetting in this delay.

Update: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) issued a statement in response to the PIPA announcement, specifically addressing his SOPA bill in the House. "It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products." His complete statement can be found here.

[ER 09 via Shutterstock]

JoystiqPIPA on hold in light of 'legitimate issues raised by many,' says Senate majority leader Harry Reid [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copyrightharry-reidintellectual-propertylamar-smithpipaprotect-intellectual-property-actprotect-ipprotect-ip-actsenatesopaunited-states-senateus-senateFri, 20 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We're not 'blacking out' today (but we still don't like SOPA)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/were-not-blacking-out-today-but-we-still-dont-like-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/were-not-blacking-out-today-but-we-still-dont-like-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/were-not-blacking-out-today-but-we-still-dont-like-sopa/#comments Joystiq stands in solidarity with all the sites who are "blacking out" today in protest of the SOPA and PIPA bills ... or at least as much as we can stand in solidarity while continuing to post news. Let me explain.

We at Joystiq oppose the Stop Online Piracy Act -- as does our parent company AOL, who is part of a coalition who spoke out against the bill in a full-page NYT ad. In its present form, it gives control of the whole Internet to the same entertainment companies who frequently send erroneous DMCA complaints and takedown notices. It's dangerous and overreaching. Piracy is a problem, of course, but so is censorship -- and that's precisely what SOPA is. We aren't even sure it would have an effect on piracy (in fact, we know pirates are resourceful enough to get around it, meaning that censorship would be the only effect).

As journalists, we feel that the best thing we can do is to continue reporting, rather than to go silent. We'll continue informing you ... and not just about political issues that are important enough for us to be talking about them on a video game blog. About video games, too. It's what we do, as long as we still can. Our silence now could be as harmful as the forced silence we'd endure later under these laws.

If you're as concerned about this as we are -- if you use the Internet -- we urge you to contact Congress. If you're outside of the US, this affects you too, as the bill is targeted in part at "foreign sites." You can get in contact with the US State Department. You'll find forms for both of those here.

JoystiqWe're not 'blacking out' today (but we still don't like SOPA) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metapipasopaWed, 18 Jan 2012 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ludum Dare hosting anti-SOPA game jam, Notch is in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ludum-dare-hosting-anti-sopa-game-jam-notch-is-in/#comments Wikipedia and a few other sites around the Internet will be going under a blackout on Wednesday to protest SOPA, PIPA, and any other legislation that threatens to shut down parts of the Internet for the interests of a few in power. But shutting down for the day is a less creative way to go about it, so Ludum Dare has a better idea: Why not make some indie games instead?

The famous indie game competition is hosting a virtual game jam throughout the day, asking indie game developers (or anyone off from usual work) to make games inspired by the fight against SOPA. There are already a few submitted, and you can make and add your own, or see what other developers have done throughout the day. It's just a freeform jam, so there aren't any real prizes to be had, except that we all get some fun (or crazy, or hastily designed) indie games to play afterwards.

The #sopajam hashtag is being used to follow the conversation on Twitter, and at least one major indie developer has taken up the cause himself. Last time Notch jammed on a game it turned into a real Mojang release, so who knows what we'll get this time?

JoystiqLudum Dare hosting anti-SOPA game jam, Notch is in originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackoutgame-jamludum-darenotchpcpipasopasopa-blackoutsopajamTue, 17 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA explains lack of SOPA stance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/ea-explains-lack-of-sopa-stance/#comments Responding to a Reddit reader, Electronic Arts corporate communication head Jeff Brown has detailed the publisher's lack of position on the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA).

"EA has not expressed a position on SOPA," Brown wrote in the letter, noting there was confusion over the holiday about the company's stance on the bill. "We never supported so, naturally, never withdrew. We tried to correct the record but there is still plenty of confusion."

"The game industry's representatives in Washington, Entertainment Software Association, has expressed support for SOPA ... OK true, EA is a member of ESA, and ESA supports SOPA, but we don't think that implies our support. Among ESA members, some support, some oppose, some take no position."

SOPA is currently shelved while the House "address outstanding concerns and work to build consensus."

JoystiqEA explains lack of SOPA stance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsesajeff-brownpoliticssopaTue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[House won't vote on SOPA until 'consensus' reached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/house-wont-vote-on-sopa-until-consensus-reached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/house-wont-vote-on-sopa-until-consensus-reached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/house-wont-vote-on-sopa-until-consensus-reached/#comments It's not quite victory, but at least our defeat has been postponed. Darrell Issa, chair of the House Oversight Committee, has announced that the Stop Online Piracy Act bill won't be voted on yet. Issa had originally scheduled a hearing for January 18, The Hill reports, but canceled it following Rep. Lamar Smith's decision to drop the DNS-blocking provision.

"While I remain concerned about Senate action on the Protect IP Act," Issa said, "I am confident that flawed legislation will not be taken up by this House. Majority Leader [Eric] Cantor has assured me that we will continue to work to address outstanding concerns and work to build consensus prior to any anti-piracy legislation coming before the House for a vote."

As for that Senate action, Sen. Patrick Leahy has announced that the ISP blocking component of the Senate's PIPA act will be removed through a managers' amendment, so that the other parts of the bill can be pushed through while that is studied in further detail.

[Thanks, Eric; image: Infographic from AmericanCensorship.org]

JoystiqHouse won't vote on SOPA until 'consensus' reached originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congressdarrell-issapipapiracysopaSat, 14 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie opposes SOPA, mostly because it 'sucks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/#comments Everyone at Bungie thinks SOPA "sucks," according to a new post on its News board. Bungie, formerly of the Halo franchise, joins a growing list of developers and companies opposing SOPA, and urges its audience to take action against the bill.

"Bungie is opposed to any legislation that curtails free speech, stifles innovation, and prevents the open sharing of information on the Internet," Bungie's position reads. "SOPA fits that bill. If it passes, it will hurt our community, the gaming community at large, and it could very well cripple the kind of games we love to create and play.

"Just like online piracy, that would be downright criminal."

JoystiqBungie opposes SOPA, mostly because it 'sucks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungieiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationps3sopaxboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamar Smith removes DNS blocking from SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/lamar-smith-removes-dns-blocking-from-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/lamar-smith-removes-dns-blocking-from-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/lamar-smith-removes-dns-blocking-from-sopa/#comments The Stop Online Piracy Act has gotten slightly less objectionable. Rep. Lamar Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has announced that he's removing the DNS blocking provision -- the most controversial aspect of SOPA -- from the bill. So while it is still possible (and easy) under the bill for someone to request the cutoff of revenue sources for a site, it will no longer be possible to obtain a court order to block all access to that site from within the US. It's a pretty sad state of affairs when we consider our continued freedom to visit a website a victory, even a small one.

In a statement on his website, Smith said he's removing the provision "so that the Committee can further examine the issues surrounding this provision. We will continue to look for ways to ensure that foreign websites cannot sell and distribute illegal content to U.S. consumers."

We don't dare truly believe this is evidence that Smith is listening to us, but it's still proof that change is possible. Keep talking to your congresspeople about this.

[Image: Infographic from AmericanCensorship.org]

JoystiqLamar Smith removes DNS blocking from SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dns-blockinglamar-smithsopaFri, 13 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com joins SOPA opposition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gog-com-joins-sopa-opposition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gog-com-joins-sopa-opposition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gog-com-joins-sopa-opposition/#comments
GOG may be a Polish company, which doesn't comment on "politics, legislation, and government actions" of other nations, but it has come out against SOPA. It states, "SOPA works in a fashion similar to DRM, if you ask us: it only will have an effect on people who are, by and large, honest consumers."

Continue reading GOG.com joins SOPA opposition

JoystiqGOG.com joins SOPA opposition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goggog.compcSOPAthe-witcher-2Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega responds to its SOPA non-response with a joke video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/sega-responds-to-its-sopa-non-response-with-a-joke-video/#comments
In what appears to have been an automated response, Sega customer support told a concerned gamer to try performing a "hard reset on the device," or, failing that, uninstall and reinstall the app. Unfortunately, that automated response was to a question about Sega's support of the SOPA bill through the ESA, and not about a crashing app at all.

Instead of an apology -- or a real clarification about their stance on the controversial bill, Sega PR made this video making fun of themselves.

Of course, under SOPA, if anyone claims a copyright violation on Sega's little video here, even if it's unfounded, then YouTube (not just Sega) would risk having the IPs of any ad servers and payment processing companies associated with it blocked, cutting off its funding.

It would have five days to appeal this, regardless of whether or not it had violated any copyright. Following that, the complaining party could then seek a court order to block other parties, including DNS servers, from working with the "infringer."

If anything, that bill is what needs a "hard reset." Perhaps that's what Sega was telling us all along.

JoystiqSega responds to its SOPA non-response with a joke video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>prsegasopaFri, 13 Jan 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall shutting down beta in SOPA protest, Minecraft sites join in [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/firefall-shutting-down-beta-in-sopa-protest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/firefall-shutting-down-beta-in-sopa-protest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/firefall-shutting-down-beta-in-sopa-protest/#comments Red 5 Studios will shut down the Firefall beta on January 18, joining Reddit in its one day protest of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA). CEO Mark Kern told Shacknews that the "misguided legislation" would hurt smaller game companies that wouldn't have the legal resources to protect themselves in case of an "unwarranted shutdown."

"We are also ashamed of the ESA for supporting a bill which is clearly not in the best interests of gamers or the game industry," Kern said, taking his protest of the organization that puts on the annual E3 event one step further. "We will not attend E3 unless ESA reverses their stance."

"We issue a call to all our industry peers, including developers, publishers and game press, to join us in letting the ESA know they do not represent our views on this issue, and strongly oppose SOPA and PIPA."

Despite the ESA's support of SOPA, some members have spoken out against the political lobbying group's stance. Non-member developers have also started speaking out this week, including League of Legends developer Riot Games and Torchlight's Runic Games.

Update: Markus Persson has stated Minecraft.net and Mojang.com will join in the protest.

JoystiqFirefall shutting down beta in SOPA protest, Minecraft sites join in [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallpcprotestred-5-studiosSOPAFri, 13 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Runic Games stands against SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/runic-games-stands-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/runic-games-stands-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/runic-games-stands-against-sopa/#comments Runic Games, developer of the Torchlight series, has come out against the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA) and "PROTECT IP Act" (PIPA).

"It is clear that the scope of the proposed legislation would give unnecessarily broaden power to large corporations while reducing the rights of individual citizens -- and it won't even stop software piracy," the company stated on its forums. "We at Runic Games oppose the SOPA/PIPA legislation and we encourage you to do the same."

Runic then listed several resources for use in opposing the legislation, noting: "We can still make a difference."

Yesterday, League of Legends studio Riot Games came out against the legislation. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the political arm of the video game industry, which represents most major publishers, is in support of SOPA.

[Thanks, Jashua B]

JoystiqRunic Games stands against SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcpiparunicrunic-gamesSOPAtorchlight-2Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[League of Legends dev Riot Games speaks out against SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/league-of-legends-dev-riot-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/league-of-legends-dev-riot-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/league-of-legends-dev-riot-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/#comments Riot Games, the studio behind the incredibly successful League of Legends, has posted a statement in opposition to the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA) and "PROTECT IP Act" (PIPA). The company notes that preventing piracy of copyrighted content is a "laudable goal," but that SOPA/PIPA go beyond addressing piracy.

The company laid out that the legislation would affect its fans in a number of ways. It's concerned about streaming services being shut down for non-malicious use of copyrighted material, and the threat such laws would have on creation and sharing sites such as YouTube, Reddit and DeviantArt, along with streaming websites, including Own3d and Twitch. In-house, Riot notes features such as in-game chat and forums could be cut back to avoid potential threats.

Riot is not a member for the ESA, the video game industry's political arm, which is in support of the legislation.

Riot also mentions that both acts "raise serious constitutional free speech issues, and could even compromise the basic security infrastructure of the internet." The statement concludes, "While we do support efforts to prevent online piracy, the current form of this legislation comes at far too high a cost for us, our players, and online communities across the internet."

(As an aside, Riot's attorney is currently answering almost anything on Reddit right now about the company's stance.)

JoystiqLeague of Legends dev Riot Games speaks out against SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>league-of-legendspcriot-gamesSOPAWed, 11 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG moves more than 100 domains in opposition of SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/#comments SOPA's presence continues to loom, darkening e-skies across the nation and weighing heavy on the minds and hearts of tech-savvy Americans everywhere. The average citizen, in an attempt to effect what little change they can, has taken to moving their business away from companies that support SOPA; companies such as domain registrar GoDaddy.

This movement, spearheaded by Reddit's Move Your Domain Day initiative, has influenced the business operations of at least one major player in the gaming world; Major League Gaming has announced the transfer of over 100 domains from GoDaddy to rival registrar Namecheap, saying that the gaming organization is "firmly against both the specifics of SOPA and the philosophy behind the bill." They go on to urge everyone curious about the subject to read up and draw their own conclusions, which sounds like a good idea to us.

JoystiqMLG moves more than 100 domains in opposition of SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domainGo-DaddyGoDaddymajor-league-gamingMLGNamecheapregistrarSOPAURLSat, 07 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/esa-member-epic-games-speaks-out-against-sopa/#comments Epic Games, developer of the Gears of War series and member of the Entertainment Software Association, last night came out against the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA).

"We do not support the current version of SOPA," Epic Games senior PR manager Dana Cowley wrote in a public letter posted to the North Carolina company's forums. "We are members of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a trade organization that is working with legislators to refine the bill," she said, referring to the ESA's letter of support for the proposed legislation released earlier this week.

She added, "Epic Games supports efforts that would stop overseas websites profiting from pirating our games, but we have to do that in a way that's compatible with freedom of speech and due process of law."

Epic is the first member of the ESA - the political lobbying arm of the game industry - to speak out against SOPA, but we suspect it won't be the last. We've dropped a list of remaining ESA members after the break who have yet to rescind support for the proposed legislation.

Update: 38 Studios is also against SOPA, writing on its Facebook wall, "Based on the SOPA bill's current structure, 38 Studios believes that the bill requires further restructuring and review to ensure it both preserves rights and protects intellectual properties. Please know that we take this issue very seriously," as spotted by Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Trion also has come out against the proposed legislation, writing on its forums, "We definitely do not support SOPA. We'll be calling the ESA about this after the holiday weekend."

Continue reading ESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion]

JoystiqESA member Epic Games speaks out against SOPA [Update: So do 38 Studios and Trion] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dana-cowleyentertainment-software-associationepicepic-gamesesalobbyingpoliticssopaThu, 05 Jan 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA stands behind proposed SOPA legislation, issues statement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/esa-stands-behind-proposed-sopa-legislation-issues-statement/#comments Last week, it appeared as though various game developers and publishers had pulled support for the proposed "Stop Online Piracy Act" - a piece of legislation that would empower content owners to effectively shut down internet sites over copyright infringement claims. The Entertainment Software Association, however, was still listed as a supporter, meaning that the long list of game companies belonging to the ESA supported it by proxy. That's pretty much every major game company you can think of, with the exception of Activision.

The ESA is still a SOPA supporter, and today the game industry's lobbying group issued a statement to Joystiq regarding its support of the controversial bill. It reads as follows:
"As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection, and do not believe the two are mutually exclusive. Rogue websites - those singularly devoted to profiting from their blatant illegal piracy - restrict demand for legitimate video game products and services, thereby costing jobs. Our industry needs effective remedies to address this specific problem, and we support the House and Senate proposals to achieve this objective. We are mindful of concerns raised about a negative impact on innovation. We look forward to working with the House and Senate, and all interested parties, to find the right balance and define useful remedies to combat willful wrongdoers that do not impede lawful product and business model innovation."
As we've previously stated, Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company. Additionally, Serious Sam: Double D dev Mommy's Best Games is currently calling on ESA members to speak out against the proposed bill.

JoystiqESA stands behind proposed SOPA legislation, issues statement originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artselectronic-software-associationesamicrosoftnintendosonysopaTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mommy's Best Games asks ESA members to renounce SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/mommys-best-games-asks-esa-members-to-renounce-sopa/#comments You know how we feel about the anti-piracy/pro-censorship bill SOPA (we still think it's borderline evil) but now another developer is speaking out against it, and urging others to do so as well.

Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games (Serious Sam: Double D) wrote a blog post asking the Entertainment Software Association to drop its continued support of the bill. "If you work at one of these companies," Fouts said to ESA members, "talk to your boss and get them talking to the ESA! Ask what your company's stance is!" He also wrote to gamers suggesting we, as people being represented by the ESA, should ask the association to drop SOPA support.

In addition to this open letter, Fouts has been tweeting at every ESA member with the message, "Hi, checking in with all on the ESA list. Does your company support SOPA? If not, could you ask the ESA to drop support? Thx!"

JoystiqMommy's Best Games asks ESA members to renounce SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esalegalmommys-best-gamesnathan-foutssopaTue, 03 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/report-anonymous-after-sony-execs-not-psn/#comments PlayStation Lifestyle reports that Anonymous has clarified its position regarding attacks on Sony over the abhorrent SOPA law -- keeping in mind that Anonymous isn't a strongly cohesive "group," and so it's not entirely possible to ascribe a single point of view to it.

The opening message on the group's "#OpSony" IRC room was reportedly changed to "NO SOPA! NO ATTACK ON PSN!" In an area for planning "ops," the group suggested that "Doxing [posting personal documents] will occur on Sony executives." Other avenues of attack included hacking Sony websites to place anti-SOPA material.

This attitude is consistent with statements previously attributed to the group, expressing a desire not to inconvenience Sony customers while carrying out protests against Sony.

JoystiqReport: Anonymous after Sony execs, not PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackopsonyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonysopavitaMon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, EA and Sony also rescind SOPA support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/nintendo-ea-and-sony-also-rescind-sopa-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/nintendo-ea-and-sony-also-rescind-sopa-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/nintendo-ea-and-sony-also-rescind-sopa-support/#comments Nintendo, Electronic Arts and Sony Electronics have apparently followed the example of Microsoft and the Business Software Alliance, and have removed their corporate monikers from the list of supporters for the increasingly unpopular Stop Online Piracy Act. None of the three companies have commented on why they reversed their position on the controversial bill, but we imagine its because endorsing it makes the internet pretty angry with you. When asked, EA corporate told Joystiq this afternoon, "EA never expressed a position for or against SOPA." Sony and Nintendo had yet to respond as of publishing.

Note that not all of Sony's miscellaneous branches have rescinded their support, as Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Nashville still appear on the list. Also, the Entertainment Software Association is still shown as a supporter -- an organization which the aforementioned publishers (among others) belong to. Whether the group will remain on an endorsement list which exactly zero of its members appear on remains to be seen.

JoystiqNintendo, EA and Sony also rescind SOPA support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscongressdseaelectronic-artsnintendopiracyplaystationplaystation-vitapoliticsps3pspsonysopavitawiiwii-uFri, 30 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Anonymous is apparently gearing up to shut Sony down again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/#comments
The amorphous hacker collective known as "Anonymous" (or entities claiming to be, as it were) has once more announced its intentions to attack electronics manufacturer "Sony Company and Associates." Unlike the previous attack, which crippled Sony's PlayStation Network service during several months in the first half of 2011 and for which the group is suspected of involvement, this time the group pins its reasoning to Sony's support of the Stop Online Piracy Act ("SOPA").

In a video missive uploaded to YouTube, the group declares its intentions to "destroy your network," presumably referencing the aforementioned PlayStation Network employed by Sony's game consoles. It also names several famous targets it plans on going after, from Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift. Hasn't Taylor Swift been through enough, folks?

No timing is given for the purported attack, but we're putting our money on "pretty soon," if at all. Curiously, Anonymous only picks Sony for its scorn, though a variety of other companies across the game industry (including Sony's domestic competitor, Nintendo) have signed on in support of SOPA. Joystiq, as you might imagine, has not, and neither has our parent company.

Update: This post originally listed Microsoft as a SOPA supporter, which is no longer the case.

[Thanks, Doc]

JoystiqAnonymous is apparently gearing up to shut Sony down again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymoushackersplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3psnpspsonysopavitaFri, 30 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Business Software Alliance speaks out against SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/#commentsThe Business Software Alliance, a trade organization for the IT industry, has changed its tune regarding the controversial and terrible Stop Online Piracy Act. Though it issued a press release in October "commending" House Judiciary Committee chairman Lamar Smith for introducing the bill, BSA CEO Robert Holleyman wrote in a blog post this week that the BSA does not support the bill as it is.

SOPA will have to "balance key innovation, privacy and security considerations with the need to thwart the threat rogue websites pose" before the BSA, which counts Microsoft and Apple among its members, will officially endorse it.

Holleyman said that "definitions of who can be the subject of legal actions and what remedies are imposed must be tightened and narrowed. Due process, free speech, and privacy are rights cannot be compromised." Furthermore, "BSA has long stood against filtering or monitoring the Internet," which is a focus of SOPA.

It's nice to see some major software companies take the right stance with regards to widespread censorship -- at least through their trade organization.

JoystiqBusiness Software Alliance speaks out against SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusiness-software-alliancemicrosoftpcsopaWed, 23 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Microsoft join Nintendo et al in support of Internet-censorship bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/#comments Initially we though Apple and Microsoft had come out in support of sopaipillas, the delicious and flaky fried pastry treat served in parts of Central and South America, as well as the North American Southwest. Imagine our surprise when we discovered that what they're actually supporting is the far less scrumptious SOPA, or "Stop Online Piracy Act" which Nintendo, EA and Sony have already put their weight behind.

The supporting statement didn't come from Apple or Microsoft directly, but rather through the Business Software Alliance; a trade group that represents both Apple and Microsoft, as well as other tech giants such as Adobe, McAfee, Dell and Symantec. Meanwhile, Internet-technology companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter and Zynga have taken a vocal anti-sopaipilla anti-SOPA stance, going so far as to purchase a full-page ad in the New York Times.

We're pretty worried this bill is going to pass, truth be told, so we're going to take this opportunity to say everything we won't be able to say once Internet censorship becomes the norm. Okay, ready?

Hey Internet, [REMOVED].

JoystiqApple and Microsoft join Nintendo et al in support of Internet-censorship bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebilllawlegalmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcSOPAstop-online-piracy-actSun, 20 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, EA, Sony sponsor Internet censorship bill [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/nintendo-ea-sony-sponsor-internet-censorship-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/nintendo-ea-sony-sponsor-internet-censorship-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/nintendo-ea-sony-sponsor-internet-censorship-bill/#comments SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) is a bill currently in the US Congress, with the stated goal of curtailing copyright infringement, but with the actual effects of setting up a government firewall to block out unwanted sites, and giving the US jurisdiction over foreign sites that have anything to do with infringement of US copyright.

It is repellent.

A Reddit user discovered a document [PDF] hosted by the Global Intellectual IP Center ("Global"), from before the introduction of SOPA, urging Congress to enact such a measure. Among those corporate sponsors is Nintendo, who is demonstrably and justifiably upset about piracy, and committed to taking all the wrong steps to stop it.

Other companies signing off in favor of this anti-"rogue site" legislation, in the interest of protecting their IP online include Sony -- Sony Electronics, Sony Music, and Sony Pictures, separately. EA is also listed, along with Rite Aid (what?) and Zippo (what?)

Okay, so you already know how we feel about this thing. If you feel the same way, you can write or call Congress. November 16 saw concerted "Stop Censorship" efforts (Tumblr black-barred everyone's dashboard in protest, for example), but you can, of course, still contact your representatives. If you're outside of the US, uh, cross your fingers and hope you don't lose all the US-based visitors to your sites.

[Image: Infographic from AmericanCensorship.org]

Update: Added link to Reddit post. It was accidentally censored omitted!

Update 2: It appears as though Apple, Microsoft, and a variety of other tech companies are supporting the bill as well via a lobby group, named "The Business Software Alliance."

JoystiqNintendo, EA, Sony sponsor Internet censorship bill [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscensorshipdselectronic-artsnintendoplaystationps3pspsonysopawiiFri, 18 Nov 2011 11:49:00 EST