Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/hayashi-team-ninja-taming-its-sex-and-violence-image-in-doa-5/#comments Team Ninja boss Yosuke Hayashi says the studio's perspective has changed since Tomonobu Itagaki left in a huff in 2008, and even though most of its 200 staff are original team members, Hayashi is calling them his "new team." The most obvious shift is the new team's focus on creating an emotional experience, rather than eye candy, Hayashi tells Gamasutra.

"The old team was known for making games that just had two primary elements: Sex and violence," Hayashi says. "It was very obvious. The new team, we want to take it to a new level -- to a direction that contains emotional experiences that can move players."

That's right -- Team Ninja wasn't emotionally invested in all the sexy gameplay you had together, and now it's looking for something more meaningful. Hayashi may find his new, more mature gaming experience in a Dead or Alive crossover with Virtua Fighter, a la Street Fighter X Tekken, Edge reports.

"In terms of collaboration titles, there are staff on our team who just love fighting games and if there was any chance to do that we'd actively, possibly do that," Hayashi says.

"The first 3D game I played was Virtua Fighter; that's the IP I respect most. Virtua Fighter was the father of 3D gaming, so it's very well respected."

For now, one thing's certain: The women in Dead or Alive 5 will be more respectable, well-rounded (emotionally) than in previous titles. "We've always had the sex factor in the game; in the past, the female characters had to have big breasts, they had to have scanty dress," Hayashi says. "In DoA 5 especially, we're trying to focus on the real women that surround us: the voice of a female, the mannerisms. We are being realistic about it."

JoystiqHayashi: Team Ninja taming its 'sex and violence' image in DoA 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5hayashiItagakimicrosoftplaystationps3sextamingTeam-Ninjatomonobu-itagakiviolencewomenxboxyosuke-hayashiTue, 14 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jon Stewart kombats mortally with Supreme Court decision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/jon-stewart-kombats-mortally-with-supreme-court-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/jon-stewart-kombats-mortally-with-supreme-court-decision/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/jon-stewart-kombats-mortally-with-supreme-court-decision/#comments Mortal Kombat makes Jon Stewart uncomfortable, and not in the good, pants-region way. Last night on The Daily Show, Stewart dissected the finer points of the United States Supreme Court's recent decision to allow the sale of violent video games to minors, using Noob's ripping-fun fatality on Sonya Blade as a demonstration of Mature material. Stewart noted the courts may regulate sexual material, while extreme violence can now terrorize our children's minds all the legal-long day.

Stewart generally offers an open-minded comedic spin to the news, but at the end of the day he's still a middle-aged American man on television, and the sight of a woman's internal organs spilling from her gaping torso never seems to sit well with their kind. But good of him for showing it on basic cable and posting it for free online, where every child with thumbs can now access the gruesome slaughter of a busty blonde woman by two men in black masks. As long as her shirt stays on.

[Thanks, Ben!]

JoystiqJon Stewart kombats mortally with Supreme Court decision originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily showDailyShowjon stewartJonStewartmortal-kombat-2011SCOTUSviolenceFri, 01 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How tomorrow's Supreme Court violent game case could affect consumers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/how-tomorrows-supreme-court-violent-game-case-could-affect-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/how-tomorrows-supreme-court-violent-game-case-could-affect-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/how-tomorrows-supreme-court-violent-game-case-could-affect-cons/#comments Tomorrow, the United States Supreme Court will convene to hear oral arguments for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants Association -- a case most gamers are likely familiar with. The court will decide whether or not to overturn the decisions of the Northern District of California Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals -- both of which found California law AB 1179, which bans the sale of "violent" video games to minors, to be unconstitutional.

According to Entertainment Consumers Association vice president and general counsel Jennifer Mercurio, there's a lot more at stake in this case than whether or not mature titles will be legally withheld from Californian teenagers. Much, much more, in fact -- should the Supreme Court overturn the ruling of the two lower courts, certain First Amendment protections currently afforded to video games (and, by association, other forms of entertainment media) could be abolished, completely changing the landscape of the industry.

Mercurio sums it up nicely: "I'd say it's clearly the most important and influential decision that the video game industry has ever faced."

Continue reading How tomorrow's Supreme Court violent game case could affect consumers

JoystiqHow tomorrow's Supreme Court violent game case could affect consumers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiaecafirst-amendmentgovernmentjennifer-mercuriolawleland-yeeSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtviolenceMon, 01 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Common Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/common-sense-media-72-percent-of-parents-support-proposed-calif/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The non-profit, family-centric organization known as Common Sense Media recently published the results of a nationwide poll conducted by Zogby International, which asked 2,100 parents about their stance on the contested California law that would ban the sale of "offensively violent" games to minors. According to a press release from the group, 72 percent of respondents support the ban, while 75 percent would "rate the video game industry negatively when it comes to how they protect kids from violent video games."

Said Common Sense Media founder James Steyer: "What we've learned from this poll is that parents want to be the ones who decide which games their kids play, not the video game industry."

Of course, the Supreme Court isn't ruling on who decides which games kids play. The court's ruling on whether First Amendment protections can be waived for games deemed by ... someone to be too violent, formalizing a policy already adopted by major retailers into a California state law. Parents, as far as we know, still have the final say over what media their kids are allowed to consume -- not the video game industry, the ESRB, Governor Schwarzenegger or even the Supreme Court.

Then again, when you support your position with videos like the one posted after the jump (the link to which was included in Common Sense's press release), we can understand why parents might lose the equanimity required to make that distinction.

Continue reading Common Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law

JoystiqCommon Sense Media: 72 percent of parents support proposed Calif. violent game law originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab-1179californiacommon-sense-mediaemaesapollSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtviolenceMon, 13 Sep 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/spencer-halpins-moral-kombat-documentary-now-on-hulu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've been putting off watching Moral Kombat, Spencer Halpin's documentary on violence in video games, until you could view it with maximum possible convenience, here's your chance. The entire 85-minute film is now available to watch for free (albeit with commercial interruptions) on Hulu.

Continue reading Spencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu

JoystiqSpencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryjack-thompsonmoral-kombatspencer-halpinvideoviolenceTue, 10 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/eas-jeff-green-chimes-in-on-california-game-law-supreme-court-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Image Source]
If you were looking for a concise explanation of why you should care about the upcoming Supreme Court review of California's oft-defeated measure to outlaw the sale of "excessively" violent games to minors, look no further than the blog of EA's Jeff Green. Then again, you've probably heard his argument before: Films have the MPAA, and games have the ESRB. Why does Gov. Schwarzenegger think the first can be self-regulated, while the second must be restricted by state law?

Green worries that, should the law be reenacted, it could have "a chilling effect on the gaming industry as a whole," forcing developers to constantly second-guess the content that goes into their games. He encourages everyone who wants to voice their opinion on the bill to speak up on this ECA-penned petition.

JoystiqEA's Jeff Green chimes in on California game law Supreme Court case originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bancaliforniaeaecaesajeff-greenlawSchwarzeneggersupreme-courtviolenceTue, 13 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/#comments During a BBC Radio Leeds discussion on violent video games earlier today, a spokesperson for Mothers Against Violence urged parents to take responsibility for their children rather than blame the games themselves. "I'm not directly blaming games, I'm blaming parents. If someone doesn't do something, where does it stop?"

Eurogamer transcribed pieces of the discussion, which range from the relatively mild, positive quote above, to the misinformed ("Why is it okay to beat up a prostitute, but not okay to pick up a normal civilian?" -- regarding the Grand Theft Auto series), and even to the legalese ("[Rockstar Games] submits every game to the appropriate ratings body. [GTA is] 18-rated and is entertainment clearly aimed at an adult audience." -- Rockstar's response). The MAV spokesperson reiterated that, while she worries about the effect violent games have on children, the onus is on parents to "study what games are all about." We're just gonna put this out there -- hear, hear!

JoystiqMothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbc-radio-leedsgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivmavmothers-against-violenceparentsrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-leedsviolenceviolent-video-gamesThu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Proposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/#comments Until very recently, there had been a massive void in our knowledge about the violent game-banning bill which was recently ratified by Switzerland's National Council. With language stating it would outlaw the sale of games featuring "cruel acts of violence against humans and human-like creatures for in-game success," we feared it would constitute a ban on, like, everything. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case -- Swiss politician Evi Allemann recently explained in an interview with Swiss news site 20 Minutes (via GamePolitics) that the bill would only affect around 12 "individual games" with extremely graphic content, such as Manhunt and Mortal Kombat.

Allemann commented that PEGI is "not enough," stating that Switzerland or even Europe needs its own body for video game ratings. Apparently, not everyone agrees -- the 20 Minutes article includes a link to a petition against the bill, as well as its adjoining measure which would outlaw the sale of PEGI 16 or 18 games to minors. We'd like to remind these petitioners that Swiss 16-year-olds can legally drink beer, so hey, let's not get greedy.

JoystiqProposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbanningmanhuntmortal-kombatnational-councilpegipoliticsswissswitzerlandviolenceTue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proposal in Swiss government could ban violent games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/proposal-in-swiss-government-could-ban-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/proposal-in-swiss-government-could-ban-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/proposal-in-swiss-government-could-ban-violent-games/#comments According to a report out of consonant-heavy Swiss gaming site GamesMarkt, Switzerland's parliament recently passed a law that could lead to an across the board ban on "violent" games being sold in the country. Apparently a proposal was inked last month that aimed to remove games which require "cruel acts of violence against humans and human-like creatures for in-game success" -- a proposal that has apparently been passed by the Swiss National Council.

Since the initial proposal has passed, it's said to now be up to the Swiss parliament exactly how the law is enacted. If you're a Swiss gamer interested in challenging the new law, we encourage you to contact local politicians, as GamesIndustry.biz points out that "citizens are able to challenge any new law passed by parliament if they can show sufficient opposition to it." Given the petitions we've seen some of you get into, we're hoping this one will be a no brainer.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

JoystiqProposal in Swiss government could ban violent games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banlawparliamentpetitionswiss-national-councilswitzerlandviolenceviolent-game-billWed, 24 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: Making games to prevent violence against children]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-2010-making-games-to-prevent-violence-against-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-2010-making-games-to-prevent-violence-against-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/gdc-2010-making-games-to-prevent-violence-against-children/#comments The highlight of yesterday's GDC Serious Game Summit panels focused on an appropriately consequential topic: How games can help protect children from the commonplace dangers they face from predators, both online and off. The panel was led by Child Safety Research and Innovation Center president Allan McCullough -- a man who's strived to develop games which teach young people how to identify and avoid dangerous situations.

The two Flash-based games which represent the fruits of McCullough's two decades of labor look deceptively simple on the surface. They are, after all, hand-illustrated, poorly animated educational games geared towards children, with budgets too small to allow the hiring of professional voice actors and experienced gaming professionals. However, beneath the crude surface of these games lie clever methods of imparting crucial information to their young players which could ostensibly help them avoid encounters with people who mean them harm.

Continue reading GDC: Making games to prevent violence against children

JoystiqGDC: Making games to prevent violence against children originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allan-mcculloughchild-safetychild-safety-research-and-innovation-centerchildreneducationeducationalflashgdc-2010panelpredatorviolenceThu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study links violent games to violent thoughts and behavior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/#comments If you're a subscriber to the APA's Psychological Bulletin (and why wouldn't you be?), you'll find something especially relevant to your interests in the March issue. Psychologist Craig Anderson analyzed existing studies of 130,000 people from the U.S., Europe and Japan, and found that exposure to violent video games was associated with aggressive behavior and thought, along with typical accusations of an inability to foster positive social behavior. A rebuttal to the study from another psychologist and ESA chief Michael Gallagher is featured in The Washington Post article on the subject.

We're not doctors nor scientists ourselves, so we're not going to try to pick apart Anderson's findings. We, like Gallagher, are just going to point towards the research of two people who don't have such a huge axe to grind (as Anderson so clearly does). As Dr. Cheryl K. Olson and Dr. Lawrence Kutner wrote in their Grand Theft Childhood, "the strong link between video game violence and real world violence, and the conclusion that video games lead to social isolation and poor interpersonal skills, are drawn from bad or irrelevant research, muddleheaded thinking and unfounded, simplistic news reports."

Also, we'd ask that Anderson clarify if the tendency toward violent impulses was specifically sparked by playing Modern Warfare 2 online with a bunch of 12-year-old racist homophobes. Because, then dude, yes.

JoystiqStudy links violent games to violent thoughts and behavior originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apaesaesrbgrand-theft-childhoodmike-gallagherresearchstudyviolenceviolent-video-gamesMon, 01 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's Atkinson thinks gamers are scarier than biker gangs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/australias-atkinson-thinks-gamers-are-scarier-than-biker-gangs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/australias-atkinson-thinks-gamers-are-scarier-than-biker-gangs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/australias-atkinson-thinks-gamers-are-scarier-than-biker-gangs/#comments Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, also known as "that one guy responsible for preventing an R18+ rating from being adopted in the country," recently had some (unsurprisingly) inflammatory things to say about gaming enthusiasts during an interview with Good Game. "About two o' clock in the morning I got a threatening note from a gamer shoved under my door," Atkinson claimed. "I feel that my family and I are more at risk from gamers than we are from the outlaw motorcycle gangs who also hate me ... the outlaw motorcycle gangs haven't been hanging around my doorstep at 2 a.m.. A gamer has."

Well, yeah. We wish we could argue with that logic, but we just can't. It's rock solid. Except -- wait. Maybe the outlaw motorcycle gangs don't have the time to wait by your door at 2 a.m. because they're too busy perpetrating violent crimes and distributing meth? No, no -- that's just crazy talk.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqAustralia's Atkinson thinks gamers are scarier than biker gangs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabanbiker-gangcensorshipmichael-atkinsonmotorcycleoflcr18violenceMon, 15 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A video explanation of why Aliens vs. Predator was temporarily banned in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/a-video-explanation-of-why-aliens-vs-predator-got-banned-in-aus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/a-video-explanation-of-why-aliens-vs-predator-got-banned-in-aus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/a-video-explanation-of-why-aliens-vs-predator-got-banned-in-aus/#comments Be forewarned: Unless you want to see a ton of humans, aliens and predators get murdered (our count was 24 kills in 21 seconds!), you should probably shy away from watching the Aliens vs. Predator trailer we've posted above. There's no developers talking about how excited they are to release the game, or any details about the plot -- it's basically just a demo reel of the title's horrific carnage.

Wait a minute: No direction, no story and tons of violence? Are we sure this isn't a trailer for the next Saw movie?

Gallery: Aliens vs Predator

JoystiqA video explanation of why Aliens vs. Predator was temporarily banned in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorMicrosoftrebellionsegatrailervideoviolenceXbox-360Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Jeremy: games 'far worse' for kids than porn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/#comments We should warn you guys: The subject of this story is ... well, he's a man named Ron Jeremy. We know you guys probably haven't heard of this man before, but ... well, he's an actor. You definitely haven't seen him in anything, because ... he does adult films. Yes, pornography. We're sorry we had to take this post in such a blue direction, but we felt it important for you to be informed.

Mr. Jeremy, the pornographic actor, recently appeared on a CES panel which debated the effects of adult entertainment in the Internet era. As a riposte to an attack on his industry, Mr. Jeremy said, "we don't want kids to watch porn, though if they do, there are far worse influences out there - like video games. Studies have found that violent video games are much bigger a negative influence on kids." Oh, yeah? Then why is it acceptable to enjoy video games in public venues? Game, set and match, sir.

JoystiqRon Jeremy: games 'far worse' for kids than porn originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010panelpornpornographyron-jeremyviolenceviolent-video-gamesSun, 10 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dante's Inferno creators explain 'Violence' in latest dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/dantes-inferno-creators-explain-violence-in-latest-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/dantes-inferno-creators-explain-violence-in-latest-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/dantes-inferno-creators-explain-violence-in-latest-dev-diary/#comments You might be wondering exactly how Visceral Games managed to get a level themed after "Violence" into Dante's Inferno -- a game where the lead character spends roughly 100% of his time killing anything near him. We were wondering too, and so it was really nice of Visceral Games and EA to release the above dev diary for the "month of violence" that the game's marketing campaign is currently embracing to promote the game's level based on the seventh circle of Hell.

The real question now: what can we expect EA's marketing team during this month's theme? We're not sure just yet, but given its recent track record, we're hoping no one goes to our Editor-in-Chief's house to give him a lesson or two in violence.

Gallery: Dante's Inferno

JoystiqDante's Inferno creators explain 'Violence' in latest dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-adventuredantes-infernodev-diaryeaea-redwood-shoresElectronic-ArtsgameplayMicrosoftpctrailerviolencevisceral-gamesXbox-360Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/#comments
[Rondonia Digital]
Though Brazil is no stranger to banning video games, a recently proposed bill from Senator Valdir Raupp certainly seems pretty drastic. Raupp's bill, which was recently passed by the Education Commission of the Senate, and will now go to vote in the Committee on Constitution and Justice, seeks to "curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage [of] the video games that affect the customs [and] traditions of the people, their worship, creeds, religions and symbols."

According to Brazilian news site UOL, if the bill passes, folks caught violating the law could be subject to one to three years imprisonment. That's quite a bit of jail time to serve for just importing a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, dont'cha think?

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBrazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbillbrazillawmaturepoliticssenateviolenceSat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Men dressed as Mario and Luigi rob a cab driver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/#comments While it's unbelievably tempting to litter this piece with allusions to the various Mario and Luigi properties, we're instead going to bite our tongues and tell the story of some less-than-gentlemanly gents who beat and robbed a NYC cabbie at 4AM on November 1. According to police reports, the cabbie stopped his car at a gas station when one of the four patrons attempted to steal money out of his pocket. He asked the men to pay their fare and get out, which resulted in the attack.

In the video found on the NY Daily News website, two men dressed as Mario and Luigi can be seen assaulting the cab driver while another person in their party stands about, presumably watching for interference. The men are still at large and police are asking those with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto NYPD Crime Stoppers, or text 274637 then enter "TIP577."

[Image credit: Bob Dob]
[Via GamePolitics]

[Thanks, Adam]

JoystiqMen dressed as Mario and Luigi rob a cab driver originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimehalloweenluigimariomario-and-luigimario-brosny-daily-newsrobberyviolenceFri, 13 Nov 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LGJ: Revenge of the Regulators]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/lgj-revenge-of-the-regulators/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/lgj-revenge-of-the-regulators/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/lgj-revenge-of-the-regulators/#commentsEach week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:


There's an old saying by Benjamin Franklin: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." By that definition, most of the attempts to regulate video game content are insanity. Most have taken the same approach, with the exception of Jack Thompson's last attempt in Utah, which at least took a new angle. It's for this reason that I'm always interested in new takes on the now tiresome idea of regulating game content, and when GamePolitics posted one such new research paper by Renee Newman Knake, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Law, earlier this week, I took the time to read it. But when you boil down this "new approach," is it really something novel, or just more "insanity?" Well, that's what we're going to explore today. I do want to say, before I get started, that much of the legal analysis is relatively sound, and as many problems as I have with this paper, the author does deserve some credit for those parts of the analysis.

The paper's main focus is a discussion of "ecogenerism," and thus my discussion will largely be a dissection of the notable flaws in this approach. However, it is worth noting outright that this entire paper either makes its agenda quite clear from the outset or frames the debate in a less than accurate way to make the discussion seem greater than it is, as it starts from the basic flawed premise that we have "proven" a "causal" link between media violence, specifically video game violence, and real world violence. Even a cursory read over sites like VG Researcher and GamePolitics indicate the contrary. The supposition further ignores any benefits games may provide. Most importantly, it still ignores many of the fundamental flaws in video game research that have been pointed out in great detail. And the paper even ignores the more recent FTC data on the sale of violent games to children in favor of outdated metrics in order to cast a more negative light. But even ignoring this, the ecogenerism argument still has some substantial shortcomings.

Continue reading LGJ: Revenge of the Regulators

JoystiqLGJ: Revenge of the Regulators originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>columnsgovernmentgovernment-regulationlaw-of-the-gamelgjregulationsviolenceSat, 24 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Germany's Killer Game drive killed by lack of interest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/germanys-killer-game-drive-killed-by-lack-of-interest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/germanys-killer-game-drive-killed-by-lack-of-interest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/germanys-killer-game-drive-killed-by-lack-of-interest/#comments A German advocacy group called Aktionsbündnis Amoklauf Winnenden, which is mostly composed of parents and friends of victims of the tragic Winnenden school shooting from earlier this year, recently attempted to host an event where owners of violent video games would dispose of their aggressive software en masse. The group rented out a sizable dumpster, hoping to fill it to its brim with Mature video games which people had spent their hard-earned money on.

We certainly sympathize with the horrible loss this group recently suffered, but even if they choose to vilify video games, asking people to throw their stuff away probably isn't the most effective course of action. The somewhat predictable results of this event can be found in a video after the jump.

Continue reading Germany's Killer Game drive killed by lack of interest

JoystiqGermany's Killer Game drive killed by lack of interest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dumpstergermanyprotestschool-shootingviolenceviolent-video-gameswinnendenMon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Buddhist leader says video games are cathartic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/buddhist-leader-says-video-games-are-cathartic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/buddhist-leader-says-video-games-are-cathartic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/buddhist-leader-says-video-games-are-cathartic/#comments 24-year-old Ogyen Trinley Dorje wasn't selected, in childhood, as the 17th Karmapa* (think: the Dalai Lama of a different sect of Tibetan Buddhism) for his suitability with the modern world, but he's still a fan of a number of aspects of popular culture. In a recent interview with The Times of India, the Tibetan Buddhist leader's aforementioned fanhood surfaced while discussing the cathartic properties of video games.

"For me sometimes it can be a relief, a kind of decompression to just play some video games," the Karmapa explained. "If I'm having some negative thoughts or negative feelings, video games are one way in which I can release that energy in the context of the illusion of the game. I feel better afterwards." Forget all the studies arguing this point -- when it comes to video games' therapeutic properties, we're inclined to believe the input of a professional meditator.

*It should be noted that there is a dispute over who is the 17th Karmapa. Trinley Thaye Dorje has also been recognized as the current Karmapa by some authorities. Maybe they could settle it once and for all in a proper match of Madden or something?

[Via Kotaku; image credit: Prince Roy]

JoystiqBuddhist leader says video games are cathartic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buddhismcatharticindiakarmapa-lamameditationogyen-trinley-dorjeviolenceMon, 21 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Venezuela could completely ban the sale of violent video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/venezuela-could-completely-ban-the-sale-of-violent-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/venezuela-could-completely-ban-the-sale-of-violent-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/venezuela-could-completely-ban-the-sale-of-violent-video-games/#comments
If a bill currently being reviewed by Venezuela's parliament is formally approved by the nation's president, then gamers living in the country may have (legally) purchased their last M-rated title. The "Bill for the Prohibition of Video Games and Toy Weapons" aims to completely ban the sale of violent video games (and, as you may have guessed, toy weapons) in the country. It was approved by the National Assembly yesterday, and now must be approved in one more debate and signed by the president to become a law.

The bill was written out of concern for the negative effect violent video games and toys are having on the nation's youth (sigh), but was also created to prevent the use of toy weapons in real crimes. We'd scoff at this, too -- but we just watched a harrowing cinematic example of this type of criminal activity. It must be stopped!

JoystiqVenezuela could completely ban the sale of violent video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbillgovernmentlawmatureparliamentpoliticstoy-weaponsvenezuelaviolenceWed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 to include parental controls, region-specific gore edits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/diablo-3-to-include-parental-controls-region-specific-edits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/diablo-3-to-include-parental-controls-region-specific-edits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/diablo-3-to-include-parental-controls-region-specific-edits/#comments
Diablo 3 designer Jay Wilson was on hand at the recent GamesCom, where he met up with Wired and frankly discussed the game's gore. He confirmed that the title would not only have parental controls, but could have a lot of its signature violence stripped for select regions. "Yeah, we're going to have to be able to turn off blood, change the color and things like that, because you can't have red blood in some regions, regions that we would very much like to sell the game in," Wilson said.

Though he doesn't foresee any issue in selling the game in Germany and Australia, Blizzard will have to carefully weigh its options when it comes to a release in in China. "With our relationship with NetEase, we recently got new information about what China really wants, and it's a lengthy list. It's really hard for us to cater to. We'll try. There's no reason we wouldn't want to go there, but there is a certain point where we'd have to redo so much of the game that it's not viable anymore," Wilson explained.

JoystiqDiablo 3 to include parental controls, region-specific gore edits originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddiablodiablo-3diablo-iiigorematureparental-controlsviolenceTue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some stuff is too violent even for MadWorld]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/even-some-stuff-is-too-violent-for-madworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/even-some-stuff-is-too-violent-for-madworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/even-some-stuff-is-too-violent-for-madworld/#comments We're sure we don't have to tell you how violent MadWorld is. But, what you may not know is that some of the over-the-top violence originally conceptualized was a bit too violent for the game disc that's not been spinning in your Wii for the last few months. Past the break, you'll find a deleted finishing move, one we must warn you is one of the most violent things you will ever see. We know the majority of MadWorld is tongue-in-cheek, but this is like tongue-in-meat-grinder-while-being-stabbed kind of gruesome. Don't say we didn't warn you!

[Via Sega Nerds]

Continue reading Some stuff is too violent even for MadWorld

JoystiqSome stuff is too violent even for MadWorld originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fatalitymadworldplatinum-gamesviolenceMon, 17 Aug 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK Advertising authority to warn publishers to tone down violent ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/report-uk-advertising-authority-to-warn-publishers-to-tone-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/report-uk-advertising-authority-to-warn-publishers-to-tone-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/report-uk-advertising-authority-to-warn-publishers-to-tone-down/#comments
Overwhelming violence has never really been a problem in UK games advertising -- in fact, less than 1 percent of video game ads were turned down by the regulatory Advertising Standards Agency in the past year (a Kane and Lynch ad and Condemned 2 ad were the only offenders). However, according to a report from MCV, the ASA will publish new guidelines for gaming advertisements in September which will suggest publishers consider the "wider context of the impact their ads have," rather than simply fulfill the ASA's base requirements.

Basically, the ASA is suggesting that publishers think about whether their advertisements will "offend and cause distress" throughout their ad consumers. Though the ASA admits that violent game ads have yet to be a problem in the UK, it'll use the new guidelines to "qualify the existing guidance to help publishers avoid problems in the future." That statement just confirms our long-held suspicion that the ASA is full-to-brim with psychics.

JoystiqReport: UK Advertising authority to warn publishers to tone down violent ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingasacondemned-2Condemned-2-Bloodshotkane-and-lynchregulationstandardsukvideo-game-advertisingviolenceMon, 20 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Penn and Teller: Bullshit! video game episode on YouTube]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/watch-penn-and-teller-bullshit-video-games-episode-currently-on-youtube/#comments
If you missed the recent video game-centered episode of Penn and Teller: Bullshit! it's a real shame. It was a really astute and occasionally even moving take on the whole situation. Plus, they make Jack Thompson look dumb, which, like falling off a log into a vat of Sierra Mist, is easy, but still totally refreshing.

Right now, you can actually catch the episode on YouTube, though you'll likely want to act fast -- we can't imagine it'll be up for too long.

JoystiqWatch Penn and Teller: Bullshit! video game episode on YouTube originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitjack-thompsonpenn-and-tellerpenn-and-teller-bullshitviolenceMon, 13 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 moves away from violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-moves-away-from-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-moves-away-from-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/ninja-gaiden-sigma-2-moves-away-from-violence/#comments
Puzzling Moments In Gaming Sequel History

Sven Karrlsnod, lead producer on Tetris 3: The Blockening: "Sure, I love Tetris, you love Tetris. But what our team had to ask ourselves was this: Could we make Tetris work without all the blocks? We knew we had to try."

Trina Schwinn, design lead on Super Mario Universe: "In retrospect, making a Mario game set in Compton circa 1992 that didn't actually include Mario was a little ... brazen. But we had to follow our bliss."

Yosuke Hayashi, director and producer of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 to GamesRadar: "Each game has its own concept and with Ninja Gaiden 2, the focus was on extreme violence. But with Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, we really questioned whether violence is a necessity for a game, so we decided to move away from that trend. So the violence 'approach' is not the way we approached the development of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. Being able to unlock higher levels of gore would be out of kilter with the concept of the game."

[Via What They Play]

JoystiqNinja Gaiden Sigma 2 moves away from violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ninja-gaiden-sigma-2violenceYosuke-hayashiTue, 07 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/jack-thompson-talks-violence-polio-with-penn-and-teller/#comments
You don't need another reason to watch Penn & Teller: Bullshit -- its regular skewering of nut jobs is more than enough to warrant your half hour -- but we've got one for you. Our buddy, Jack Thompson, will appear on the show's seventh season, as you can see in the promo after the break.

As you probably guessed, Thompson will be discussing the therapeutic powers of crystal manipulation and -- oh, sorry, wrong episode. No, he'll talk about how bad Grand Theft Auto is and we'll make fun of him for it. Because that's the way it works.

[Via Gay Gamer]

Continue reading Jack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller

JoystiqJack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitgrand-theft-autojack-thompsonpenn-and-tellerviolenceTue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Close Range: A game about shooting people in the face]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/close-range-a-game-about-shooting-people-in-the-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/close-range-a-game-about-shooting-people-in-the-face/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/close-range-a-game-about-shooting-people-in-the-face/#comments
We're all for games that trim away the fat and are left with only a lean, pure gameplay experience. But we've got a gut feeling that The Onion's new title, Close Range, may be going a bit too far. The core of the game ... nay, the whole game, is shooting people point blank in the face.

You can see the story on the hot new IP right after the break. As a satirical commentary on a violence-obsessed video game culture, Close Range is a little on-the-nose for our tastes. But as a visceral gaming experience, it's absolutely exthrillarating. See for yourself here.

[Thanks, Top Cat]

Continue reading Close Range: A game about shooting people in the face

JoystiqClose Range: A game about shooting people in the face originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>close-rangethe-onionviolenceTue, 07 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bavarian Minister compares violent games to drugs, child pornography]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/bavarian-minister-compares-violent-games-to-drugs-child-pornogr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/bavarian-minister-compares-violent-games-to-drugs-child-pornogr/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/bavarian-minister-compares-violent-games-to-drugs-child-pornogr/#comments
Following last month's tragic shooting rampage in Winnenden, Germany, the target of which was a local secondary school, criticism against violent video games from German politicians has strengthened drastically. The most passionate denunciation thus far recently came from Bavarian Minister of the Interior Joachim Herrmann, who accused violent games of being "one of the causes for youth violence and also for school shootings, where images from killer games become reality."

However, Herrmann's condemnation peaked when he claimed violent titles are "on the same level as child pornography and illegal drugs, the ban on which rightly is unquestioned." Herrmann released his statement on the same day as the first-ever German Video Game Awards ceremony, many of the attendees of which responded with demands for an apology from the Minister. If you're also looking to get your dander up, you can read Herrmann's (Google translated) press release here.

JoystiqBavarian Minister compares violent games to drugs, child pornography originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bavariachild-porndrugsgermanyjoachim-herrmannminister-of-the-interiorpoliticsschool-shootingviolencewinnendenSat, 04 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Jack Thompson wants government to legalize gamer murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-jack-thompson-wants-government-to-legalize-gamer-mu/#comments
You may think he's a stick in the mud, but Jack Thompson does have a sense of humor. Want proof? Hot on the news of a slaying that may be connected to GTA, JT wrote us to say: "This is a switch, as it is typically the chronic players of these murder simulators that kill people - lots of people. In light of this new and welcome development, Miami anti-violent video game activist today puts forth a modest proposal to curtail sales of the Grand Theft Auto video games: Anyone who shoots and kills a player of the Grand Theft Auto video games gets a) a full pardon and b) a $5000 federal income tax credit because of the killer's successful efforts to reduce pollution."

A hilarious call for mass murder in the wake of an actual tragedy and a classic literature reference? Be still our hearts.

JoystiqApril Fools: Jack Thompson wants government to legalize gamer murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-09grand-theft-autojack-thompsonviolenceWed, 01 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto habit contributes to partner's murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/grand-theft-auto-habit-contributes-to-wifes-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/grand-theft-auto-habit-contributes-to-wifes-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/grand-theft-auto-habit-contributes-to-wifes-murder/#comments
It's a known, scientific fact that Grand Theft Auto and other violent video games turn players into killers. But, apparently, its influence is so vile, it can even effect those that have to watch someone play. The Telegraph reports that after retired airport worker Malcom Palmer's partner repeatedly threw him out of the bedroom -- so she could play more Grand Theft Auto -- he stabbed Carol Cannom, the mother of his children, to death.

Since the mainstream media isn't great with specifics when it comes to writing about video games, we don't know which PlayStation she was using, or which GTA she was playing. But it sounds like GTA might not have been the only problem in this relationship. For example: Though the PlayStation takes The Telegraph's headline heat, the story mentions "Palmer had also become convinced that she was having an affair, and went into a violent rage when she told him she wanted him to move out in November last year, threatening that he would never get to see their children again."

... So, yeah. It's either that, or the PlayStation.

[Via GP]

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto habit contributes to partner's murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autorockstartake-twoviolenceWed, 01 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The black-and-white evolution of MadWorld's graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-black-and-white-evolution-of-madworlds-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-black-and-white-evolution-of-madworlds-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/the-black-and-white-evolution-of-madworlds-graphics/#commentsMadWorld Lead Character Designer & Art Director, Masaki Yamanaka, just posted an informative blog that talks about Platinum Games' decision to go with a black-and-white art style and its subsequent evolution -- one that progresses from a high contrast black-and-white look to the addition of desaturated yellow tones and plenty of comic book violence. Something similar to Sin City, but with no Jessica Alba and fewer metaphors.

It's interesting to note that early concepts of Jack had him free of bladed weaponry. Thankfully, through the miracle of development, a chainsaw was attached to his arm, which definitely aids in the spilling of Organizer blood.

JoystiqThe black-and-white evolution of MadWorld's graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actioncomicmad-worldmadworldplatinum-gamessegaviolenceTue, 17 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MadWorld screens show off new bad guys, same old buckets of blood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/madworld-screens-show-off-new-bad-guys-same-old-buckets-of-bloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/madworld-screens-show-off-new-bad-guys-same-old-buckets-of-bloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/madworld-screens-show-off-new-bad-guys-same-old-buckets-of-bloo/#comments
Click image for more carnage
Sega sent us a shiny care package, completely full of new screens from next month's MadWorld. As one might expect, there are at least three awesome things about these images:
  • lots of violence
  • motorcycles looking badass
  • fat guy in a turtle suit
We're big fans of those three things, which, obviously, make us big fans of MadWorld. The fat guy reminds us of Dynamo, which is the best. Check out the new screens in our gallery below.

JoystiqMadWorld screens show off new bad guys, same old buckets of blood originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>madworldplatinum-gamesscreenssegaviolenceMon, 16 Feb 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Penn & Teller call 'BS!' on video game violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/penn-and-teller-call-bs-on-video-game-violence/#comments
Penn & Teller are taking aim at the video game violence controversy in an upcoming episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! -- an ongoing television series that debunks misconceptions and popular fads.

Earlier in the week, Penn Jillette revealed the video game themed episode had begun filming, via Twitter. Guests interviewed for the episode will include Grand Theft Childhood co-author, Dr. Cheryl Olson, along with her husband and writing partner, Dr. Lawrence Kutner. Disbarred Miami attorney, Jack Thompson, will also be featured in the episode.

A Penn & Teller producer told GamePolitics the episode would likely air during the summer, but did not reveal a specific date. We can only hope that Penn gives Thompson a suitable tongue lashing or that the magical duo makes him disappear. Either way, we're good.

JoystiqPenn & Teller call 'BS!' on video game violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullshitcheryl-olsonjack-thompsonpenn-and-tellervideo-game-violenceviolenceThu, 12 Feb 2009 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portland shooter called 'quiet, video game fan']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/portland-shooter-called-quiet-video-game-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/portland-shooter-called-quiet-video-game-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/portland-shooter-called-quiet-video-game-fan/#commentsFiled under:

According to the Oregonian, a man who allegedly shot nine people outside a Portland, Oregon nightclub last Saturday was a player of first-person shooters. Erik Salvador Ayala (pictured) allegedly shot nine people outside of a nightclub called The Zone, killing two teenage girls and wounding seven other people before turning the gun on himself.

Six of the victims were from outside of the United States and were part of a Rotary Club exchange program, while the remaining three were American. Ayala remains in critical condition as of late Sunday evening. A motive for the shooting has yet to be established, with no apparent link existing between Ayala and the victims. A neighbor claimed that he didn't own a gun.

The Oregonian article describes Ayala as "a quiet man with an interest in computers and video games, not guns or nightclubs," noting that he played both Resistance: Fall of Man and Left 4 Dead. No link has been cited between the games and the shooting.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqPortland shooter called 'quiet, video game fan' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>left-4-deadpoliticsresistanceviolenceTue, 27 Jan 2009 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Violence and gore don't make games more enjoyable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/#commentsFiled under:


Put down that blood-soaked cleaver. After quizzing 2,670 "frequent" gamers and conducting four different experiments with more than 300 university undergraduates, researchers at University of Rochester discovered that, cool as it may be, violence doesn't make games more fun. Except, we assume, for those players who, you know, abhor puppy dogs and rainbows in what they play.

The findings were based on what researchers described as a "good deal of violent content" in games such as Team Fortress 2 (alright), Halo 3 (we're with you so far) and World of Warcraft (okay, you lost us). According to a report by the Canadian Press, one portion of the study involved using a modified version of Half-Life 2 with brutality ratcheted up and another with violence nerfed, after which scholars found that "on average, violent content didn't add to motivation for play."

Only about 5 percent of respondents showed a preference for violent games, individuals who were later quietly taken into the back room and summarily beaten to death with spoons. Or so we're told.

JoystiqStudy: Violence and gore don't make games more enjoyable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-life-2halo-3researchteam-fortress-2violenceworld-of-warcraftSun, 18 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBFC grants MadWorld '18' rating, no cuts made]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/bbfc-grants-madworld-18-rating-in-uk-no-cuts-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/bbfc-grants-madworld-18-rating-in-uk-no-cuts-made/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/15/bbfc-grants-madworld-18-rating-in-uk-no-cuts-made/#commentsFiled under:


Despite the Daily Mail's best attempts to whip up a fuss, the BBFC has granted MadWorld an "18" certificate in the UK. It is the eighth Wii game to receive the rating (see the full list after the jump), and was passed with -- yay! -- no cuts whatsoever. Sega is likely to face a bigger obstacle when it comes to getting the game rated elsewhere, and it seems to realize this. MadWorld won't even be released in Germany or Japan, while Australia's notoriously conservative OFLC may take some convincing.

Elsewhere in MadWorld, uh, world, IGN has posted one of the first hands-on previews, including a full breakdown of the controls. The Nunchuk will be used to make protagonist Jack move and jump (with Z), the C button centers the camera behind Jack, punching people in the face is done with A, while the chainsaw attacks are on the B trigger. Holding A lets you pick people up, which is where you can perform special moves by waggling.

Continue reading BBFC grants MadWorld '18' rating, no cuts made

JoystiqBBFC grants MadWorld '18' rating, no cuts made originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbbfccensorshipmadworldplatinum-gamesratingsegaukviolenceThu, 15 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[MadWorld's 'Holiday Trailer' now a bit madder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/madworlds-holiday-trailer-now-a-bit-madder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/madworlds-holiday-trailer-now-a-bit-madder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/madworlds-holiday-trailer-now-a-bit-madder/#commentsFiled under:


Whenever the discussion turns to "mature" games, the gaming audience invariably displays an overt bloodlust. Such a stated desire to see blood is actually kind of strange when you think about it. We sort of understand, in that visible blood is a shorthand for completely uncensored in-game violence, and we all revile censorship. However, we are still often taken aback by how quickly an interest in non-cutesy games manifests as some kind of obsession with blood.

That said, here's the MadWorld trailer with all the censor bars taken out. In an ironic act of censorship, we've placed the trailer after the break, because children might be looking. We want to protect the innocence of those too young to figure out the post break, but old enough to figure out the play button.

Continue reading MadWorld's 'Holiday Trailer' now a bit madder

JoystiqMadWorld's 'Holiday Trailer' now a bit madder originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmadworldplatinum-gamessegaviolenceTue, 16 Dec 2008 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[A new MadWorld trailer for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/a-new-madworld-trailer-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/a-new-madworld-trailer-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/a-new-madworld-trailer-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under:


Sega and Platinum Games have sent us a gift for the holidays in the form of the trailer you see above. It gives us a little more background on the story behind MadWorld, as well as a look at some of the more unique ways to kill your opponents. Our favorite? All we have to say is this: we like ours extra crispy.

Because of the trailer being fairly gory, we've tucked it past the break.

Continue reading A new MadWorld trailer for the holidays

JoystiqA new MadWorld trailer for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversymadworldplatinum-gamessegaviolenceSat, 13 Dec 2008 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MadWorld's take on Wii music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/madworlds-take-on-wii-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/madworlds-take-on-wii-music/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/madworlds-take-on-wii-music/#commentsFiled under:



As happens each month, some of the more interesting tidbits from the holiday issue of Nintendo Power have been transcribed by the tireless folks at Aeropause.

The most eye-catching news, for us? A novel and particularly painful-sounding attack in Platinum Games' MadWorld. According to the magazine, you'll be able to lodge "a trumpet where the sun don't shine, leaving the unfortunate fellow to stagger around as he inadvertently toots the horn." Awe. Some. What's a trumpet doing lying around on the set of a futuristic game show about death and wanton bloodletting? Heck, don't ask, just shove.

Other worthy factoids drawn from the mag deal with how No More Heroes creator Goichi Suda relaxes (by playing Burnout Paradise), and the news that Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers will have a two-player splitscreen mode. Hit up Aeropause for the rest!


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMadWorld's take on Wii music originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionmadworldmusicnintendo-powerno-more-heroesonechanbaraplatinum-gamestamsoftviolenceMon, 24 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST