Jack-Thompson
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'Grand Theft Auto' drama from BBC may star Daniel Radcliffe
Yer a video game magnate, Harry. BBC Films is working on Grand Theft Auto, a drama about the real-life founder of Rockstar Games, Sam Houser, and his battles over the perception of video game violence with bombastic, disbarred attorney Jack Thompson in the early 2000s. Thompson's role hasn't yet been cast, but Daniel Radcliffe, the actor best known for playing Harry Potter in all eight of those films, is in negotiations to play Houser, THR reports. Owen Harris, a British director responsible for a few episodes of Misfits and the season two premiere of Black Mirror, is on board for Grand Theft Auto. The script was penned by TV writer James Wood, with producer Jim Spencer and executive producer Mark Hedgecoe. It's scheduled to begin shooting on April 20 (no word on if it will be in 60FPS).
Report: Anti-games Sen. Leland Yee arrested on bribery, corruption charges
California State Senator Leland Yee, noted anti-video games official, was arrested this morning on charges of bribery and corruption, SF Weekly reported. The FBI conducted a raid of San Francisco's Chinatown district, and KCRA reported that agents took "computers and other documents" from Yee's office in the state capitol. Yee previously urged the Supreme Court to review the violent games bill AB-1179 his office authored in 2005, which failed at the Circuit Court level before being pushed through by then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Supreme Court upheld the lower courts' ruling, deeming the law a violation of First Amendment rights. Yee responded to the decision, declaring that it "put the interests of corporate America before the interests of our children" and that the games industry continued to profit "at the expense of our kids' mental health and the safety of our community." The news of Yee's arrest brings to mind anti-violent games attorney Jack Thompson's disbarment by the state of Florida in September 2008. Thompson's body of work included multiple failed Utah games bills. [Image: Leland Yee]
New York Times crossword references World of Warcraft
Today's New York Times crossword includes a clue that any non MMO player wouldn't know. Amongst the standard pop-culture references and strict definitions, today's crossword puzzlers encountered the following clue, as shown by Jack Thompson (no, not that Jack Thompson) via Twitter. @cm_zarhym @warcraft You guys made the Times crossword this morning. 4 letters, beginning with "R." twitter.com/Thejackthompso... - Jack Thompson (@Thejackthompson) May 2, 2013 Raid is the obvious answer -- to us. But I would think it's a pretty hard answer for a non-gamer to come up with. Does this mean that World of Warcraft is part of the mainstream? Are we going to be able to use MMO lingo around the water cooler now? Do we want to?
Spencer Halpin's 'Moral Kombat' documentary now on Hulu
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.
ESA says Rhode Island game bill is unconstitutional, Jack Thompson ... agrees?
[Joe King] Rhode Island bill S.2156 (PDF) is silly ... (How silly is it?) ... It's so silly that even Jack Thompson recognizes it as unconstitutional. As GamePolitics reports, it's one thing when the Entertainment Software Associate (ESA) calls a bill "the same as all the other legislative proposals found unconstitutional by numerous federal courts." It's a whole other ballgame when Jack Thompson chimes in with, "The Bill won't survive a court challenge, nor should it ... Think I'm not going to help the legislature get it right?" Of course he is! Yes, Thompson did tell GP that he will attempt to advise Rhode Island legislators on how to amend the bill to pass legal muster. Hopefully the disbarred attorney won't cause the representative he assists to write an apology letter to his fellow House members when it's all over.
Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's full DICE speech, Jack Thompson says 'Gotcha!'
[Elisabeth Caren] Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's speech at DICE was certainly a highlight of this year's convention. The polarizing figure took the stage and spoke his mind -- whether it was for better or worse was a topic of debate for the rest of the show. Some saw it as humanizing the demonized executive, who makes no apologies for running an efficient and profitable company (especially in this economy), while others couldn't believe that PR ever let him take the stage with what seemed like a fairly off-the-cuff speech. Disbarred attorney Jack Thompson took the opportunity to send California State Senator Leland Yee (and the entire press) a letter declaring "Gotcha!" to a section of Kotick's speech. Using a piece he read on GamePolitics as a springboard, Thompson writes that Kotick's admission that the executive would still be really into video games if it didn't run the risk of interfering with his life and running a major publisher is an "admission [that] flies in the face of video game industry spokespersons' false, sometimes perjured assertions, that video games do not affect the behavior of minors. Here is a full-grown adult (at least in chronological terms) admitting just the opposite." In context, though, Kotick's admission is more in line with many adults, who have responsibilities to balance along with enjoying video games. Kotick recognizes he has an addictive personality -- noting as much about enjoying food -- so he keeps his gaming in check. Watch the full Kotick speech, and read Jack Thompson's letter, after the break. Kotick mentioning why he doesn't play games at the level he did in his youth begins at the 11:30 mark.
The ECA wants you to tell Obama how cool video games are
Video games are totally cool, right? The Entertainment Consumers Association thinks so, and wants you to let the US President know how you feel about video games and their effect on your life, via an email form on its website. Specifically, the folks at the ECA want you to "point out some ways that video games have empowered and educated you." Like that time you were empowered by GTA IV to rob someone, right? (That's a joke, Mr. Thompson.) The political lobbying group is of course responding to the continuing message from President Obama during speeches to "put the video games away." While we're sure Mr. President would love to read all about how World of Warcraft taught you about time (mis)management or how Drop7 makes you see things in groups of seven or less everywhere you go (is that just us?), we're thinking the "intellectual stimulation" and "problem solving" routes might be a bit more advantageous. [Thanks, Jack!]
LGJ: And still, they want to take away our games
Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games: As of late, it seems I've become sort of a policy spokesman for issues concerning the government intervening in the game industry, especially in the wake of my debate with Jack Thompson. However, the discussion over whether violent content can be policed under the First Amendment is getting tired, and the courts have universally declared "no" at this point. Rather than go down that road again, I want to discuss two new ways that the government could attack games; one of which came up in the debate itself. The first is probably the more mundane of the two, and it's the seemingly frequent specter of imposing political correctness on games. In fact, this issue came up yet again this week as a discussion related to not just Resident Evil 5, but also Left 4 Dead 2 and Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. Of course, the claims here were racism and cultural insensitivity. The irony is that now that the games themselves are seemingly more inclusive of characters other than white males and large breasted women, the assumption is automatically that use of more diverse settings and characters must have malicious motives, rather than crediting the industry for finally being more inclusive.
Jack Thompson vs. Mark Methenitis debate: The whole shebang
After dropping a clip from the surprisingly civil debate between ex-Florida attorney Jack Thompson and Joystiq LGJ author Mark Methenitis last week, the fine folks at Screw Attack nabbed the entirety for all to see. Okay, okay, we didn't watch the whole thing -- it's an hour long and we have to work! You think this Internet's going to write itself, people? For those of you pressed for time like us, SA's got you covered too. They've cut down the whole thing into a more easily digestible 15-minute clip (found after the break). And yes, that is the clip that we watched. Sorry, Internet!
Watch Penn and Teller: Bullshit! video game episode on YouTube
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.
Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Because history happens'
And now, a word from Jack Thompson: "Frankly, folks, I'm the pro-liberty, pro-personal choice person here because history happens." Eh, maybe not quite the rhetoric to spare him federal disbarment, but by many accounts, Thompson was actually articulate and well-spoken during last weekend's "Debate of the Century" at the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention. His opponent and Joystiq legal columnist, Mark Methenitis (pictured right), described the subdued, silver-haired crusader (not dude on left) as "largely misunderstood" in a post-debate interview on this week's Late Nite JengaJam [audio link].Sporting a gentle grandpa look, Thompson certainly appears (see clip after the break) as an entirely different character than the "internet bogeyman" who has haunted, well ... his own career. While it's a pleasant surprise to see Thompson show up in human form, he's gonna have to do better than forewarn the coming of "the 9/11 event for this industry" (sensational much?) to do any convincing around these parts. Now, excuse us while we take a break to go commit horrific acts of depravity (virtually, of course), and then go back to our ordinary, good-natured lives.[Image credit: 4Player]
PSA: 'Penn & Teller: Bullshit!' episode on video games airs this week, features Jack Thompson
The time has come, folks. This is the week that Jack Thompson compares violent video games to polio on broadcast television! Are you ready? We've known this episode of Penn & Teller: Bullshit! was on the way since way back in February but had no idea of when it would air until just today (this Thursday at 10 PM EST -- set your DVR!). If you're looking for some lunacy before the show lands on Showtime later this week, hit the break for a preview featuring the "fire triangle" you see above. Seriously.
Jack Thompson faces federal disbarment
Joystiq readers will likely recall that one John Bruce Thompson -- "Jack" to his friends -- was disbarred last year from practicing law in the state of Florida. However, it seems Thompson has maintained that he's still allowed to practice law within the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, which is a federal court.Enter Judge Federico Moreno, who has issued an order to Thompson, asking him to explain why he should not also be barred from the District Court. The order asks that Thompson submit his defense, along with copies of all documents related to his previous disbarment, within 30 days (the order was issued on June 26).Thompson, reports GamePolitics, is not pleased, and has since sent Moreno an email "request/demand," asking that the judge provide copies of all communications between Moreno and the Florida Bar concerning himself. Once again, it looks like Thompson's legal career is on shaky footing. Still, we doubt another disbarment will put a stop to Thompson's anti-gaming efforts. The first one certainly didn't.
Jack Thompson talks violence, polio with Penn and Teller
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]
Epilogue: After Utah game bill dies, state rep apologizes for Jack Thompson
Things haven't been going well for the Utah gaming bill that ex-attorney Jack Thompson penned and, for that matter, the gentleman himself. After sending out an email to a variety of Utah legislators a few weeks back, the man came under threat of legal action from Utah senate president Michael Waddoups. And today, GamePolitics is reporting that the bill's original sponsor, state representative Mike Morley, has written an email to his colleagues apologizing for Thompson's actions (printed in full after the break). Morley writes to his fellow reps that, "[Thompson] doesn't speak for me nor do I condone or appreciate his actions nor some his tactics," seemingly ending his relationship with Thompson. Unsurprisingly, Thompson has responded to Morley's email (also found after the break), claiming, "Mike Morley's apology is ridiculous. I didn't scandalous [sic] anyone with an image of two clad women." He further posits, "Your family values stance is a sham," refererring to the legislators he wrote. We're not sure of many things in politics, but we are sure of this: You probably shouldn't directly insult the people you'd like to support you. While this is likely the last time you'll hear about this Utah bill, we're 100 percent sure this isn't the last time you'll hear from Jack Thompson.[image source]
Jack Thompson takes his fight to Utah radio
Fueled by the recent veto of his Utah game bill and the constant thirst for more, Jack Thompson made an appearance on Utah radio show "Utah Eagle Forum" recently to discuss the merits of the bill and, well, to be Jack Thompson. Claiming the Columbine school shooting occurred due to "training on Doom" and saying the recent school shooting in Germany occurred due to the shooter's predilection for Counterstrike and Far Cry 2, Thompson immediately built a case for the audience to be concerned "why this is so terribly serious, to their own safety."As GamePolitics points out, at no point in the show does anyone make note of Thompson's lack of an actual license to practice law or of his disbarring. He is, in fact, introduced as "an attorney from Florida." An odd omission considering the theme of the show is "Truth in Advertising."
Thompson vs. Methenitis: 'Debate of the Century'
Hear ye! Hear ye! Joystiq's own legal counsel, Mark "Minister of Mandate" Methenitis, has announced his 1-on-1 verbal brawl debut (that's a certified professional sport, you know) against -- none other than -- Jack "Attorney at Lawl" Thompson during the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention (pre-registration now open) at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport arena on a sure-to-be-historic July the Fourth, 2009. The topic: video game restrictions. So place your bets in the comments section below -- and be sure to check out the pre-fight hype reel posted after the break! [Via Law of the Game]
April Fools: Jack Thompson wants government to legalize gamer murder
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.
Utah Governor vetoes video game and movie legislation [update]
It's game over in Utah, for now. Utah Governor Jon Huntsman (R) has vetoed the video game and movie retail restriction bill, which would have enforced strict penalties on retailers who sell M-rated games (and R-rated movies) to "buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation." The legislation (HB 353), authored by Jack Thompson and legislator Mike Morle, recently swept the Utah House of Representatives by a 25 to four margin. According to GamePolitics, Jack Thompson claims the backers of the bill will seek an override of the veto. In a letter explaining his reasons for the veto, Huntsman says HB 353 would likely "be struck down by the courts as an unconstitutional violation of the Dormant Commerce Clause and/or the First Amendment." Huntsman estimates that a possible "unintended consequence" of passing the legislation would be that the industries most affected could choose to forgo the use of "age appropriate labels on goods and services," because of their voluntary nature -- hurting families in the long run. Huntsman full letter can be read after the break. Update: Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA has responded to the news in a comment, found after the break.
Utah senate passes gaming retail restriction bill
After breezing through the Utah House of Representatives with an overwhelming vote of 70 for and two against, HB 353, a piece of legislation authored by Jack Thompson and legislator Mike Morley which enforces strict penalties on retailers who sell M-rated games (and R-rated movies) to "buyers subject to an age restriction or recommendation," found a similar reception in the state senate -- it was approved with a vote of 25 for and four against earlier today.We now have three consecutive events to eagerly anticipate -- first, the bill must be approved by Utah governor Jon Huntsman before it's officially adopted. Second, the new policy will go into effect on January 1, 2010. Finally, we wait to hear how the ESA will spend the humongous legal fee reimbursement check that the taxpayers of Utah will indirectly cut when the bill is likely found unconstitutional. Perhaps some sort of tropical outing for their employees? We hear the beaches of Costa Rica are simply breathtaking.
