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Nick Yee's new book delves into the psychology of MMO players
Researcher Nick Yee, who has often enlightened us on the subject of MMO player psychology, hasn't been on our radar much since the Daedalus Project went into hibernation (no, not druid-inflicted) back in 2009. Since then, he's done some interesting research with PARC's PlayOn Group, but without hearing much from him in 2013, we had wondered if he'd found a new favorite research subject and had left us behind. But now we can cut out the /weeping, because Yee has released a new book called The Proteus Paradox: How Online Games and Virtual Worlds Change Us--And How They Don't. Here's what it's all about: Using player surveys, psychological experiments, and in-game data, Yee breaks down misconceptions about who plays fantasy games and the extent to which the online and offline worlds operate separately. With a wealth of entertaining and provocative examples, he explains what virtual worlds are about and why they matter, not only for entertainment but also for business and education. He uses gaming as a lens through which to examine the pressing question of what it means to be human in a digital world. His thought-provoking book is an invitation to think more deeply about virtual worlds and what they reveal to us about ourselves. If you've enjoyed reading Yee's previous work, we think you'll enjoy this, too. You can pick up a hardcopy on Amazon now.
Calif. Sen. Yee urges parents not to buy M-rated games
California State Senator Leland Yee gave a little poke to parents saying they shouldn't buy M-rated games for their children. But, like a good politician, he made the statement on Monday, three days after the official start of the shopping season, so we figured we'd follow his lead and report it a few days after that. As is typical of Yee, his heart is in the right place, but his message always sounds a bit too Thompson-ish.Yee says 60% of children ages 8 to 17 list M-rated games as being their favorite (we don't doubt that) and says parents should consider the content of the games before purchasing them (we agree!). That all sounds very reasonable. Then he goes on to say Manhunt 2 has "accessible content designed for an Adults-Only (AO) rating." There's a half-truth. He also says that Manhunt 2 is on many children's wish lists. That's a lie -- and if true, is merely a sign the parents need to seek counseling for their child. He also says that in many top-selling games, players are "rewarded for violence, including killing police officers, maiming elderly persons, running over pedestrians, and torturing women and racial minorities." Looking over a list of the top-selling games in October, and even the last few months, we don't have a clue what he's talking about.
Star Jones video game violence segment
GamePolitics gave us the heads-up on Thursday, now they got the video as well. Above you'll find the segment from the Star Jones Show on CourtTV about video game violence. Jones uses a Columbine student, Leland Yee and an attorney for the video game industry to tell the tale. It's still weird to hear that the Columbine shooters were fans of "violent video games," weren't they just fans of violence? Fans of violence with full-blown arsenals at their disposal -- but that's the point of another story.Check out the segment and please try to avoid stating the obvious in the comments -- yes, Jones definitely needs to put on a few more pounds again. Please let's keep in on topic.
Governator says California game law will be back
Following yesterday's belief that the California game law had been terminated, comes word that Gov. Schwarzenegger isn't done protecting the bill's targeted youth. GamePolitics reports the governor's office sent out a press release that he will appeal the judge's ruling from yesterday which placed a permanent injunction on the bill. Schwarzenegger says, "I will vigorously defend this law and appeal it to the next level." If this thing is going to make a second pass, it might be time to take a quick refresher course on AB 1179. The bill would put another layer of California red tape on top of the ESRB's rating system. Any game deemed "violent" would have a big ol' 18 sticker on it and retailers would be fined $1000 for selling it to minors. Although this does sound perfectly reasonable, it essentially deems certain games on the level of porn and just irks First Amendment advocates. Also, let's not even open up the Pandora's box of irony that Arnold Schwarzenegger is the figurehead on this -- how many of you saw T2 for the first time underage in the theater?
California game law won't be back
The California game law which would have restricted anyone under the age of 18 from buying or renting "violent video games" has been effectively terminated. The bill, signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger back in 2005, which was created by politician Leland Yee, had a preliminary injunction put on it while the ESA fought the bill in the courts. Today a judge made the injunction permanent. The bill follows in the long list of game laws found unconstitutional at this point. Yet, that still doesn't stop more states from attempting to recycle the tired legislation. According to Bo Andersen, president of the Entertainment Merchants Association, "It was inevitable that the federal district court would find the California video game restriction law unconstitutional, as eight similar laws around the country have been overturned in the past six years." Ready kids, here comes the fun part -- how much is California going to have to pay the ESA back for fighting the law? Politicians need to learn that when they push through unconstitutional laws, it's the taxpayer who pay -- literally.
