ESRB
Latest
Here come two new VC challengers from Capcom
Two superb Capcom fighting games are headed to the Virtual Console. Final Fight and the inevitable Street Fighter II Turbo Hyper Fighting have been spotted on the ESRB's list of rated Wii games. The SNES version of Final Fight lacks co-op play and Guy, but has plenty of "Oh! My car" to satisfy us. Street Fighter II Turbo is just like Street Fighter II, but sped-up, with more moves, more characters, and some bizarre changes made to the color scheme. We aren't sure why we're explaining this, because everyone in the world has played enough Street Fighter II to know the different versions.Oh, also new on the list was Tecmo's Mighty Bomb Jack. As obscure game advocates, we feel like we should be most excited about this one, but ... yeah, Final Fight is really, really awesome.[Via Siliconera]
Denver votes to allow M-rated games on mass transit
In a move sure to land on Jack Thompson's blunt "to do" spindle, Denver transit directors voted to allow M-rated games to be advertised on public transportation around the city. The vote was prompted by that pesky GTA series, namely ads for Vice City Stories that already earned a ban in Boston.Currently, the Denver RTD only bans ads for tobacco products, given the large number of young riders throughout the city, but don't place restrictions on R-rated or NC-17-rated films like some other transit systems do. Of course, they haven't even talked about banning ads for for Oprah's Book Club, but that's another insidious story altogether.Peggi O'Keefe from the Entertainment Software Association provided us with the most perplexing quote for the story: "Such restrictions are constitutionally impermissible." Now we want to make impermissible the word of the day.
Indie game ratings system re-launches
The Independent Game Rating System, or TIGRS, has received a major overhaul to incorporate a sleeker and more accessible design. The voluntary ratings system was originally unveiled two years ago as a way for indie developers to label their games and help warn parents of any objectionable content.The problem with a voluntary system such as TIGRS is a little word called "accountability". While most developers would use the logos responsibly, it would only take a few naughty people to ruin the whole thing. And considering the trouble the ESRB has been into after the Hot Coffee fiasco, do indie games really need that kind of exposure?
Joystiq interviews Brenda Brathwaite about sex and games
One could say Brenda Brathwaite wrote the book on sex in games -- and they'd be right. She is the author of Sex in Video Games, lead designer on Playboy: The Mansion, founder and chair of IGDA's Sex Special Interest Group and professor of game design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Brathwaite spoke with Joystiq about next week's Game Developer's Conference, how to keep sexual content under control and the story of the year that really got her blood pressure elevated.At the Game Developers Conference this year you'll be talking about the business end of designing erotic games. What does that mean?We're doing two roundtables this year at the request of previous attendees: designing erotic games and, second, the business end of erotic games. This will give attendees a chance to really get into each issue deeply. When it comes to designing erotic games, I expect we will probably cover such things as appealing to a diverse sexual audience, incorporating fetish play, MMO design, and pitching games to existing adult stars and publishing powerhouses. There's also interest from many people in solving that M-rated issue: how can we maturely incorporate mature themes into the narrative of the play – the same stuff you'd see in an R-rated movie – without being locked out of retail? Games have certainly done it, and as our ability to tell stories in games increases, figuring out how to do it well is becoming more an more an issue. The average gamer is a guy in his 30's, you know. Shows from Lost to Grey's Anatomy feature mature storylines that we, in games, feel at risk to take.
The Political Game: ESRB's extreme makeover
Each week Dennis McCauley contributes The Political Game, a column on the collision of politics and video games:Have you taken notice of the kinder, gentler ESRB?In recent months the video game industry's ratings board seems to have been quietly, yet determinedly, remaking itself into a more open, inclusive organization. Not that they would ever admit it, but as Bob Dylan sang, "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."Of course, from the dreadful Hot Coffee summer of 2005, there was really no place for the ESRB to go but up. Back then the ratings board was at an all-time low. The ESRB was besieged by all manner of political, cultural and media critics, including Senator Hillary Clinton, various members of Congress and a determined California Assemblyman named Leland Yee who exploited the ill will caused by the Hot Coffee incident to push through video game sales legislation in the very heartland of the U.S. video game industry.
ESRB takes notes from MPAA, recruits parents
The ESRB is looking for a few good adults to rate games. They want people who have experience with children, interest in and familiarity with video games, strong communication skills and live in the New York City area. Hopefully this doesn't mean the ESRB will turn into a secret society like the United State's Motion Picture Association of America's rating board. Currently the system is pretty cut and dry. We'd be nervous to see morality and emotionally subjective concepts begin to influence ratings.GamerDad, who happens to have an advertisement for the positions on his site, says, "I'm really excited about this, we're getting the opportunity to make sure GamerParents have a say and guarantee that gamers and GamerParents will be better represented by the rating you find on the box. Will this change the rating? No. Except in cases, as above, where the ratings board missed offensive content in a game like Oblivion."This move seems like a reaction to Senator Brownback's "Truth in Video Games Act" and the possible expectation that the ESRB will have to finish all games, all the way through, before giving a rating. And parents will be the ones doing this? We still can't imagine the army of parents necessary, not to mention the cost, of fulfilling the needs in the bill if it passes.
EA resurrecting Wing Commander on Xbox 360?
With the exception of a Game Boy Advance port of Prophecy released in 2003, almost ten years have passed since the appearance of a new Wing Commander game. Space sim fans may have something else to thrust into their crosshairs this year with a game called "Wing Commander Arena" popping up on the ESRB database. The game, seemingly published by EA for the Xbox 360, is rated "E" for "fantasy violence." Your own reaction may differ considerably from ours, but when we think "fantasy violence," we think "dogfights and space cats." Rampant speculation regarding the "Arena" subtitle might indicate a Wing Commander for Xbox Live Arcade, complete with multiplayer space combat, shiny HD graphics and gratuitous use of Mark Hamill (also rendered in HD). Unfortunately, since EA did not respond to a request for comment at the time of writing, such wonderful thoughts remain purely speculative for now. Read - ESRB database (sort by Xbox 360 or search for "Wing Commander Arena")
Zombies and Turtles found on ESRB
More ESRB hints abound, as the website known for destroying the dreams of excessively violent young children is now listing two more heavy-hitters for the Wii's Virtual Console service. First up is the SNES cult-classic Zombies Ate My Neighbors, which nicely fills up the senseless-violence-involving-zombies genre that the Wii was heretofore lacking.Next up? The game none of you ever beat. Yes, the original mind-numbingly difficult Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the NES appears to be slated for a shiny white console near you, and this time, we're gonna finish that game once and for all.We hope.[via GoNintendo]
More ESRB ratings found for Virtual Console
The ESRB ratings website is a veritable treasure trove of nuclear launch codes, CIA secrets, and unannounced Virtual Console games. Recently, ratings have popped up for Mighty Bomb Jack, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire. While not all of the ESRB rated games have yet arrived on the console, it's fairly certain that they'll get here eventually.In addition, Super Ghouls n' Ghosts was announced not only for the Wii, but for the 360 and PS3. This would make it the first game to be released on all three systems' classic download services, which then brings up silly flame wars and pointless arguing.But seriously, the Wii version will totally be the best.(Note: The GameSpot article mentions that Galaga was also tagged for release, but we actually caught this back in January. We rock.)
ESRB uncovers new retro games
Lately the ESRB has been a better source for game announcements than gaming magazines. This time the game rating reveals have a definite theme; retro gaming. The first up is one we've been aware of for a while, EA Replay 2. I bet there'll be a sports game or two in the collection (call it a hunch). The other listed collection was Taito Legends Power-Up. Taito has some quality games, but will there be enough recognizable hits to warrant its purchase? I suppose we'll have to wait until Bub and Bob's keeper releases it in stores. I can't wait until all that's left to do are 3DO or Ocean game collections. [Via Gamespot]
Senator Brownback brings back game bill
Presidential hopeful, Kansas Republican Sen. Sam Brownback, has re-introduced a bill that would require the ESRB play every game, all the way through, before assigning a rating. Every nook and cranny of that Thomas' English gaming muffin would have to be explored before slapping a rating on the title.Feel that generation gap widening? This all goes back to our own issues of not being able to finish games. Forget good games, what about having to finish the bad ones? The very idea of playing a game all the way through before assigning a rating shows how completely out-of-touch the Truth in Video Game Rating Act is. Will Brownback explain on the campaign trail the tax hike required to fund the army necessary to ferret out all the info from these games? The bill would also require the Government Accountability Office to the study the effectiveness of the ESRB and evaluate the potential for an independent system not involved with the video game industry. Imagine if the ESRB said they just couldn't afford the manpower required. The U.S. government would have to make the Department of Video Game Rating Security.
Lowenstein chastises 'cut-and-run' developers
In his final speech as head of the ESA, Doug Lowenstein told those attending his D.I.C.E. keynote that he was proud of the ESA and ESRB but saddened by the developer's unwillingness to stand up for their work.Describing them as "cut and run developers," Lowenstein lamented about game makers who create controversial content and then refuse to defend it. "If you want to be controversial, that's great," Lowenstein remarks, "but then don't duck and cover when the shit hits the fan. Stand up and defend what you make." Lowenstein also blasted what he called a "Greek chorus" of those criticizing the ESA but not offering any suggestions or solutions.Other targets in Lowenstein's crosshairs include those who didn't take the time to join the Video Game Voters Network ("You go to a website, click a few keystrokes and that's it. No one has bothered to take the time to do that, and it makes me sick.") and the gaming press for a lack of maturity and professionalism relative to the film and music industry press.Lowenstein has always been open, albeit a bit careful, with his words, so it's certainly interesting to see him let loose before leaving the industry. He has always been effective and lobbying and has a heap of accomplishments; imagine how things might have been different, for better and worse, if this Fire and Brimstone Lowenstein had been running the ESA.
Shocker: Vice City Stories listed for PS2
A search for "grand theft auto vice city stories" on the ESRB website now yields two results. Surprised? Didn't think so. Despite Rockstar's insistence that Vice City Stories would not go the way of Liberty City Stories (that is, be ported to PlayStation 2), it appears as if the company is again being tempted by the potential gains of a double-dip. Can you blame 'em? (Perhaps the better question: Can you resist them?)
PSP: rated M for Mature
This should come as no surprise to PSP owners, but it's interesting to see the numbers nonetheless. When looking through the ESRB database, one sees that the PSP offers a greater variety of games than Nintendo's handheld. The PSP features 30 titles with an M rating. The DS, on the other hand, only has 2.Teen-rated games also find their home on the PSP. The DS only has 31 Teen-rated games, while the PSP has three times the number of titles, with 96 T-rated games.While it's undeniable that the DS is selling better than the PSP, one has to wonder how many of those consoles are for adults. I'd assume not too many. Grand Theft Auto sold over a million copies on Sony's handheld, while LocoRoco went by mostly unnoticed. I think it should be pretty clear that the two portables are targeting two very different markets: and older gamers, like myself, enjoy the slightly more adult-themed games of the PSP.
Vice City Stories no longer a PSP exclusive
Vice City Stories to be PSP exclusive? Many doubted Rockstar, considering how Liberty City Stories made the jump to PlayStation 2. Well, looks like the doubters were right: A look at the ESRB website reveals a listing for a PS2 version of Vice City Stories. If it follows the footsteps of its Liberty City brethren, it will launch on PS2 for a measly $20, sans multiplayer.Considering the relatively low sales of the latest GTA, it makes sense. Now, a whole new audience will be able to play with Phil Collins.[Via IGN]See also:PSP Fanboy review: GTA Vice City Stories
Pedestrians spotted in Burnout 5
1UP recently posted this Burnout 5 image along with a lengthy preview (originally published in OPM). Clearly, we seen pedestrians strolling the sidewalk. So what's the explanation?Our gut tells us there won't be people in Burnout 5. 1UP's accompanying preview seems to agree, quoting audio director Nick Laviers, who states, "You don't see human beings in Burnout -- it's all about cars." It's unlikely that EA and Criterion would want to push the boundaries of the E(10+)-rating that Burnout Revenge managed. Throwing people into the carnage could lead the ESRB to smack the next Burnout with an M-rating, drastically reducing the potential consumer base. The image posted above is likely conceptual, or perhaps appears in some sort of FMV clip. Although we'd love to see Criterion experiment with ragdolls crashing through windshields (with first-person perspective replays!), we know better than to pine for some Carmageddon-like action.
New Acclaim forges on with MMO betas
The "new" Acclaim continues with its roll-out of free MMOs, opening closed betas for 2Moons and Dance! Online. Entry into the betas is by invitation only, but registrants of the game's official websites (2Moons here, Dance there) can expect to receive a request on a first-come, first-served basis. Both titles are being directed by David Perry (Earthworm Jim, Enter the Matrix); neither has received an ESRB rating, but Acclaim warns that 2Moons was designed for the 17+ crowd. As for Dance, well, just look at that picture... The backstory: Acclaim reopens, focuses on MMOGs
ESRB page listing more contenders
The ESRB page is listing two more games that could be possible additions to the Virtual Console service. In listing Pro Wrestling and Galaga, could we have two more titles that Wii owners could soon be able to download? Our last report on the ESRB page has yet to produce results, so are these games going to take their appropriate place in line?[Thanks luckycreature!]
British pols look to teach parents about game ratings
Website MCV reports that prominent members of British parliament will work with various groups in early 2007 to create a policy to educate parents "protect children" from violent video games. Looks like politicians and the game industry are learning to play nice and work through their issues. Following the "interesting" announcement two weeks ago that US Senator's Clinton and Lieberman would work with the games industry in support of an ad campaign to teach parents about the ESRB rating system, it looks like the British will follow their lead. Labour party member Keith Vaz says the discussion will center on implementation of TV advertising to educate parents. The meetings will include politicians, industry reps., retailers and parents. Vaz says, "It's an opportunity to reach a consensus on what actions, including a potential television advertising campaign, should be implemented to protect the UK's children." Whatever gets these guys thinking it'll get them reelected and moves them along to bother another industry is fine by us.
Respect the Ratings: GameStop unveils new campaign
In an effort to promote ratings awareness (and garner a little PR while they're at it), GameStop has launched a new campaign, Respect the Ratings, aimed at helping parents understand more of what their children are playing. The campaign's website is a meager four pages but is designed with the time-strapped parent in mind. Featured on the website are ratings explanation, genre classifications, and even a glossary of popular phrases so that parents can "crack the code" of the gaming language. We're impressed by the selection of terms, including troll, patch, and lamer. However, some more spelling variants would've been amusing: while they do have both "owned" and "pwned," why not include pwnt, pwnz, and 0wnz0rd? And Leetspeak is all well and good, but the deduction-challenged adult might not connect the term with 1337. The Resources page offers a comprehensive list of links to peruse, including many gaming sites (CVG, GameSpot, GameRankings), safety-oriented sites, and main ESRB page. We'd like to see a news tab that gives a personal feeling to the site and coerces return visits. We're not expecting full-blown coverage (leave that to us), but maybe a weekly post that gives a brief highlight on the news to keep parents up to date on some of the news that the gaming kids love to use.
