Citizen Gamer

controversy

Honk if you like video game news

Jeremy Parish at 1UP has impressions of Metroid Hunters after playing with it at Nintendo HQ. Sounds like they’ve really improved the online experience (stats, lobbies, the whole thing). It may very well be delicious. NVIDIA not expecting the PS3 any time soon: “Now you can add one of [...]

Fitty says parents should buy his game for their kids

From Reuters:

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Rapper 50 Cent, once shot nine times on the street in a gang incident, said on Tuesday parents should buy their children his new video game, rated ‘mature’ for blood, gore and sexual themes, and use it as a teaching tool.

…

[...]

Modding considered harmful

Video ‘modding’ under scrutiny in ratings flap:

Many game-makers freely encourage the practice and give away free software tools to help.

But some in the industry are now wondering about the ratings implications posed by mods after a Dutch programmer created one that unlocks a hidden sex level in the violent [...]

Hot or not

Everybody else is up to their armpits in hot coffee while things are downright chilly around these parts. Instead of doing real work I’ll just point you to Fail Math’s eloquent overview of the ESRB rating system.

Survey finds that parents pay attention to ESRB ratings

With all the news of proposals to ban sales of mature video games to kids it’s refreshing to hear about what’s already in place. In the article Survey: Most Parents Pay Attention To Kids’ Video Games:

The study, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the ESRB, also indicates that most parents pay [...]

The mobile gaming screens arms race has begun

Going with the logic that 2 > 1, therefore 50 = maximum fun (and really, 51 would just be pushing it), Sega has released the Game Gear Goju. Nintendo representatives released an official statement questioning the ability of Sega to make good on the product and proceeded to insult Sega’s mother.

You can also see all [...]

Seeds of new video game laws planted nationwide

Proposals for new laws limiting the sales of video games featuring mature content seem to be popping up all over the country. You’d think that a rating system, together with parental awareness and participation during game time, would be enough. Game sellers claim to limit sales of mature titles, though I haven’t had much experience with this in practice since I usually buy my games online and haven’t been underage in awhile. Naturally there are plenty of ways around these barriers even if they’re actually upheld.

CBS News Video Game Feature Rodeo

CBS News, perhaps in an effort to atone for past sins, has done some good work investigating recent flare ups in controversy surrounding video games. This includes:

A segment on 60 minutes that included an interview with everyone’s favorite anti-video games attorney Jack Thompson. Typical of 60 Minutes, Ed Bradley didn’t allow himself to get pushed [...]