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TOP SPOT
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed The Kid grows up. First-ever artwork for Factor 5's rumored project, starring adult Pit, revealed. 
TOP SPOT
Review: Mario Kart Wii Sure, it's not a GTA IV review, and it's not getting straight 10s. But you should read it anyway. 
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Review: Okami Brings More Zelda-like Adventuring to Wii Capcom brings it's fantastic adventure game to the Wii. |
Wii
CoD5 Going 'Military Theater', Coming to All Platforms except PSP
by Tanner Smith | 05/09/08 | 4:39 PM PST
Infinity Ward set servers on fire last year by propelling Call of Duty into the modern era. If rumors hold true, CoD3 developer Treyarch will be stepping up to develop the next game in the series, which will probably launch later in the year.
According to Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith, CoD5 will "bring the intensity of the recent Call of Duty: Modern Warfare title to a new military theater." The game is scheduled to be released "on all four platforms we've participated on in fiscal 2008", meaning the PS3, 360, DS and PC. Oh, and it's coming to the Wii and PS2 as well.
CoD5 Going 'Military Theater', Coming to All Platforms except PSP
by Tanner Smith | 05/09/08 | 4:39 PM PST
Infinity Ward set servers on fire last year by propelling Call of Duty into the modern era. If rumors hold true, CoD3 developer Treyarch will be stepping up to develop the next game in the series, which will probably launch later in the year.
According to Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith, CoD5 will "bring the intensity of the recent Call of Duty: Modern Warfare title to a new military theater." The game is scheduled to be released "on all four platforms we've participated on in fiscal 2008", meaning the PS3, 360, DS and PC. Oh, and it's coming to the Wii and PS2 as well.
source: Activision Conference Call
Wii
Guitar Hero IV Poised to "Innovate the Series"
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 2:05 PM PST
According to a report on Console Monster News, Activision CEO Mike Griffith has announced that Guitar Hero IV will be rocking store shelves just in time for Christmas. Further, he says that the new title will provide something fresh for fans, as the series is placing an emphasis on innovation in order to compete with Rock Band.
"We've put a lot of additional development resources, a lot of additional music licenses resources, a lot of additional hardware supplier resources against the title to fuel growth over next year," he says. "We're excited by the increased musical content and innovation we're bringing. We do expect a leap forward in innovation with our holiday launch, and we're about two weeks away from providing very specific details on that."
With Guitar Hero: Aerosmith set for release next month, that will also make for two installments of the franchise (not counting the DS game) in under a year's time. Word is that some of these innovations spoken of could include vocals and other instruments, and while innovational to the series, it's nothing new to the genre, thanks to Rock Band.
Guitar Hero IV Poised to "Innovate the Series"
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 2:05 PM PST
According to a report on Console Monster News, Activision CEO Mike Griffith has announced that Guitar Hero IV will be rocking store shelves just in time for Christmas. Further, he says that the new title will provide something fresh for fans, as the series is placing an emphasis on innovation in order to compete with Rock Band.
"We've put a lot of additional development resources, a lot of additional music licenses resources, a lot of additional hardware supplier resources against the title to fuel growth over next year," he says. "We're excited by the increased musical content and innovation we're bringing. We do expect a leap forward in innovation with our holiday launch, and we're about two weeks away from providing very specific details on that."
With Guitar Hero: Aerosmith set for release next month, that will also make for two installments of the franchise (not counting the DS game) in under a year's time. Word is that some of these innovations spoken of could include vocals and other instruments, and while innovational to the series, it's nothing new to the genre, thanks to Rock Band.
source: Console Monster News
Wii
Iwata Asks About Link's Crossbow Training, First-Person Zelda, Terminators Follow
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 1:25 PM PST
Sure, Link's Crossbow Training (a fine game, all things considered) is pretty much old-hat here... in America! But over in Japan, they're only now getting to experience all the action, the excitement, the dramathrills of mowing down skeletons with an automatic crossbow.
And it is for that reason that only now, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata chose to sit down with that affable madman (in a sort of lovable Doc Brown sort of way), Shigeru Miyamoto, to see how the game came to be, as well as the creation of the Wii Zapper.
Hit the jump for some selected excerpts from the conversation between the two, where you can find out more about Miyamoto's affinity for first-person games, a first-person Zelda, Terminators, and perhaps even Link giving up the sword.
Iwata Asks About Link's Crossbow Training, First-Person Zelda, Terminators Follow
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 1:25 PM PST
Sure, Link's Crossbow Training (a fine game, all things considered) is pretty much old-hat here... in America! But over in Japan, they're only now getting to experience all the action, the excitement, the And it is for that reason that only now, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata chose to sit down with that affable madman (in a sort of lovable Doc Brown sort of way), Shigeru Miyamoto, to see how the game came to be, as well as the creation of the Wii Zapper.
Hit the jump for some selected excerpts from the conversation between the two, where you can find out more about Miyamoto's affinity for first-person games, a first-person Zelda, Terminators, and perhaps even Link giving up the sword.
Continue reading: Iwata Asks About Link's Crossbow Training, First-Person Zelda, Terminators Follow
GEN
Nasdaq Delists Atari
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 12:33 PM PST
They'd been warned time after time after time after time... and maybe a few other times, but that's all I feel like finding and coding.
Anyway, with all those warnings, one might figure that Atari, following their plans for unison with Infogrames, would finally pull itself out of the gutter and hold its head high for a change. Others would figure that it was only a matter of time before Nasdaq said "screw it" and just got on with their lives. Unfortunately for Atari, the latter were correct.
Atari now finds itself in possession of a letter that notifies them that their listing has been removed, and trading suspended. Atari officials will be requesting a review of the decision from the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council, but that does diddly for them in the here and now. Instead, they expect they'll be quoted on the "Pink Sheets," which are an electronic quotation service that allows the continued trading of delisted companies, and maybe the OTC Bulletin Board.
Atari doesn't expect this to affect their planned merger with Infogrames, which was at one point hoped to stave off the delisting for just a little longer, but clearly did not.
Nasdaq Delists Atari
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 12:33 PM PST
They'd been warned time after time after time after time... and maybe a few other times, but that's all I feel like finding and coding.
Anyway, with all those warnings, one might figure that Atari, following their plans for unison with Infogrames, would finally pull itself out of the gutter and hold its head high for a change. Others would figure that it was only a matter of time before Nasdaq said "screw it" and just got on with their lives. Unfortunately for Atari, the latter were correct.
Atari now finds itself in possession of a letter that notifies them that their listing has been removed, and trading suspended. Atari officials will be requesting a review of the decision from the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council, but that does diddly for them in the here and now. Instead, they expect they'll be quoted on the "Pink Sheets," which are an electronic quotation service that allows the continued trading of delisted companies, and maybe the OTC Bulletin Board.
Atari doesn't expect this to affect their planned merger with Infogrames, which was at one point hoped to stave off the delisting for just a little longer, but clearly did not.
source: Atari Press Release
Wii
Peter Moore Reveals EA's Plans for More "Westernized" Wii Fit
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 11:25 AM PST
After declaring that they need to do better on Wii, EA Sports President and former phys-ed instructor Peter Moore recently revealed a more casual-oriented sports lineup called "Freestyle" that everyone can play, and it would seem that a part of that initiative involves the use of the Wii Balance Board which is included in Wii Fit.
This new game, he says, will instead focus on "western" cardio workouts, rather than the "eastern holistic fitness" provided by Wii Fit. He goes on to tell Eurogamer that their version of the game is intended to make people sweat, while still having fun.
Moore didn't delve into specifics, but did reveal that the key to their plan is to distract the player by making them have so much fun that they don't realize they're also getting a workout. "It can't feel like a workout," he says. ""The team has to figure out, how do I smile while I'm doing this? You play soccer for 90 minutes; if I say you're going to run five miles you're not gonna want to do that. But you run for five miles playing soccer and you've had a good time."
"The difference is you're distracted. We need to distract people and not make this exercise feel like work, but like they're having fun. So mini-games, things where you're actually laughing out loud, that's the stuff we're working on. It's something I've always been passionate about, and who better than us to go and play in that market?"
Peter Moore Reveals EA's Plans for More "Westernized" Wii Fit
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 11:25 AM PST
After declaring that they need to do better on Wii, EA Sports President and former phys-ed instructor Peter Moore recently revealed a more casual-oriented sports lineup called "Freestyle" that everyone can play, and it would seem that a part of that initiative involves the use of the Wii Balance Board which is included in Wii Fit.
This new game, he says, will instead focus on "western" cardio workouts, rather than the "eastern holistic fitness" provided by Wii Fit. He goes on to tell Eurogamer that their version of the game is intended to make people sweat, while still having fun.
Moore didn't delve into specifics, but did reveal that the key to their plan is to distract the player by making them have so much fun that they don't realize they're also getting a workout. "It can't feel like a workout," he says. ""The team has to figure out, how do I smile while I'm doing this? You play soccer for 90 minutes; if I say you're going to run five miles you're not gonna want to do that. But you run for five miles playing soccer and you've had a good time."
"The difference is you're distracted. We need to distract people and not make this exercise feel like work, but like they're having fun. So mini-games, things where you're actually laughing out loud, that's the stuff we're working on. It's something I've always been passionate about, and who better than us to go and play in that market?"
source: Eurogamer
GEN
Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
GEN
Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
source: GamePolitics
Wii
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 4:50 PM PST
Earlier this year, we broke the news that Factor 5 is working internally to revive the beloved Kid Icarus franchise. Although we do not have much new information in regards to the project, we have acquired nearly 30 pieces of concept art for the game, showing various different versions of Pit's new design, plus concept work for some of his weapons.
More artwork inside.
Exclusive: "Kid" Icarus Wii Concept Artwork Revealed
by Phillip Levin | 05/08/08 | 4:50 PM PST
More artwork inside.
GEN
New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
GEN
FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
source: FTC
GEN
THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
Wii
Rumor: IGN Basically Confirms Kid Icarus Wii
by Keane Ng | 05/08/08 | 12:58 PM PST
The "rumored" existence of Kid Icarus on the Wii has been floating around for some time now, entering and exiting the sphere of confirmed reality on multiple occasions. We've reported on the game multiple times, even to the point of naming a developer for it (Factor 5), and with the reappearance of Pit in Brawl, it's seemed like a done deal to me for a long time. I'm not alone -- IGN Wii's Matt Casamassina basically talks as if the game's existence is plain old fact. Says he on this week's IGN podcast:
"Kid Icarus, that's another one that I'm really anticipating just because I love the franchise and I'm sure that the developer will make a really pretty game."
No ambiguity there. Maybe Matty C. got so used to talking about the game with his Nintendo buddies that he can just throw around its name casually. And what about that talk of it being "really pretty" based on the developer? We all know there's one studio that's always delivered outstanding visuals on Nintendo systems...remember that one Star Wars game?
Just to be safe, we're still tagging this bad boy with the rumor header, though it seems pretty set in stone to me while we wait for any official announcements come E3.
Rumor: IGN Basically Confirms Kid Icarus Wii
by Keane Ng | 05/08/08 | 12:58 PM PST
The "rumored" existence of Kid Icarus on the Wii has been floating around for some time now, entering and exiting the sphere of confirmed reality on multiple occasions. We've reported on the game multiple times, even to the point of naming a developer for it (Factor 5), and with the reappearance of Pit in Brawl, it's seemed like a done deal to me for a long time. I'm not alone -- IGN Wii's Matt Casamassina basically talks as if the game's existence is plain old fact. Says he on this week's IGN podcast:
"Kid Icarus, that's another one that I'm really anticipating just because I love the franchise and I'm sure that the developer will make a really pretty game."
No ambiguity there. Maybe Matty C. got so used to talking about the game with his Nintendo buddies that he can just throw around its name casually. And what about that talk of it being "really pretty" based on the developer? We all know there's one studio that's always delivered outstanding visuals on Nintendo systems...remember that one Star Wars game?
Just to be safe, we're still tagging this bad boy with the rumor header, though it seems pretty set in stone to me while we wait for any official announcements come E3.
source: Joystiq
Wii
Key Programmer from Nintendo Blasts Off to Microsoft
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 9:25 AM PST
Shacknews has reported that Colin Reed, a long-time programmer for Nintendo who has worked in key roles on such titles as Metroid Prime: Hunters as Technical Lead and Pikmin as Main System Programmer, has left the company after 11 years to join other former Nintendo employees next door at Microsoft.
There, he will be joining the team responsible for Forza Motorsport, a racing-sim series headed up by internal studio Turn 10. Up to the time of his departure, Reed had been working on an undisclosed project for Nintendo.
This of course comes just after the recent departure of three high-profile staff members from Retro Studios, who created the Metroid Prime series.
Key Programmer from Nintendo Blasts Off to Microsoft
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 9:25 AM PST
Shacknews has reported that Colin Reed, a long-time programmer for Nintendo who has worked in key roles on such titles as Metroid Prime: Hunters as Technical Lead and Pikmin as Main System Programmer, has left the company after 11 years to join other former Nintendo employees next door at Microsoft.
There, he will be joining the team responsible for Forza Motorsport, a racing-sim series headed up by internal studio Turn 10. Up to the time of his departure, Reed had been working on an undisclosed project for Nintendo.
This of course comes just after the recent departure of three high-profile staff members from Retro Studios, who created the Metroid Prime series.
source: Shacknews
GEN
SNK Doesn't Pride Itself on Customer Service, But Will Help Anyway
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 4:28 PM PST
Well, this is certainly an interesting scenario. A gent by the name of Chris Bradshaw, aka Gilgamesh, contributor to CCAcomics.com and owner of Kikouken.com, made a recent-- well, not so recent anymore-- purchase of SNK vs Capcom Card Fighter DS at his local Best Buy, only to discover it had a fatal glitch. After trying a new copy and a different system, he went to the only people that could help remedy the situation: SNK themselves. But with no response from the sales department, he did what anyone in his position would do (if they'd thought of it): He started dialing extensions. And along the way...
Even better, Herman called Bradshaw back, and left the following message, seen after the jump.
SNK Doesn't Pride Itself on Customer Service, But Will Help Anyway
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 4:28 PM PST
Well, this is certainly an interesting scenario. A gent by the name of Chris Bradshaw, aka Gilgamesh, contributor to CCAcomics.com and owner of Kikouken.com, made a recent-- well, not so recent anymore-- purchase of SNK vs Capcom Card Fighter DS at his local Best Buy, only to discover it had a fatal glitch. After trying a new copy and a different system, he went to the only people that could help remedy the situation: SNK themselves. But with no response from the sales department, he did what anyone in his position would do (if they'd thought of it): He started dialing extensions. And along the way...
"Eventually I did get in touch with someone who gave me the information I needed, but not before I left a message on SNK USA President Ben Herman's machine. I can't tell you what I said verbatim, however I did tell him about how I have been attempting to contact someone at his office for almost two months now because I need to return a defective game (I didn't specify which game because I didn't think it mattered, a warranty is a warranty) and that I was now dialing every number I could find and making myself as big of a pain in the ass as possible (and yes, I did use those words) until someone finally talked to me."
Even better, Herman called Bradshaw back, and left the following message, seen after the jump.
GEN
Customer Sent Home From EB Games; Is Actually Quite Happy About It
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:26 PM PST
This wouldn't be the first time I've ever heard of someone being refused a sale of a M-rated game at retail, simply on account of having a minor with them at the time. However, this would be the first time I've known the person refused to actually be happy about it.
After being refused a second-hand copy of BioShock due to the presence of his 15-year old kid brother, and because it was his brother, had he been a parent with his son, the store would apparently have been okay by it. At first outraged, he gave it some further thought and came to believe that the situation was actually a good thing:
So, what do you think? Is this a good move that should be taken by more stores which sell M-rated games, or was this EB Games clerk way off base? I think I already know which way the pieces will fall on this one...
Customer Sent Home From EB Games; Is Actually Quite Happy About It
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:26 PM PST
This wouldn't be the first time I've ever heard of someone being refused a sale of a M-rated game at retail, simply on account of having a minor with them at the time. However, this would be the first time I've known the person refused to actually be happy about it.
After being refused a second-hand copy of BioShock due to the presence of his 15-year old kid brother, and because it was his brother, had he been a parent with his son, the store would apparently have been okay by it. At first outraged, he gave it some further thought and came to believe that the situation was actually a good thing:
I had stormed out of the store in utter confusion and disbelief, but when I let my rage subside, I realized that this wasn't such a bad thing after all. Maybe if more stores had this policy the media would give M rated games a break! Well eventually I'm sure they will have to one way or another. Either they'll be tired of beating the same old dog or their audience will be. Especially since, in a couple of years, most of their audience would have grown-up with video-games and see them for what they truly are: Interactive Entertainment. A co-worker also told me that liquor stores have the same policy for people who walk in with minors so it's not totally unprecedented.
What this boils down to is that I was initially peeved at being turned down and sent home, but now that I've had the time to cool down and collect my thoughts, I see it as a positive move on the part of EB Games and I commend them for making it!
So, what do you think? Is this a good move that should be taken by more stores which sell M-rated games, or was this EB Games clerk way off base? I think I already know which way the pieces will fall on this one...
source: Towards Mecca
