Actually the BBFC classification of video games is rather haphazard and not really that well defined. They are specifically excluded from the (infamous) Video Recording Act 1984, with a number of significant exclusions (pertianing mainly to aspects of sex and violence). However I think its commonplace for many game distributors to submit games for classification these days, although generally not required.
Interestly British Classification has a rather intense history of going over the top when it comes to censoring violence from general distribution ('video nasties' anyone?) and I'm a little suprised that we're not seeing a more involved role from them on video games. Then again I don't have any specific objection to having a classification board turning their attention to games. While I am strongly critical of the BBFCs zeal towards some aspects of content I'd rather have some attempt towards moderation on the games kids buy; much like the films kids try to buy. Undoubtly classification works much better in cinemas where there can be tighter controls than medium released at home; putting an offical (and well recognised) classification on a game may just wake parents up. Espically those who do not recognise the authority of groups such as ELSPA.
For me this perhaps reflects more on the danger of journalism drawing conclusions where the evidence is not there. Rereading the orginal cited source, from Xinhua, make it clear that the parents are suing 'The makers of World of Warcraft', nothing states a direct relation to the game itself. Perhaps this is merely a slip...would suing 'Blizzard, The Makers of World of Warcraft' prevent the same conclusion hopping?
Furthurmore the orginal Red Herring article goes on to discuss the 'gaming backlash' and governmental involvement in cutting out aspects of gaming, specifically those on-line. Now I've hear critique of Chinia and their attitude to this before, this lawsuit was in a number of sources related to this, which could now become a little more irrelevant. It seems, therefore, that western journalism has contorted facts to make another point about China's meddiling in an electronic society. Reminds me of the recent story that the BBC were getting too involved and placing too much pressure about the issue of censorship.
There's nothing sneaky about the Quicktime approach. Apple makes clear reference to it in the system requirements, it even states QuickTime 7.0.3 (included). What's sneaky about that?
You may be able to manage your mp3 collection in a reasonable mannar but for me iTunes is the best bet. Obviously it's a matter of personal taste but for me I find the library the simpilest and most time-effective way of displaying my music. I just search, play then move on with my day...easy. iTunes has its faults but the navigation of a 'braindead library' is clearly not one of them.
Not only at the sheer waste of money being thrown at this project but also the very concept itself. I fully agree that there is an appropriate time and place for speed cameras but the motorway, and particualarly every 400 yards, is not one of them.
I cannot begin to concieve the sheer distraction of these would create. Drivers on a high speed section of road need to put their eyes on the cars around them not their speedometers.
I've been playing 'interactive fiction' for years now, keeping up with the latest comp (although this is my first year of judging) and browsing the internet. My first reaction to this story was pretty much along the lines of 'Huh? This is news?'. It's interesting how articles can make out what seems normal to me into a newly founded 'underground hobby', but this publicity can only be good for the community.
This sounds good but it assumes those beliefs are the right ones. It does seem in this case misguided, but good intentioned, thoughts could possibly work out doing more harm than good.
It's tricky.
This may have been a move by Apple to increase marketshare, but I don't think that's a real motivating factor. I'm inclined to believe Steve when he tells us the switch was to appease those demanding faster chips (and therefore more of a retaining move to keep the profits in the Mac platform). I'm a Mac user and its reasonable to say that the design-factor of hardware is a compelling sway factor in their favour.
So assuming that this is a retaining move then why should Apple make a general x86 release? Many of us that have Macs (misguided elitist people that we are, and proud of it) find the idea of installing OS X on a Dell box somehow horrifying. Regardless of what the cracking world does the Apple faithful will probably not be moving to beige boxes in droves because they are cheaper. Regardless of whether or not it's a sane way of thinking, brand name means a lot.
Slashdot Mirror
Finally! We can tell Jack Thompson what we really think! He's sure to change his ways when he finds out what we all really think.
Except the fact that iTunes runs on a Mac.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife
Fascinating stuff...where do I get one?
Interestly British Classification has a rather intense history of going over the top when it comes to censoring violence from general distribution ('video nasties' anyone?) and I'm a little suprised that we're not seeing a more involved role from them on video games. Then again I don't have any specific objection to having a classification board turning their attention to games. While I am strongly critical of the BBFCs zeal towards some aspects of content I'd rather have some attempt towards moderation on the games kids buy; much like the films kids try to buy. Undoubtly classification works much better in cinemas where there can be tighter controls than medium released at home; putting an offical (and well recognised) classification on a game may just wake parents up. Espically those who do not recognise the authority of groups such as ELSPA.
Furthurmore the orginal Red Herring article goes on to discuss the 'gaming backlash' and governmental involvement in cutting out aspects of gaming, specifically those on-line. Now I've hear critique of Chinia and their attitude to this before, this lawsuit was in a number of sources related to this, which could now become a little more irrelevant. It seems, therefore, that western journalism has contorted facts to make another point about China's meddiling in an electronic society. Reminds me of the recent story that the BBC were getting too involved and placing too much pressure about the issue of censorship.
There's nothing sneaky about the Quicktime approach. Apple makes clear reference to it in the system requirements, it even states QuickTime 7.0.3 (included). What's sneaky about that? You may be able to manage your mp3 collection in a reasonable mannar but for me iTunes is the best bet. Obviously it's a matter of personal taste but for me I find the library the simpilest and most time-effective way of displaying my music. I just search, play then move on with my day...easy. iTunes has its faults but the navigation of a 'braindead library' is clearly not one of them.
I'm British and I'm appalled.
Not only at the sheer waste of money being thrown at this project but also the very concept itself. I fully agree that there is an appropriate time and place for speed cameras but the motorway, and particualarly every 400 yards, is not one of them.
I cannot begin to concieve the sheer distraction of these would create. Drivers on a high speed section of road need to put their eyes on the cars around them not their speedometers.
This is good stuff
I've been playing 'interactive fiction' for years now, keeping up with the latest comp (although this is my first year of judging) and browsing the internet. My first reaction to this story was pretty much along the lines of 'Huh? This is news?'. It's interesting how articles can make out what seems normal to me into a newly founded 'underground hobby', but this publicity can only be good for the community.
This sounds good but it assumes those beliefs are the right ones.
It does seem in this case misguided, but good intentioned, thoughts could possibly work out doing more harm than good.
It's tricky. This may have been a move by Apple to increase marketshare, but I don't think that's a real motivating factor. I'm inclined to believe Steve when he tells us the switch was to appease those demanding faster chips (and therefore more of a retaining move to keep the profits in the Mac platform). I'm a Mac user and its reasonable to say that the design-factor of hardware is a compelling sway factor in their favour. So assuming that this is a retaining move then why should Apple make a general x86 release? Many of us that have Macs (misguided elitist people that we are, and proud of it) find the idea of installing OS X on a Dell box somehow horrifying. Regardless of what the cracking world does the Apple faithful will probably not be moving to beige boxes in droves because they are cheaper. Regardless of whether or not it's a sane way of thinking, brand name means a lot.