Kotaku
-
clips
Pac-Man Employed As Indicator Of Our National Debt
Good news for the economy came today when U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich of Ohio used the iconic Pac-Man to illustrate the United States' nation debt, which currently stands at more than $11.38 trillion. Where's the good news? More »
0
67
Comment by Razorwire_Troop: Is it me, or is our country going all 'Video game' Like. Not that I'm complaining, Obama loves his Black berry... 9 Responses | Other threads
-
steam
America's Army 3 Invades Steam
The third installment of America's Army is now available for pre-loading on Steam one week ahead of its June 17th release date. More »
0
By Mike FaheyComment by ShirleyTemple: Adolescent Brainwashing Tool 3 should be a pretty good distraction for a while, considering the amount of money they took... 42 Responses | Other threads
-
piracy
Congress Identifies Piracy Priority Countries
The Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus asks that Canada, Russia, China, Mexico, and Spain please cut down on the software piracy. Thanks! More »
0
By Mike FaheyComment by supo: Keep your noses out of our business. Signed, Canada 54 Responses | Other threads
-
whoops
Councilman Resigns After Spruiking Racist Flash Game
Georgia City Councilman John Dowdy thought it would be a good idea to send an email round the office recommending a racist flash game. John Dowdy is no longer a Georgia City Councilman. More »
0
Comment by HyruleMonk: Sued because the man was enjoying a politically incorrect game? People will sue over almost anything! 9 Responses | Other threads
-
war on drugs
US Drug Czar Targets Gaming Skills In Anti-Pot Ads
The United States government is going after gamers in its latest "Above the Influence" anti-drug ads, warning potential pot smokers that their gaming skills may suffer if they choose to get high. More »
0
Comment by Power_Wrist: Hey, whatever the government needs to do to stop illegal drugs. If anything, it will stop people on XBL telling... 37 Responses | Other threads
-
nasa
NASA Goes Massively Multiplayer With Astronaut
NASA wanted a massively multiplayer online game, and now they're getting one, signing three separate development studios to work on Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond. More »
0
By Mike FaheyComment by Gorilla Snow is Maximum Risky: "HI, BILLY MAYS HERE WITH NASA: THE MMO! IT'S OUT OF THIS WORLD!" [/Cheap Pun] 12 Responses | Other threads
-
attention
America's Army Announces America's Army 3
Six years after the first Army-branded game took the country by storm, the U.S. Army is ready to roll out sequel number two, announcing America's Army 3, due out later this year. More »
0
By Mike FaheyComment by CockroachMan: I thought it was already out and being called Call of Duty 4. 7 Responses | Other threads
-
stupid as hell
Illinois Legislates Out of Existence Something That Doesn't Exist
Alcopops are a huge concern for fear-addled parents, because they're sweet, alcoholic, and a gateway drug to total douche behavior. So Illinois is taking a courageous stand by banning alcopop ads from video games.
0
By Owen GoodComment by bfwings55: In other news, I saw a commercial today on the Cartoon Network advertising an energy drink saying "THE WHOLE WORLD... 40 Responses | Other threads
-
-
department of fps
U.S. Army Investing $50 Million in Video Games
The U.S. Army has created a video game training unit that will begin operation in 2010, and has funding for it set aside to the tune of $50 million, reports Stars and Stripes. This isn't for recruiting or marketing, but the training of its soldiers in virtual environments. More »
0
By Owen GoodComment by Demosthenes: With a debt of America that's so high we can afford our army dropping 50 Mil? 18 Responses | Other threads
-
government
Refreshing Comments from an Elected Official
On this site you can read a lot of lecturing about how others should do their jobs. Well, when an elected official shows that he can take games seriously, instead of personally, he should get credit for that. Unfortunately for Americans, this guy is a member of the UK Parliament. But here's what struck me about Don Foster of Bath, in his remarks to The Guardian backing the gaming industry as an important part of the British economy: More »
0
By Owen GoodComment by godot: What if he'd said: "I hardly smoke any pot, I'm not from that generation, but because of my job, I had... 4 Responses | Other threads
-
politics
House Introduces Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act, Virtual Rape Fans Worried
New legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to enforce ESRB ratings with required age identification checks, reports Variety. The "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act"—a bill introduced by Republican representative Lee Terry and Democratic representative Jim Matheson—would require video game retailers to display ESRB ratings and verify a customer's age when buying an M or AO rated title. Now that all our other problems are solved, we can finally ensure that kids will never get their hands on a copy of Manhunt or Pony Friends ever again. The final solution? More »
0
Comment by freespeech: i think you can rape in that ponyz game, RIGHT???????????????? more » | Other threads
-
government
Guardian Warns Politicians, Columnists: Gamers Are Taking Over, Deal With It
Richard Bartle, co-author of the original MUD, as MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo was kind enough to remind us, has a warning for UK politicians—and, we assume, the other silver haired no-funster luddite types—that their wrinkly old asses are about to be in the minority. That is, the minority of the population who have grown up with computer games in their lives. The best part, according to Bartle? "They aren't addicted, they aren't psychopathic killers, and they resent those boneheads - that's you - who imply that they are addicted and are psychopathic killers," he writes. More »
0
Comment by TearsandScreams: @Pombar: Charlie Brooker writes in The Guardian? I must buy this paper, the man is a satirical genius. more » | Other threads
-
not again
Second Life Goes Before Congress
Hat tip to OriontheSmiter for pulling this up — don't know how the royal we missed it, seeing as how it took place on April Fool's (really). But a House of Representatives telecommunications subcommittee held a hearing on online virtual worlds April 1, and that included the requisite avatar-making and getting-hip-with-the-kids by the panel members. More »
0
By ogoodComment by Ehardergardens: is that chick wearing a glasstron, a hoodie , and no pants? and is that cyber-rachnid thing slinking in... more » | Other threads
-
wii
Scientists Create Wiiimote-Controlled Bomb-Bot
We're already well aware of the various health-related applications for the Nintendo Wii, but what about the military uses? The U.S. military, who were up until recently confirmed Xbox 360 fanboys, are now looking into the possibility of Wiimote-controlled robots. Scientists have created the Packbot, a Wiimote-operated robot armed with a machine gun, to be used in clearing mines and bombs. The military would generally use a standard remote for such purposes, but scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy say the Wiimote is more instinctive, allowing users to focus on date processing rather than which button to press. In my world the device would come with a screen so the soldier operating it could watch his Mii diffusing bombs and tip=toeing around land mines. My world is a much happier place. More » -
playstation 3
U.S. Air Force Wants To Buy 300 PS3s For Cell "Assessment"
Ripped from tomorrow's press releases comes word that the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has submitted a purchase request for a bunch of PlayStation 3s—three hundred of the 40GB model, to be exact. They're not (officially) intended for playing Grand Theft Auto IV or training pilots under the harsh control conditions of Lair, mind you, but for "conducting a technology assessment of certain cell processors." Uh huh. More » -
crime
Government After Terrorists in MMORPGs
And you thought gold farmers were irritating. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has released a report on data-mining that includes information on a new initiative called the Reynard project. The point of the foxy initiative? More »
0
Comment by denim: Filmaka has partnered with General Motors Corporation, the worlds largest automobile manufacturer, to run a new contest. Up to... more » | Other threads
-
only in china
China Launching 'Operation For Tomorrow' Crackdown
What would modern China be without campaigns? This one's lacking in a snappy name and related propaganda, but the government is gearing up to go after those hotbeds of moral decay, crime, and WoW: internet cafes. Introducing "Operation for Tomorrow," targeting unlicensed websites, internet cafes, and porn. More »
0
Comment by stopcrazypp: @fyre: Really late response, but don't all businesses needed to be registered even in the US? I know my uncle... more » | Other threads
-
china
Social Responsibility and the Chinese Gaming Scene
Henry Jenkins, an MIT professor who was at the International Games and Learning Forum in Shanghai earlier this month, has some very interesting general and gaming-specific observations on his blog - perhaps most interesting of all were his thoughts on the issue of addiction, social obligations of game companies, the piracy issue and a lot more - his somewhat-lengthy roundup is a great little synopsis of what I imagine were some really fascinating discussions. The connection between the one child policy (and the attendant 'little emperor' syndrome) and fears about gaming addiction among Chinese youth is not one I'd really thought of before: More »
0
Comment by hikkifan1986: @Odin: Someone already recommended you take a government class. They're definitely right. But you likely won't. At the very least,... more » | Other threads
-
politics
New Mexico Proposes Video Game Tax To Get Kids Off Asses
The latest proposal that would tax video games (and televisions) in an effort to fund other, seemingly unrelated programs has popped up in New Mexico, initiated by the Sierra Club. The environmental organization's executive director, Carl Pope, writes on the Huffington Post that tacking on a 1% tax on games and televisions would generate some $4 million toward pushing the "No Child Left Inside" agenda, getting chubby kids off their humps and out to national parks where they can receive an outdoor education. More »
0
Comment by tljent: I live here in the Duke City (ABQ) and haven't heard about this. P.S. Fuck Bill Richardson. more » | Other threads
-
only in china
Chinese Government Cracking Down on Online Gaming
Despite governmental efforts to the contrary (gaming addiction 'bootcamps,' time-limiting systems and the like), China's gaming population just refuses to be fenced in. The Chinese market is growing by leaps and bounds, which - unsurprisingly - is making the government just a wee bit skittish. Due to rampant piracy, lack of game ratings, and more illegal internet cafĂ©s than you can shake a stick at, the government is worried over reports of rising numbers of gaming addicts (and what they see as a related rise in juvenile crime). Will the fact that previous measures haven't exactly had the desired effects mean that the CCP is going to throw their hands up in defeat? Of course not: More »
0
Comment by astrixzero: @Tarislar: And unlike you, I'm actually a Chinese citizen living in China. We're certainly not the illiterate third-world country portrayed... more » | Other threads
-
india
India Considering Ban on Violent Video Games
With a backstory that is apparently the absolute height of family melodrama, the Indian Parliament is currently considering a ban on violent games. According to speculation in a GameGuru article, after a political figure realized that the game she helped her grandson acquire - Manhunt 2 - was banned in the UK, she set out to make sure it would also be banned in India. Oh dear. As Desicritics intones: More »
0
Comment by asTer0id: @SithNinja: Nice, make fun of something you don't understand. Show off your intelligence more why don't you. more » | Other threads
-
esrb
Senators Want Adults Only Rating For Manhunt 2
United States senators and presidential hopefuls Joe Lieberman, Sam Brownback, Evan Bayh, and Hillary Rodham Clinton have written to the ESRB, asking the organization to review its rating policies and suggesting an Adults Only rating for the recently released Manhunt 2. The Hollywood Reporter writes that the senators and other lawmakers asked the ratings board to consider the "robustness, reliability and repeatability" of the current ratings process in light of "'ultraviolent' video games and the advances in game controllers", presumably referring to the motion controlled Wii version of Manhunt 2. Clinton, the report writes, is moving for a unified rating system across films, television and games. More »
0
Comment by questworld: I've played it, it's not very good. It was a sloppily done production. It might as well be... more » | Other threads
-
government
U.S. Gov't Okays EA's Bioware Pandemic Purchase
Good news for both the VG Holding Corporation and Bioware/Pandemic employees on the receiving end of some $155 million, as the Federal Trade Commission is pleased to announce that EA's purchase of the developers is just peachy. The $755 million buy out by Electronic Arts was approved by Federal Trade Commission regulators and should go through by January of 2008. Development on the Madden RPG is expected to begin in the Spring. More »
0
Comment by Lyme: @ubiquitous: @Ketzerei: The Canadian government still needs to approve the deal as Bioware is a Canadian company. more » | Other threads
-
america's army
War Is Not A Game
I've often wondered how members of the military who've actually seen active duty felt about America's Army, the recruiting tool disguised as a free video game created by the US Government. Judging by the reactions of one group of war veterans not everyone is overly pleased. Around 90 members of Iraq Veterans Against the War showed their displeasure at the Missouri Black Expo back in mid-August, donning black t-shirts and gathering in front of Army recruiters in formation to shout, "War is not a game!" three times before dispersing. The well-organized protest was in response to the America's Army simulation set up at the Expo and marked the beginning of IVAW's Truth In Recruiting campaign. More »
0
By Mike FaheyComment by Stan LS: 1) That still DID NOT answer the question. "Can you think of a successful progressive fix/occupation/war in recent times that... more » | Other threads
-
only in china
China Introduces Anti-Corruption Game
The government of China's Zhejiang province decided to go after children and teach them in no uncertain terms that corruption is bad and everyone ought to do their part in ensuring corrupt party members, their families, and mistresses ought to die a painful death - in late July, they introduced 'Incorruptible Fighter' so players can slash their way through corruption and to a wonderful, corruption-free paradise that has no earthly connection to the China of today: More »
0
Comment by astrixzero: @mcderek3000: Coming from someone who actually lives in China, I'd say that you're full of trash. more » | Other threads
-
gonna get chu
Nintendo Helping Gov't Piracy Raids
Don't let the brain games and red overalls foot you. Nintendo is not pussy-footing around when it comes to copyright circumvention. Today, American federal agents carried out 32 search warrants in 16 states for the sale and distribution of mod chips. For example, mod chips can allow users to play counterfeit Wii software. This is the largest government action against video game piracy, and Nintendo has worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security and completely supports its actions. Jodi Daugherty, Nintendo of America's senior director of anti-piracy, says: More »
0
Comment by RedOne: @YETANOTHERUNINSPIREDSCREENAME You try to make a good point, but failed. I own a Wii and a DS. Wii is modded and... more » | Other threads
-
only in china
Chinese Anti-Addiction Measures Not Going So Smoothly
Despite mandating that all Chinese companies install anti-addiction measures on MMOs and the like by the beginning of July, things aren't going as smoothly as intended: 20 companies have failed to implement the systems and the government isn't too happy about it. Notices have been sent out, and if the companies fail to comply with the requests of the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP), they will have their internet service suspended (and the games will be shut down until they do comply). More » -
one of the only certainties in life
South Korea To Tax Virtual Assets
The Korean National Tax Service has announced they will be tacking on value added tax (VAT) to real-money transactions (RMT) in virtual worlds beginning 1 July. It seems like a business that would be fairly easy to take under the radar to avoid paying taxes, but I'm not a tax professional. More »
0
Comment by acceptablerisk: I don't see the big deal here. This is technically the case in the United State (and most countries/states with... more » | Other threads
-
not just for fun anymore
Gaming in the Public Sector
The Senate recently discussed and passed a bill (the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act) in which money would be available to education and technology that would include serious games. More »
0
By Kim PhuComment by chunk_shlagle: so lemmie get this straight WoW being used to teach people how to work together and be successful... more » | Other threads
-
politics
Second Life - The Only Way People Will Actively Get Information on the Government?
Second to only watching the Colbert Report, of course. The US State Department may consider opening up a branch in Second Life, particularly surround Karen Hughes, the Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. That means that Second Lifers can visit the State Department regarding issues the government is actively engaged in, for example, issues surrounding the handicapped. More » -
microsoft
Microsoft's Big Pinata Record Crushed By Mexican Gov't
Not one to be outdone by Microsoft (and really, who is?), the Mexican government has swiped the world's biggest effing piñata record held by the Viva Piñata piñata and done one better. Created to celebrate 2007, the new champ was built in Mexico City and is 30 meters in diameter and 27 meters tall, dwarfing Microsoft's 14.6 meter tall effort. Speculation maybe, but I *heart* the idea of Mexican officials plotting to one-up Microsoft's effort. More » -
wii remote
U.S. Safety Commission Keeping an Eye On Wii
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reviewed the new straps for the Wii remote but plans to keep an eye on future issues, a spokeswoman for the commission told Kotaku. More »
0
Comment by entr0py24: I'm just glad Nintendo admits to the problem and offers to fix it for free. Shortly before I bought my... more » | Other threads
-
0
Comment by Schwarzer Pirat: Right... don't forget abaout the more of 50% that goes well with Chavez. And Saddam ? Well, ask the families out... more » | Other threads
-
ftc
FTC Finds Retailers Selling Fewer M-Rated Games To Kids
A report from the Federal Trade Commission indicates that efforts to keep "Mature" rated games out of the hands of children are improving the situation — but more needs to be done. The FTC has been using secret shoppers to determine if retailers and their employees are asking for a buyer's age, if they'll sell to an underage shopper and if the store posts information about the ratings system. More »
0
Comment by Teksuo: Its sort of a line between both though. You have to learn to watch what your kids are playing and... more » | Other threads
-
senate
Are You Now, or Have You Ever Been, a Pwner?
If there's one thing the Senate's into, it's holding hearings. If dragging people in front of a subcommittee and having them repond to accusations of corrupting the youth was a game, it'd be flying off the shelves at the Washington D.C. GameStop. Today's long, deep probe involves the Senate Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights, who will be looking into the interactiion between video games and the First Amendment. Brows will be furrowed, heads will be shaken. Grand Theft Auto will be mentioned many times. Animal Crossing, not so much. More »
0
By kotaku.comComment by MasaMuneCyrus: On a side note, don't retailers and movie theatres theoretically get fines for renting/selling tickets of R+ rated movies to... more » | Other threads
-
flame
The End of Flame Wars
It is now a federal crime to anonymously "annoy" someone via the Internet. Last Thursday, the President signed into law a prohibition that definitely kills harassing emails and might prevent flaming — unless you post your real name. This new law is tucked into the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act under "Preventing Cyberstalking." It reads: More »
0
Comment by RowdyRoddyPiper: Deozaan, this is not meant to annoy, harass or intimidate you. Federal law wrt defamation (slander and libel are... more » | Other threads
- 1
1-36 of 36 for "Government"
