Kotaku: idiots

XBL Headset: My Hate / Hate Relationship

Drew Crecente — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:00:00 MST

I never use my headset on XBL. Frankly, I have enough on my mind just trying to get my meaty hands to manipulate the controls properly let alone attempting to carry on any semblance of a conversation. And then the handful of times that I did use it I plain hated the experience. At best I had to listen to kids while they were talking smack [alert: 9 minutes of profanity-laced posturing] or just humming to themselves.

And at worse... well check out some of the links to listen to more examples of what has me leaving my headset in the box. I couldn't make it more than a couple of minutes into them and I already feel stupider.

Arguing Over Halo 2 Game
"You couldn't even get laid laughing like that, stupid bitch."

My Drunk Ass on Xbox Live
"I can't remember where you live but I'll kick your ass."

Crazy Guy on Xbox Live
"I don't need fucking Ritalin, Ass Monkey!"

I haven't even tried the camera. I just have too many itchy places that I like to scratch when I'm alone.

Keighley Sets Mass Effect Record Straight... Or Tries To

Brian Crecente — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:27:45 MST

Having had the thrill of appearing live on Fox News to try and clear the waters over a vast video game misrepresentation, I have to say I feel for Geoff Keighley. In the first two minutes the anchor says that Mass Effect has full nudity and sex and a psychologist "expert" talks about how statistics show that games are played by young boys and that Mass Effect is all about objectifying women. Oh wait, you can play as a woman too, Keighley points out and the full-on nudity? About half a boob for 30 seconds of a 30 hour game.

Keighley totally took charge of the interview. How much, you ask? He goaded their expert, who seconds earlier was talking about sexism, to call him "darling." Nice, maybe ask him to bend over and pick up a pencil next darling.

Let me end by saying it's obvious that every one of the people who they had discussing it after the fact have not only never played Mass Effect, they probably heard about it five minutes before they were supposed to offer an opinion. Very shoddy. Though, at least they got his name right.

What NOT To Say to Girls on Xbox Live (Or Anywhere Else)

fdemarco — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:00:00 MST

There's a great piece up on Hawty McBloggy listing the top ten things said to female gamers on Xbox Live. The post may be a few months old, but its message still has resonance. I know a lot of girl gamers and upon reading over this list, saw many of the things they say they hear on a regular basis. "Are you playing on your brother's/boyfriend's account?", "Dude. Dude! Are you a girl? Will you be my friend? Dude, accept my friend request! Let's hook up!" and "Shouldn't you be playing Barbie Horse Adventures?" are just a few of the ever so clever quips these online idiots think are their best material. Writer BS Angel sums it up best:

It doesn't take you long to realize that the majority of jerks on Live are not the most creative of people. You tend to hear the same comments over and over and often times verbatim. Each person thinks they are the first person ever to say that. Yes, you are that smart and original. And by smart and original I mean you are the one millionth dumb ass to say that to me.

Nicely put. I can sympathize with Hawty and her female gaming sisterhood although when people find out you're gay and playing on Live, the list goes from ten most heard comments to one. Anyone want to venture a guess what that one is?

So if you're one of these guys on Live that feels the need to exclaim amazement every time you meet a girl who plays as well, take a look at this list before you open your trap. You might save yourself some embarrassment.

Top 10 Things Female Gamers Hear on Xbox Live [Hawty McBloggy]
[via: Digg]