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R18+ plans on the backburner

Fri, 31 November 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: ScreenPlay (The Age) | thanks: Power of veto

Lack of unanimous support behind consultation impedes progress yet again

We won't be seeing this on game boxes any time soon.

Plans to start public consultation into a possible ratings reform have been put aside after a draft discussion paper was withheld from public release.

The paper, intended as a precursor to a much wider and extensive research initiative, was shelved after Mr Michael Atkinson, Attorney-General of South Australia, withdrew his support for the consultation, effectively ending the debate.

Spokesperson for [Victorian Attorney-General Mr Rob Hulls], Meaghan Shaw, said "whilst the issue is still formally on the SCAG (Standing Committee of Attorneys-General) agenda, it now appears unlikely that there will be unanimity from all jurisdictions to proceed further at this stage with introducing an R18+ category for computer games."

- The Age

Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia says many elements of the industry will continue to fight for what he believes is the outcome that the majority of the population desires.

As reported in Edge last week, the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia released an annual report which shows that the average age of an Australian gamer is now 30. The report also found that 91 percent of those surveyed believed Australia should have an R18+ rating for video games.

“To us, what it seems like is that Mr. Atkinson is actually censoring debate on censorship, and there's a whole lot of irony in that. We’re going to try and put the paper forward again as soon as possible," said IEAA CEO Ron Curry.

- Edge Online

The next meeting of the Standing Committee of the Attorneys-General, at which the issue will likely take a prominent position, is due to take place within the next month.

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Google brings ads to video games

Wed, 15 October 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: SMH | thanks: Spy Machines

You can't escape them

More ways to win...

Google has announced they will soon be marching into web-based game territory with the launch of 'AdSense for Games'.

It is an expansion of Google's AdSense program, which matches ads to the content of websites. Similarly, AdSense for Games will show, for example, ads targeted at young men in sports and action games. The ads themselves would be videos that players watch before or after a game, or after completing a level.

AdSense in Games lets Google offer advertisers "yet another place" to reach customers, said Christian Oestlien, senior product manager at the Mountain View, California-based company.

- SMH

'AdSense' for games is Google's latest bid to remedy slippage in online advertising and to compette with Yahoo who already offer ad-supported games.

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WoW Bot loses court battle

Tues, 2 October 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: BBC News | thanks: Dubious sales agreements

Bot breaches license agreement; $US 6m payout

No more taking down boss mobs on autopilot. /sad

Blizzard have successfully sued for damages from the creator of a WoW 'bot, after claiming it breached a license agreement.

The program manufacturer, MDY, produced the Glider software so that players could automate some of the more repetitive tasks in World of Warcraft, and sold copies at $25 each.

They will now be required to make a $6 million dollar payout to Blizzard for damages.

[The Glider] proved popular with many WoW players as it helped them automate the many repetitive tasks, such as killing monsters and scavenging loot, required to turn low level characters into more powerful ones. Although sizeable the damages award could have been bigger, say experts, if MDY had not won some of its arguments about damages in court.

It was also helped by an admission in court that it would be reasonable to pay some form of damages. The damages award could be delayed if Blizzard appeals against the judgement which threw out its claim to double or triple the cash settlement.

- BBC News

During the original court hearing, MDY successfully proved they didn't violate the anti-circumvention clause in the license, but were still found to be liable for other violations .

Leading up to the initial July ruling, it was argued by Blizzard that the software they provided was only licensed, and not 'sold'. They have since asked for an injunction on MDY, in order to prevent the release of the MMOGlider source code.

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Sims 3: Launch Date Announced

Thurs, 11 September 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: News.com.au | thanks: Morty Goth

February 20, 2009 is the day!

"...and then, someone opened the door"

EA has announced that the long-awaited Sims 3 will be launched on February 20, 2009.

In a news conference at Europe's biggest video games fair in Leipzig, EA said the new version of The Sims would allow players greater control over the personality of the characters whose lives they control.

EA is jostling for top spot in the global gaming industry with Activision Blizzard, and has recently started negotiations with Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two after EA failed in a hostile takeover bid.

- news.com.au

Seemless neighbourhood gameplay (hooray for no loading screens!), new career-paths, and increased customisation options are all expected to be features in this latest installment of the Sims series.

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Spore is here!

Sun, 7 September 2008
by: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | source: SMH | thanks: Forumers reminding me to update!

The wait is over

Hooray!

The eagerly anticipated Spore hits stores in Australia today.

"You are given this God-like power," Wright told AFP in a recent interview in California. "You can create ecosystems, biospheres ... We try to make it real science."

Players start as microscopic life forms competing for survival in primordial ooze and work their way onto land, where they evolve into creatures that build civilisations and rocket into space.

"It is still probably the most interesting question for scientists and five-year-olds: What is life?" Wright said

"We are hoping to build a community as big as that of the Sims," Wright said during a Paris stopover this week ahead of the launch of the game by Electronic Arts

- SMH

So do you love it? Hate it? Going to disappear into your room for a few days or think it's overrated?

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