More On Censorship

Okay, I said I'd do an article on my so-called "hot picks" from the recent E3 show. As of late, I have been caught up in other things (read: distracted), and my want to write on the subject has mostly waned.

Today, however, I find myself faced with a very staggering look at just how uninformed the Australian government, and in turn it's citizens, are in relation to themes presented in video-games. I so horribly points out the reasons we are denied an R18+ rating for interactive media in our humble country.

I hereby present to you my evidence. Watch How Misinformed Aussie Politicians Are About Video Games (via Kotaku). In the linked article, there is a YouTube video, which I would ask you to watch if the R18+ rating, and the lack of it, is an issue you're interested in.

The video is a segment from a relatively new show on the ABC, called Q&A. In the program, various politicians are asked questions by members of a studio audience. Questions range in their topic, from current issues, to certain governmental policies, and so forth. It just so happened one question this episode was fielded by an avid gamer, and he asks the panel of their view on the lack on an R18+ rating.

Unfortunately for Australian gamers, the fellow who posed the question wasn't really allowed a chance to address the major mistakes and misjudgments the panel made when talking about Fallout 3 and it's status as refused classification. The host summarises the game as "killing people, and using a device attached to your arm to inject drugs intravenously in order to kill more people." While in essence this is true, and I will not deny it, the panel was then led to talk about violence in video games, which is far from the issue when looking at the reason Fallout 3 was refused classification. The general consensus was to protect the children (dear lord, somebody think of the children!), though two panel members did speak in favour of the R18+ rating, which I will admit surprised me.

With this video, we are opened to the problem that it's not just a lack of understanding on behalf of the government on this issue, but that it is also a lack of a distinct, articulate and valid representative for the positive. If you've followed the many gaming forums who are talking about this issue, you'll notice while most people speaking have very valid points to put across, our community lacks a sense of eloquence when it comes to actually wording our thoughts and arguments.

Please, if you're intending to write a letter to your local government representative, or any other person in a similar or higher station, remember to take the time to word out your arguments, proof read, spell check etc. I know and can sympathise with the frustration many mature gamers are feeling right now, but remember, writing a confronting letter filled with threats and profanities isn't going to do the cause any good. In fact, it's ammunition for the against side in this debate, as you're only proving that as a gamer, you're violent and unable to speak with a clear head.

So again, if writing on this subject, remember to think your arguments through and word them properly, check your spelling and proof read. Prove to these people who are against an R18+ rating in Australia, that we are mature, level-headed and reasonable people. Give them something to think about, and a positive reason for granting us this boon.

Watch How Misinformed Aussie Politicians Are About Video Games (via Kotaku)

Insert Title Here

Well, I couldn't think of an interesting or witty title for this post, as I'm not sure any I would have thought of would summarise what this entry is all about.

Today I thought I'd throw up a bunch of interesting links. There's a lot of activity in the gaming community, what with the E3 show happening this week, so I should be able to provide some decent linkage for you all.

I'll begin by saying again that I really am meaning to post up something regarding my thoughts on the lack of an R18+ rating for video games in Australia. In the mean time, however, check out this online petition (provided by iPetitions). If you are supportive of an R18+ game rating in Australia, please check it out and add your name to the list. Currently there are 1352 signatures, and every single one counts, so hit the link and sign away.

Next up, some of you may have already came across Zero Punctuation. If you haven't, I'll have to enlighten you. Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw takes a current popular game and reviews it. Not only is his commentary and style biting and highly cynical, it's topped off with an English accent, which is by no means a bad thing. Yahtzee typically picks up a game and discards what he's heard or read about it, allowing an unbiased outlook, which general ends with him verbally destroying a game which is too same-old or poorly executed. Introduction aside, this week Zero Punctuation takes on Alone in the Dark. Do check it out.

Okay, I've decided I'm going to cut it a little short there, apologies to all, but I've just gotten a massive headache which feels like it's behind my left eye, and I can't concentrate enough. I'll likely post up a bunch of my picks from the E3 show tomorrow. But right now, I need to lay down and try and kick this thumping pain in my head.

From The Depths Of The Internets

You know, the internet is a truly scary place. I mean, unbelievably scary. Some of the stuff I have found while surfing upon yon waves of information is enough to bring a grown man to his knees. Or further.

But, once in a while, you'll find something amazing. Something awesome beyond all reasoning, enough to make you forget the severe mental trauma inflicted upon your unwilling mind.

Hence, I bring you this, IT Guy Vs Dumb Employees. If you've ever worked in IT as help desk or some-such, you'll empathise with this video. It's a bit long, but more than worth it. I know I laughed heartily. So check it out, be amused and entertained.

Also, I do know I said I would have a large rant on all things R18+ for games, but I've been kinda sidetracked lately. I've been working towards writing up a letter to address the issues and concerns raised by the South Australian Attorney General on the subject, and hope to have it finished up by the end of the week. Or at least have it in a sensible, reasoned and not easily dismissed form.

Though, or internet was capped for the last few days (ugh, horrible dial-up speeds, curse you), and I've been hankering to play some Team Fortress 2. Seeing as though I'm uncapped now, that's just what I'll be doing. Oh, if you're a Team Fortress 2 player, look me up on Steam under ZOMGBananas. There's a link in that little sidebar to the right.

IT Guy Vs Dumb Employees (via Break)

Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia

For those of us who are avid gamers in Australia, you'd be more than aware of the heated discussion and controversy when it comes to classification on video games. For those who are unaware, the highest classification rating a game can have in Australia is MA15+. Games that receive a rating higher than MA15+ are not allowed to be sold.

There was a rumor going about for a while that due to some of the content appearing in Fallout 3, Bethesda's sequel to one of the most popular turn-based RPG's, would deem in worthy of the R18+, and thus refused classification. According to Kotaku, and a quick look at the Office of Film and Literature Classification site can confirm, Fallout 3 has been refused classification.

Those who are familiar with the Fallout series will know that it tends to have a rather violent overtone, amongst other things. While bloody dismemberment is acceptable in a classic 2D isometric viewpoint, when it enters the more realistic 3D world, it gets a little iffy, which I can understand. The thing I don't understand is why the Australian media hold onto the outdated classification system, especially in such a time as that we live in. It's ridiculous if you ask me.

So far there has been no response from Bethesda regarding the classification.

I would have a full blown rant on the subject, but it's 5am, and I really need to get some sleep. You can probably expect a large rant / thesis about the state of classification for video games late this afternoon / evening.

Edit (17:35):
Looking again at Kotaku, they have discovered just what has caused Fallout 3 to be refused classification. If I'm right in understanding, the game includes the use of "chems" which can alter a characters statistics. The OFLC deems this equal to drug use, as the various chems are seen as syringes, pills and the like. Here is a [Link] to the Kotaku article regarding the classification.

OFLC Entry For Fallout 3
Fallout 3 Refused Classification In Australia (via Kotaku)
Why Fallout 3 Was Refused Classification (via Kotaku)

Bubblewrap Calendar

Discovering things like this is the embodiment of why I truly love the internet. Where else can someone combine practicality with pure awesome? Behold the bubblewrap calendar.


Everyone loves getting a package wrapped in the stuff, just for the love of popping it all at the end. You can't deny it. I was shocked and a little disgusted when one of my housemates went to throw out a whole unused roll of the stuff, unpopped. Rightfully I took it upon myself to pop every last bubble before discarding it, and heck it felt good. Now, with the bubblewrap calendar, you can enjoy popping all year round, whether you're tied to a schedule or not.

Just be careful not to pop it all in one sitting, or the following 364 days will be terribly boring.

Bubblewrap Calendar (via Gizmodo)

Updatan Gaems

Okay, well, it seems to have been about a week or so since I last did an update over here. After the initial "holy shit" of Blizzard confirming the existance of Diablo 3, I've been pretty hyped about the whole idea. Granted, it's probably going to be a year or two before it actually reaches the store shelves, but I have been re-playing Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction, getting my enthusiasm in the games back. I must admit, I've been glad I have. I've stopped playing World of Warcraft (for now, anyways - things were getting a tad boring), and now have something equally addictive, yet not quite as draining on the wallet to engage in.

Thinking of World of Warcraft, Blizzard have added to their account details area the option to opt-in for the beta test for the upcoming WoW expansion, Wrath of the Lich King. I'll throw a link up at the end so those of you who read and have an account, and are interested in joining the beta test. As a note, opting-in DOES NOT secure you a place in the beta, it merely adds your account to the draw for the chance to join. If you have more than one account, you are more than welcome to add those all in as well. The only proviso is that you have a World of Warcraft account, and it is active at the time Blizzard pick those for their beta.

Important to note, currently Blizzard HAVE NOT began any phase of beta testing on Wrath of the Lich King, and they will announce it when they are ready to begin. There are a lot of account scamming and phishing e-mails going out at the moment, so if you receive one of these e-mails saying you've been accepted, check any URL in the e-mail to be sure it's legit, and also check the World of Warcraft main page and the forums to see if Blizzard have begun their beta test.



In other news, that of the real world, I have started a work for the dole program (horray for government benefits), in a place dismantling old disused computers, and building new ones up for charity. Not too bad of a job, and it's doing something that I'm moderatley interested in, which is good. My other option was to do groundswork at a local school, though those of you who know me will agree, I'm not built or cut-out for that kind of work.

This post is also dedicated to Dane, at his request. There you go.

Linkage!

Diablo 3 Main Site Seeing as I forgot to link to it in my last posting.

Blizzard Announces Wrath of the Lich King Beta Opt-In
Blizzard WotLK Beta Opt-In FAQ
World of Warcraft Account Settings Beta Opt-In Page Not a keylogger *sigh*