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.