A few weeks back, Barack Obama ads were spotted inside various video games, the first being Burnout Paradise. The total amount paid to the video game companies for the right to showcase his cause? $44,000. Given the publicity they drew from both the gaming press and mainstream media, it’s probably hard to say that the [...]

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign has taken some traditionally unusual methods of advertising recently. Most notably for the crowd that reads this site, a number of his ads have begun to pop up in games in what has been, to date at least, one of the more notable tests of the in-game ad model.
However, when election [...]

Surprise… or not. The New York Daily News has picked up on a protest over the release of Saints Row 2. Quoting NYPD union boss Patrick Lynch:
“These horrible and violent videogames desensitize young people to violence while encouraging depravity, immorality while glorifying criminal behavior.”
Granted, he never really states Saints Row 2 and generalizes violent video [...]

Yes, for those us in America, it’s sort of hard to believe that there was a still a debate over in the UK over Manhunt 2. After an extensive battle with the BBFC over the rating and content, the game will finally be headed to stores for the PSP, PS2, and Wii. Somewhat ironic this [...]

It’s amazing how the actions of one can affect the entire populace. Hence is the case in Thailand where the government there has banned Grand Theft Auto San Andreas after a teen stabbed a cab driver to death and placed blame for his actions on the game. But, the government wasn’t done yet. After their [...]

Barack Obama has trounced John McCain on Xbox Live. In Halo? Nope. Gears of War? Nope. In free Gamerpics? Yep.
The Rock the Vote initiative has begun on Xbox Live, bringing with it free Gamerpics for all. Apparently, Live users are in favor of Obama. His pic has been downloaded 4,920 time versus just 2,205 for [...]

The ESA has dropped $980,000 in the second quarter, up from $714,000 in the first quarter despite significant developers leaving the organization. The organization spent the money fighting piracy, various anti-video game laws, free trade, and copyright enforcement all for the good of the industry. The group routinely spends over $2 million a year on [...]

It’s sad when it’s almost refreshing to write about a watchdog group asking for violent music to be banned. Of course, the Family Policy Institute wants all games banned too, but at least it’s not just video games this time out. Who knew South Africa had their own version of the Parents Television Council?
Spokesman for [...]

Part of the Rock the Vote intiative to let younger people become involved in the voting process, you’ll soon be able to make yourself a registered voter right on the Xbox 360 (though you’ll still need to complete a mail in form later). Starting August 25th, gamers can take part in forums, vote on various [...]

Note to politicians: Want a reason not to introduce feel good video game legislation? How about the cost? California managed to lose $282,794.57 (was the $.57 really neccesary?) by trying to pass legislation in 2005, which was eventually and predictably ruled unconstitutional in August of last year. ESA CEO Michael Gallagher spoke on California’s choice [...]