| ACLU against game regulation bill in Connecticut Feb 27th 2013, 14:27 American Civil Liberties Union lawyer opposes bill that would ban children from playing point-and-shoot games in public places. 
A lawyer representing the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut has opposed a video game regulation bill that would restrict access to certain games in the state. As reported by The Hartford Courant, ACLU lawyer David McGuire voiced his opposition for the bill during a public hearing this week, citing the landmark 2011 Supreme Court decision as precedent. He argued there is no causal link between violent games and real-world violence, and that games are protected free speech, similar to movies and books. The proposed bill would restrict those under 18 in Connecticut from playing point-and-shoot games in public spaces, such as arcades and movie theaters. The legislation would also create a task force to examine the effects of violent games on those who play them. McGuire was met with opposition during the hearing. State representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol), said the Supreme Court's decision was misguided. "I know what the law says, but to me, it lacks common sense," he said. Video games have been a much-discussed topic for lawmakers since the December 14 schoolhouse massacre in Newtown, Conn. that left 20 children and six adults dead. A recent Harris Poll found that 58 percent of American adults believe video games contribute to real-world violence. On top of that, former Federal Bureau of Investigation profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole said recently that violent video games do not cause violence. Parents Television Council president Tim Winter agreed that video games do not--by themselves--cause violence. However, he argued the topic is especially important to address today, when media has become a 24/7 activity for children. President Obama recently announced a $500 million, 23-point plan that directs the Centers for Disease Control to conduct further research into the relationship between virtual violence and real-world violence. Separately, Utah representative Jim Matheson has introduced a bill to Congress that would make Entertainment Software Rating Board ratings legally enforceable. Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot
|  | Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag details emerge Feb 27th 2013, 13:32 Main character named Edward Kenway, game set in Caribbean on multiple islands, according to new report. 
After a poster for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag leaked yesterday, more rumored information about the game has emerged. The Examiner reports that the main character in Black Flag is Edward Kenway, the father of Haytham Kenway from last year's Assassin's Creed III. Edward is described as a privateer, assassin, and "occasional" pirate. The report further claims that Black Flag will be set in the Caribbean. Players will reportedly get to travel to multiple islands, including Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The Examiner also suggests Black Flag is presently running current-generation technology, though Ubisoft has plans to release the game on future platforms. Darby McDevitt, whose previous credits include a host of Assassin's Creed titles, is said to be Black Flag's lead scriptwriter. His LinkedIn profile states he is currently working on "unannounced stuff." Writing on Twitter yesterday, McDevitt said, "Is it that time again? [Assassin's Creed] fans getting all apoplectic 'n' stuff. Squirming and squealing. Love it." Earlier this month, Ubisoft confirmed it was developing a new Assassin's Creed game for release during its fiscal 2014 (April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014). According to CEO Yves Guillemot, this game will take place in a new setting and star an all-new hero. Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot
| | EA and Microsoft to announce content partnership on next-gen Xbox - Report Feb 27th 2013, 13:29 Microsoft and EA working on a new partnership for the next-gen Xbox, though software exclusives remain unlikely. 
The latest round of next-gen speculation has suggested an upcoming partnership between EA and Microsoft. The rumoured collaboration, which suggests timed-exclusives for DLC as opposed to the idea of Battlefield 4 not coming to PlayStation 4, will allegedly be made public when Microsoft debuts its next Xbox. Two anonymous sources reported the supposed deal to CVG, though neither knew exact specifics about what EA and Microsoft will announce. EA was absent from the PlayStation 4 announcement last week outside of a brief flash of its company logo. Chief Financial Officer Blake Jorgensen last night explained the publisher's absence as EA's "timing of our own slate as well as trying to maintain a good balance of power with all the parties out there" during yesterday's Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference. Microsoft is expected to unveil its next Xbox in April, ahead of a second showing of the machine at E3 in June. EA and Sony have had a special relationship across many games on the PlayStation 3. Sony previously enjoyed a one-week exclusivity period for all Battlefield 3 DLC, and the announced-but-still-unseen Battlefield 4 will almost certainly be a major part of EA's plans for the next year. Microsoft, on the other hand, has had Call of Duty DLC all sewn up with exclusivity deals since Modern Warfare 2 launched in 2009. Meanwhile, Activision announced as part of the PlayStation 4 unveiling last week that upcoming Bungie-helmed open-world shooter Destiny will contain exclusive content on Sony's next-generation console. Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot
| | Gabe Newell to receive BAFTA Fellowship award Feb 27th 2013, 12:02 Valve boss to receive UK award for his "outstanding and exceptional contribution to games." 
Valve's Gabe Newell will be the recipient of this year's BAFTA Fellowship award. "It is an honor for myself and everyone at Valve to be presented such an award by one of the world’s most respected and recognised organisations," said Newell. Newell is one of the most prolific figures in gaming today, establishing Valve in 1996 after breaking away from a career at Microsoft which started in 1983. Valve's output includes Half-Life, Portal, Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead and Counter-Strike. The developer is also behind digital distribution service Steam, and is currently working on Dota 2. After being informed of the latest trophy which will soon adorn Valve's well-stocked cabinet, Newell thanked his UK fans and saw fit to namedrop Garry Newman, the creator of Source engine playground Garry's Mod. "Valve owes a tremendous thanks to many in the UK--to those who have played our games, to the great support of the UK press, and to UK-based creative contributors such as Garry Newman. I look forward to accepting this prestigious honor on behalf of everyone in our community." "Awarded annually by BAFTA, the Fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to games," said BAFTA. Newell will join the BAFTA Fellowship ranks alongside previous recipients Peter Molyneux, Shigeru Miyamoto, Nolan Bushnell, and Will Wright. The BAFTA awards take place on March 5, and you can check out a full list of nominees here. The awards ceremony will be livestreamed on Twitch. Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot
| | Skullgirls DLC crowdfunding page hits $190K in a day Feb 27th 2013, 05:42 Campaign page also details new DLC character Squigly as well as other potential characters via stretch goal details. 
The developers at Lab Zero Games have opened a Skullgirls DLC fundraising page over on crowdfunding site Indiegogo, with the sole purpose of using the money to release DLC characters for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC fighting game. The target goal is $150,000 with 30 days left before it closes. The page has so far raised $191,175. Not only does the campaign page feature a breakdown on one the upcoming characters (the undead opera singer Squigly), but also a list of stretch goals if the campaign’s target reaches beyond its goal. These include potential new DLC characters like Big Band and B.Dahlia, and new stages and story mode missions based on the DLC characters. The perks for contributing varies: $5 will net gamers exclusive Skullgirls wallpapers while $400 will net contributors a limited edition of the game’s soundtrack, a random postcard-sized sketch, a ’booster’ title in the contributors credits, a Steam code for the PC release, and other benefits. Squigly will be available for free for a limited time if the campaign is fully funded. For even more information, check out the Indiegogo page. Skullgirls was praised by critics for its fighting system, distinctive characters, beginner-friendly tutorials and GGPO network options. Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot
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