Video game censorship is a hot topic amongst gamers, those who purchase games, and those who wish to curtail the rise in violent video games. A recent wave of legislation has placed this topic front and center in the video gaming industry. Many states are banning offensive games; some countries are even preventing the sale of x-rated video games. Although legislators have good intentions when it comes to controlling the substance kids see on the game screen, it’s still hotly contested whether censorship is necessary and/or will work to prevent violent games from a) falling into the hands of the young impressionable minds, and b) preventing the distribution and creation of violent video games.

On one hand you have video game censorship, defined as: the use of state or group power to control the playing, distribution, purchase, or sale of video games (this includes any system and console.) One would be hard pressed to argue against some of their intentions of preventing kids from playing and purchasing games that include objectionable content like the recent GTA 4: San Andreas that included a hidden sex game for your enjoyment. However, does censorship actually prevent kids from playing games? Certainly censorship in itself doesn’t prevent individuals from playing games, but it does make it harder for someone to purchase. This could influence some video game designers to halt the production of questionable games, i.e. rampant murder of law enforcement officials, sexual innuendo and/or sexually explicit material, etc., but ultimately the idea of full blown video game censorship will never work. To curtail the huge industry of video gaming that has reigned with free-reign since inception is next to impossible. In reality, developers will respond to one thing and one thing only: the market.

Kick and scream all you want for what are probably valiant causes, however, it is the buying market, the consumers, you, who will ultimately dictate which games are produced. If Grand Theft Auto and the similar violent games continue to sell well, then don’t expect that type of content to leave any time soon. People are playing and enjoying these games, and if underage gamers end up playing would this not raise questions about adult supervision-parenting-more than censorship? Certainly so, therefore maybe a lesser form of censorship, one that is already prevalent in the movie industry, could be introduced with greater success. To combat underage players from gaming on games rated ‘M’ for mature or higher, institute a ‘no sale’ policy. Kids can’t go in and see ‘R’ rated movies, why should they be able to purchase ‘R’ rated games? The questions continue to fly back and forth from both parties, as for and against censorship advocates pit their arguments against one another. Ultimately this writer will argue that the only thing that will shift gaming content in this capitalist society where game developers have enjoyed free reign is you, the gamer, the parent who buys, the consumer.

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The world of gaming is a rapidly changing one. Gone are the days of separate tape-decks and loading screens that took ten minutes to load a 2-D platform game (when they loaded properly) controlled by laborious key-strokes or a joystick with more triggers than a jetfighter.

While older platforms still retain a cult following and devotion from those grew up with them, the advent of the games console and controller heralded a new era that develops with almost every game release.

As the technology and capabilities of the games console have grown, so too has its popularity. No longer are people that play on computer games seen as social pariahs. The gaming industry is huge, when was the last time you turned on the television and didn’t see and advert for a console or game? The Xbox 360 alone has shifted 22 million unites worldwide.

Microsoft, surely the biggest name in computing, were late joining the market but soon became leaders of the pack and on a competing level with Sony with the release of their Xbox and its latest Xbox 360. So what makes this seventh generation console and the gaming world so popular?

Aside from the fact that the consoles can be used for more than playing games (some have argued that it gives better dvd playback than their dedicated dvd player) perhaps the biggest key to the growing hold of the games console is the social aspect.

Playing a computer game outside of an arcade was once a solitary pastime, then along game multi-player games. Suddenly the appeal of beating your mates at racing or levelling them in a fighting game took off. More and more games had multiplayer options or were developed with two players in mind – anyone remember Double Dragon?

Though what happens when beating one of your friends isn’t enough? The desire to win over more than one person lead to games that could offer split-screen gaming for four people, then connections between consoles lead to ever-increasing multiples yet the new consoles have gone further than the leads required for such hook-ups with fifth-generation consoles.

Online gaming: arguably one of the biggest motivators in the boom of console sales. There’s no need for your friends to even be in the same house to play the same game. Gamers are able to play gamers around the world and in the same way that games were once designed with two players in mind, modern games are designed with the online gaming world in mind.

Inline with the development of social gaming, the world of console and Xbox accessories has grown. Chat leads allow you to talk to the players your competing against through a wireless headset.

As consoles gain in power, soundtracks for games are no longer the two-tone beeps they once were. Games are played loud to fully appreciate a tank exploding in a World War Two game or an excited crowd in a football game. The money spent on developing a soundtrack (not only the music) for a game now takes a large chunk of the development budget on games so it’s only right to appreciate it.

The problem is that the neighbors might not appreciate it. Headphones have developed accordingly. Wireless and amplifying headphones mean that the gamer loses none of the soundtrack and doesn’t have those unsightly leads in the way – in keeping with the wireless controller. Such headphones also allow the social gaming to continue with built-in microphones so games can keep taunting their opponents.

This doesn’t mean the return to gaming being a solitary pastime – gamers on their own in a room with a pair of headphones and a console. Multiple players can join the online platforms from the same console and room, each with their own headphones or headset.

Online gaming has created social groups based around certain games and interacting with these has become part of the attraction of the games themselves: talking with gamers around the world from an armchair thanks to wireless headphones and the developments of technology in games consoles.

As the consoles themselves are available in different specifications to suit user needs, the huge scope of accessories means further customisation in gaming set-ups. Social gaming that’s personal too.

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With video game sales burgeoning beyond a multi-billion dollar industry, video gaming is fast becoming the favourite pastime of adults and kids. Quickly replacing the likes of internet, TV, and good old fashion outside playtime, the target market for video games is stretching to younger audiences. Although the dynamics of the entertainment market are continually changing, a problem lies not with younger video gamers, but what games these button fiends play. Despite a growing number of younger gamers this does not entail video games are becoming more sensitive to their impressionable markets. Video game violence is not only the norm, but is increasing in popularity, regularity, and vulgarity. Take for instance the latest Grand Theft Auto release GTA 4: San Andreas. This past July, it was discovered that the already violent video game, (gamer situations include killing police officers, gang violence, etc.,) held a hidden X-rated mini game unlockable for your enjoyment. What’s even more disturbing is the frequency kids discuss these with awe at school and playtime (assuming they play things other than video games.)

This article will assume that parents are interested in learning when it comes to monitoring video game content for their kids. One would also assume parents are spending more time buying games and scrutinizing the content to ensure junior remains relatively innocent a little longer. However, recent polls reveal parents wilfully ignore game ratings when buying. This article is dedicated to equipping you, the interested parent, and not how to ward off blatant laziness.

5 Helpful Hints for Buying Appropriate Video Games for Kids

* 1. It is important to be involved in your child’s gaming activity. Watch them play, discuss the game once finished, and try to understand what components of the game your kid enjoys the most. This will help you understand the content of a particular game and will help underscore what your kid thinks is fun. Of course all kids have different levels of maturity, and parents should be sensitive to each individual.

* 2. Before purchasing spend a few minutes reading online reviews. In a matter of 5 minutes you can find enough information that will not only give concise video game summaries, various ratings, but will enable you to read the opinions of various other reviewers as well. You can gather valuable information from varying opinions that will help you determine the content, playability, and cost. Let’s face it, mind as well get all the bang for your video game buck because they’re not cheap!

* 3. When you reach the store be sure to spend time reading the labels, looking at the game art, and checking the ESRB rating. This is a step the majority of parents overlook or do not take seriously. By reading the labels you get a quick description of the game content, you will be surprised how useful these labels are. The independent video game reviewer body, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, place ratings on every video game box. Do not overlook this rating and the accompanying content descriptions because rest assured, the ESRB will not lie. Their descriptions are clear when describing potential violent situations that could occur during gameplay. Their ratings are self-explanatory and follow a similar system as movies. The rating symbols and recommended audiences are: “E” is for Everyone, “eC” denotes Early Childhood, “E10+” Everyone 10 and up, “T” marks Teens 13 and up, “M” Mature rating for ages 17 and up, “AO” is Adults Only, and finally “RP” means Rating Pending. Once again, you are the best judge regarding the maturity level of your kid, perhaps a rating of “T” for teen is too much for them to handle.

* 4. Online gaming may change gaming descriptions. Many PC games, some Playstaiton 2, mobile games, and Xbox Live games have features that enable gamers to go online and play with other people, young and old. The box reviews may contain a warning, “online gameplay may change…” This means conversations between players, strategies, etc., are largely dictated by human players, many of whom are far older than your newbie kid. Be sure to watch online gameplay, however, a good rule of thumb is: if the game is already violent, it will remain so online. Sound easy? It is.

* 5. Finally, review the game you just bought with your kid. Despite your work researching the actual game may differ from your pre-conceived notion. Not all sports games are as sporty and innocent as you may believe. Don’t be shy, sit down and pick up the controller, even if you’re going to be beat by a 10 year old. All too often games are bought without any time spent reviewing the content, and then kids are left alone to play till their hearts content.

These are but 5 suggestions that when implemented, will enable you to purchase appropriate video games with greater care. There is a heavy movement from the state to restrict video games via censorship, proof of age verifications, etc. Although some of these measures make sense, ultimately it is the responsibility of the parent to monitor the content of video games. So equip yourself. Take 5-10 minutes before your next purchase and do some quick research. And of course, don’t hesitate to play the games you bought, if only to raise your kid’s self-esteem by consistently losing due to your inept gaming self–but at least you did your job before hand.

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Storefront rentals had been to be the only dominating market for 12+ years now when you wanted to rent video games, ever since the conception of the VCR. Many businesses have taken their company online due to the fact that startup costs are remarkably lower compared to storefront costs and they can virtually expand their business to an entire nation or worldwide within a few short months. Why not expand the same concept for movies and game rentals? It was only a matter of time.

Depending on where you live and the geographics of that area, I can definately say that this will cause a great influence on where you choose to rent video games. Many rental companies can be found within a few miles of your home, but others are found at distances that you may not want to particularly travel everytime you need to return a game.

Fast and reliable service is a huge factor for most people living in the information age. Everything has to be now and fast these days. So lets look at a few factors that will help you make your decision a little easier. Convienance, games in stock, game formats, availability , pricing, and customer service are the general factors we take into consideration for any movie or game rental company. Lets look at each one:

CONVIENANCE- If you live in a rural location, then, online game rentals is without a doubt your best bet. To travel anymore than 8 miles out of your way to rent anything is more than most people have time for. Being able to recieve your rentals at your doorstep, in the country, is a huge benefit to online game rentals.

If you live in more a a urban or suburban neighborhood, then locations of your nearest branch will determine this for you, but you can never truly beat games delivered to your front door everyday, even if you have one mile to travel. Being able to pickup your game in your pajamas or bath robe without getting dressed to go to your local store is laziness and convienance at its best. WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

GAMES IN STOCK – This can vary from store to store, but for the most part they are all about the same. Most larger stores (Hollywood Video and Blockbuster) can carry a stock of 50-100 games at a time. This number doesnt even come close to the stock of games that are carried by online rental clubs. We are looking at 2000 games at the very lowest on up to 3500 + games at the high end of the table. You are also more likely to find more older and newer games available to rent at anytime. WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

AVAILABILITY- I’ve never really felt like i’ve had too much of a choice when it comes to renting at stores. It was more of a deduction of what was left to choose from at the time you made it there. When it comes to online rentals, you can practically play any game that you ever wanted to play at anytime. There, of coarse are a few games from time to time that you may have a short wait attached, but during those times, you will easily be able to choose another game from the thousands listed. Once that particular sought after game is available, you will know about it whenever you log into your account, instantly. WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

GAMES FORMATS- Even though I have always thought that having PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube games available was quite a selection at the local rental stores, I didnt even know how good it could get until online rentals introduced their selection. Not only does online rentals contain the 3 major consoles, but they also have such portable game rentals as Gameboy Advance, PSP, and Nintendo DS. Many of the larger online stores are offering XBOX 360 and PS3 games as well for the next generation as soon as the consoles come out. WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

PRICING- Renting games has always been somewhat cheap ($5-$8), but it can definately add up depending on your rental frequency. If you are renting more than 5-6 a month, on top of late fees, which is bound to happen from time to time, then you may be out-of-pocket sooner than expected. Online rentals make it easy for you. Rent X amount of games and keep them as long as you want for only X amount. Game prices fluctuate from game plan to plan, but these prices are still far more lower than you’ll ever find at your local store. Check out the pricing here. WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

CUSTOMER SERVICE- Waiting in lines and dealing with crowds and irritable employees to rent video games is enough to drive anyone mad. This in itself can make you not want to deal with your local rental store at any cost. On the other hand, online rentals do not have lines, crowded stores, or irritable employees to deal with, so that experience is elminated altogether! Just select a movie from your browser and wait 1-3 business days for delivery and thats it. If you ever have troubles or problems with recieving or returning games, email customer service and your inquiry will be returned within 24 hours. Some of these online rental companies even have phone support! WINNER: ONLINE RENTALS!

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If you’ve lived under a rock since May then you’d be surprised to learn that Microsoft has released their second Xbox titled XBOX 360. Upon your emergence it wouldn’t take long for you to figure out that this is no regular system; the XBOX 360 will lead the next generation consoles by including some of the latest wireless and graphic technology to-date. What some of you may not know is the fact Microsoft will release TWO different systems. They were concerned about the price of all the gadgets so they made a second, cheaper system. What’s the difference? This article will explain some of the must knows before buying the XBOX 360.

First off, what do the systems hold that are the same? Both hold a DVD-ROM so you can play DVD’s, CD’s, all XBOX 360 games. You can plug into one of the 3 USB ports to access iPOD’s, video, cameras, MP3 players, etc. pretty much the generic gaming experience will be available on both systems. But now for the fun
stuff. Should I shell out the extra $100 for the more expensive system?

You’ll be surprised about the differences between the two
bundled systems so consider these things before buying. In no particular order here are some CONS of buying the CHEAPER system. (Believe me, I wouldn’t pump the more expensive system if it wasn’t a big deal, I’m here to save gamers money.)

* First off, remember backwards compatibility? Your ability to play 200 XBox games on the next generation XBOX 360? Well you NEED to download patches for most games and those patches stay on the hard drive. The cheaper system does NOT come equipped with the 20GB hard drive.
* What’s the difference in cables? The cheaper version comes complete with AV cables for your TV, the expensive version comes complete with cables for HD-TV hook up. BUT get this: the graphic difference of the Xbox to Xbox 360 will be marginal if you have an old TV. This is what we’ve been told, and if you experience otherwise post it in our Xbox forum. It seems that you need a new TV to really experience the bells and whistles of the new system.
* If you want to save games then you NEED to buy a 64MB memory unit (for the cheaper system) which will cost 40 bucks. That bumps up the price of the original to $340 from $299. For an extra $60 bucks you can have EVERYTHING in the better system. (As an aside, the Canadian companies are going to make a bundle (well not a bundle since Microsoft will likely loose money to start off with.) But, the US price for the basic system is $299 while the Canadian counterpart is $399. The current exchange rate does not warrant a $100 increase to adjust. The price should be closer to $350. Just a thought.)
* The one controller that comes with the new cheaper bundle is wired, whereas the more expensive bundle will come complete with a single WIRELESS controller. Enough said. You be the judge regarding its value.

Judging by looks, the Xbox 360 games will typically be sharper and crisper, but not an all out blow out. I’ll say that Microsoft BETTER get some more games going than the initial 18 or risk losing market share and interest in a hurry. This article concludes that for the extra $60 bucks (you need the 64 MB card to save games so that’s why it’s $60,) you shold go out and place an order for the more expensive system. Why Xbox made two different ones when the prices would be so close is beyond me. Mind you, coupled with game packages, the price does climb up there. That’s my take, now back to gaming.

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