Video Game News, January 14, 2006

Violent Video Games Targeted:The Republican-controlled Legislature may make it illegal for retailers to sell or rent violent video games to minors.
BY Gary Fineout, Miami Herald 1/12/06
Citing concerns about popular video games such as Grand Theft Auto, the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature is moving ahead with legislation that would make it illegal to sell or rent violent games to minors.

Which Way to go in Video Games? The uncertain video game world has all playing wait-and-see
By Levi Buchanan, Chicago Tribune 1/12/06
"With all the hype surrounding the year-end launch of Microsoft’s Xbox 360, you might be surprised to know that the video game industry took a beating in 2005."

Video Games Stiff Competition
by Fran Hawk, The Post and Courier 1/12/06
"Our children watched "Sesame Street," but it occurred to me to worry about how any teacher could compete with the lively, colorful teaching methods on TV."

Violent Video Games Not Getting Any More Tame: Kids don’t think the games make them prone to violence but research suggests otherwise.
by Kim Trobee, Family News in Focus 1/12/06
"Video games have been around for a long time and like every other form of entertainment they continue to push the boundaries of suitability for teens."

Florida Violent Games Bill One Step Closer to Law
by James Brightman, GameDaily Biz 1/14/06
"Introduced in October by Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla (right), Senate Bill 492 today took its first step towards becoming law. The bill was passed by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Services Committee on a 7 to 1 vote. "

Playing 'Old School' Video Games
by Ronda Graff, McCook Daily Gazette 1/13/06
"The rain is falling. It's cold outside. Everyone has actually cleaned their room. What to do for the day?"

PRESS RELEASE: US Attorney charges three with pirating video games and illegally modifying Xbox game consoles
Law Fuel 1/13/06
"California - LAWFUEL - The Law News Network - The two owners of a Hollywood video game store and a third man who worked with them were indicted today for pirating video games by pre-installing games on specially modified Xbox game consoles sold through the game store."

Addicted to Pain
by Bonnie Ruberg, Escapist Magazine 1/13/06
"Bang! You've been shot in the arm, but it doesn't hurt. Bang! You've been shot in the head, but you're not really dead."

One Fateful Semester
by Brian Easton, Escapist Magazine 1/13/06
"If you're reading this, there is a good chance you call yourself a gamer. And if you call yourself a gamer, I think you will agree with me when I say you are an addict. Gamers are addicts. I know I am."