[Games] Sex, Lies, and Ping Pong

by Nick Judin
September 6, 2006

Sometimes it’s hard to write about video games. When there is good news to report on, it’s likely too cryptic or too little to really write up until it’s no longer news. So, because there are no good facts to show you, I’ll be using the next best thing: hearsay and rumor.

“Sony will not allow the sale of used games for the Playstation 3. Furthermore, once a game has been played on a Playstation 3, it is registered to that system and can only be used there.”

This is one of the most startling rumors I’ve heard in a while. At first glance it seems totally bogus, as anyone with sense realizes what a huge hit a restriction like this would be. However, the Sony PS3 will run on Blu-ray technology, and the copy-protection that comes with this format has been patented by Sony, and could just make this rumor true. Sony has not yet commented on the feature.

“The Playstation 3 will cost $599.”

This seems so outrageous it must be a rumor, right? Wrong. At E3, Kaz Hirai confirmed the next-gen Sony console would be priced at just under $600. The reason? New Blu-ray technology costs much more than the average DVD player, and the huge hard-drive comes built in. Hope it’s worth it.

“A new Oklahoma bill is threatening to classify M-rated games as pornography.”

True. This unbelievable law has passed the legislative process, and now only awaits a signature from the governor to pass. The bill not only disallows the purchase and use of M-Rated games by minors, but, due to bad wording, also considers media having to do with said games adults-only. This means that if I review Grand Theft Auto, it’s equal to porn or alcohol. Hmm. I always wanted to be a smut peddler.

Louisiana is the latest in a string of states, including Minnesota, Illinois, California and Michigan, to have had similar bans blocked in the courts. A federal judge in Illinois ordered the state to pay more than $510,000 to three business groups—including the Entertainment Software Association, a plaintiff in the Louisiana case—for legal fees incurred in fighting a similar state law last month, according to the AP.

“Rockstar, creator of ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and ‘Manhunt,’ released a ping pong game?”

Definitely one of the odder rumors I’ve heard, and also true. Rockstar execs have claimed “Table Tennis” released in May, 2006, attempts to capture the true spirit and intensity of table tennis. I find it hard to believe that a deep, challenging game could be based around table tennis, but I have a feeling Rockstar will prove me wrong.

“‘Grim Fandango,’ and ‘Prey’ to become feature films?”

Two interesting rumors here. First off, the graphic adventure hailed by many as one of the wittiest games of its time, “Grim Fandango,” was recently mentioned as a screenplay-in-the-works by famed director Tim Burton. “Well, I’m currently working on ‘Sweeney Todd,’ which will be released in mid-2007,” Burton said on a film blog quoted by Playfuls.com. “After that, I’m gonna start working on a new script that was sent to me recently: ‘Grim Fandango.’” In other news, a promotional poster included in the new portal-jumping game “Prey,” mentioned a “‘Prey’ Screenplay—coming 2007.” All I know is that Uwe Boll better stay the hell away on both accounts.

“Blizzard plans to release MMORPG companions to its ‘World of Warcraft’ series, based on ‘Diablo’ and ‘Starcraft.’”

Gamer’s dream here. The massively multiplayer hit based on the Warcraft series is the most successful MMO … well, ever. The idea of releasing similar games based upon other popular Blizzard franchises seems like a fairly logical idea. Rumors have been circulating regarding a Wall Street presentation by Vivendi Games, in which it was stated “Everything is an MMOG.” It went on to discuss Blizzard’s plans to create two MMORPG over three years at a cost of $50 million. No word on “Starcraft” or “Diablo.”