"Grand Theft Auto" maker angers Brits with new game
British Parliament member Keith Vaz last week protested "Grand Theft Auto" developer Rockstar Games' upcoming new title, "Bully," in which players can beat up fellow school children. According to BBC News, Vaz suggested to the House of Commons that the game should go before the British Board of Film Classification. Vaz said the game should be banned if it fails the BBFC's standards.
A spokesman for Rockstar Games told BBC News the game is not finished. "Just as books aren't judged by their covers, video games shouldn't be judged by their titles or individual scenes."
"Bully" will be released in April 2006 on the Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation 2.
PS3 to have most fluid frame rate ever?
Games on the Sony PlayStation 3 may be capable of running at 120 frames per second, twice the current standard for game fluidity, Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutarugi said Thursday. Only problem? Not even new TVs can refresh their screen that fast. But hey, a few years and several hundred dollars down the line, those games are going to feel more like reality than ever before.
Fighting game to feature "Halo" character, arena
"Dead or Alive 4" for the Microsoft Xbox 360 will include a female "Halo" soldier named Spartan-458 as an unlockable bonus fighter, Tecmo and Bungie said last week. The character has not been featured in either "Halo" videogames on the current Xbox. DOA4 developer Team Ninja will also include a "Halo"-themed unlockable fighting arena. "Dead or Alive 4" will be available for 360 launch on Nov. 18.
Florida Senator introduces game restriction bill
Florida state Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla has introduced a bill restricting the sale or rental of violent video games to minors in the state. The bill is nearly identical to one recently introduced and passed in the state of Florida. The law would require retailers to place 2-by-2-inch stickers emblazoned with a solid white "18" outline in black. Sellers who break the law could be fined up to $1,000.
Microsoft gives $25,000 to World Wildlife Fund
Microsoft Game Studios announced Wednesday it will donate $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund. The announcement came a day after the publisher released "Endangered Species," an expansion pack to "Zoo Tycoon 2." In return, the WWF has agreed to advertise the PC game on its Web site and to its members.
