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ESRB Receiving High Praise From The FTC

December 11, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
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The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has been providing invaluable service to parents since 1994. Since that time they have assigned ratings to over 18, 000 titles. ESRB was established by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and is a non-profit self-regulating organization. ESRB has three primary functions:

  1. assigns age and content ratings
  2. enforces industry adopted advertising guidelines
  3. ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer/video games and other entertainment software

esrbteenAlthough the age and content ratings are voluntary – publishers will submit their titles to ESRB. This is simply because major retailers will not sell unrated games and major console manufactures will not license unrated games.

Parents truly appreciate ESRB and parents like Monica Vila host Tweet chats with them. These chats are designed to educate parents on how technology can play a role in your child’s life. If that were not enough the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just recently told Congress – that ESRB, “continues to lead all three industries in providing clear and prominent disclosures of rating information in television, print, and online advertising.”

It’s great to see an organization that takes family safety seriously. It makes our jobs as parents a little bit easier – well at least when it comes to purchasing age appropriate games.

Follow ESRB on Twitter – @ok2play

Follow Video Game Voters on Twitter – @VideoGameVoters

Follow E3 Expo on Twitter – @e3expo

Follow Monica Vila on Twitter – @theonlinemom

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5 Top Games For The Holiday’s

November 24, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
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ESRB Rating: Assassin’s Creed II

  • M – Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content and Strong Language
  • Platform: Windows PC, XBOX 360 and PS3

Synopsis

Get ready to plunge into the lush and deadly world of the Italian Renaissance, an era of arts, riches and murderous conspiracy. Assassin’s Creed II introduces you to Ezio, a new assassin carrying on the deadly lineage of his forebears. Confront an epic tale of power and corruption as you hone your assassin’s art, wielding weapons and instruments designed by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci himself in this gripping and deadly sequel.

Key Game Features

  • Explore the deadly, shadowed world of the assassin with new assassin Ezio
  • Roam freely through the lush and dangerous world of Renaissance-era Italy

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ESRB Rating: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

  • M – Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content and Strong Language
  • Platform: Windows PC, XBOX 360 and PS3

Synopsis

The storyline of Modern Warfare 2 picks up where the events of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare left off. The ultranationalist Russian leader Zakhaev has been eliminated, but it seems that his lieutenant, Vladimir Makarov, is an even bigger danger. Having made a successful play for power, Intel indicates that he is extending the reach of his influence well beyond the borders of Mother Russia, causing a stir in the international community and prompting the involvement of Task Force 141.

Key Game Features

  • Challenging Multiplayer Modes – Modern Warfare 2 will contain a wealth of multiplayer modes including: the every man for himself action of “Free-for All,” the classic team-based fun of “Capture the Flag and the tactical, team-oriented action of “Search and Destroy.”
  • Improved AI Enemies – Improved artificial intelligence now allows enemies to attack from virtually any direction as players respawn into the game adding additional challenges.

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ESRB Rating: Dragon Age: Origins

  • M – Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content and Strong Language
  • Platform: Windows PC, XBOX 360 and PS3

Synopsis

In Dragon Age: Origins the survival of humanity rests in the hands of those chosen by fate. You are a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have defended the lands on the continent of Thedas throughout the centuries. Betrayed by a trusted general in a critical battle, you must hunt down the traitor and bring him to justice.

Key Game Features

  • Travel throughout dozens of environments and fully immerse yourself in a shattered world that is on the brink of utter annihilation.
  • Tailor your Dragon Age: Origins experience from the very beginning by choose from six different origin stories.

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ESRB Rating: Left 4 Dead 2

  • M – Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content and Strong Language
  • Platform: Windows PC and XBOX 360

Synopsis

Left 4 Dead 2 is set at roughly the same time as the original – just after the outbreak that turned most of the population into various zombie mutants. Players assume the role of four new “Survivors,” each with their own personality and new dialog. The game leads these “Survivors” through the southeastern region of the US – from Savannah, Georgia through the bayou country, and climaxing in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Key Game Features

  • New Melee Weapons – Put a whole slew of melee weapons including axes, chainsaws, frying pans and baseball bats to use which allow you to get up close with the zombies.
  • Meet “The Survivors” – The game features four different survivors, a new storyline and new dialog.

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ESRB Rating: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

  • T – Teen: Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
  • Platform: PS3

Synopsis

In Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves fortune hunter Nathan Drake embarks on a journey that will push him to his physical, emotional and intellectual limits to discover the real truth behind the lost fleet of Marco Polo and the legendary Himalayan valley of Shambhala, more commonly known in the west as Shangri-La.

Key Game Features

  • Open layout allows players to take an aggressive or stealth approach to combat.
  • Free-flowing “traversal gunplay” adds a unique vertical element to standard 3rd-person shooting mechanics.
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Microsoft Bans 1 Million Xbox Live Users

November 12, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
microsoft

“All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and that modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live,” Microsoft said in a statement on Wednesday.

microsoftThe timing of this announcement corresponds with the release of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.” This is one of the most anticipated Xbox games of the year. COD is a very profitable franchise for Microsoft and means big sales during the holidays; as such Microsoft is coming down hard on pirated copies. This is self evident by the actions Microsoft took this week. They explained that anywhere between 600,000 and 1 million players who use Microsoft’s Xbox Live gaming service will be cut off from the service. Why? Because gamers have modified their 360 or played games that were illegally downloaded from file-sharing sites, according to Microsoft.

In its Xbox Live “Terms of Use” Microsoft says that players are to use “only authorized software and hardware to access the Service,” and that they agree that their software and hardware “have not been modified in any unauthorized way.” Microsoft takes piracy and hardware modifications very seriously. I understand the consumer argument “but it’s my 360.” In Microsoft’s defense – we are using their services so we have to play by their rules.

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Game Smart With 360 Family Settings

October 30, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
family

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We need to monitor our family’s media experience. Parents must take an active role in ensuring that our family’s experience is age appropriate. The Xbox family understands these concerns and they give parents the controls necessary to manage the media experience.

This is why Microsoft and Best Buy, which is the nation’s largest children’s media advocate, is encouraging families to Get Game Smart. This is a new public service campaign designed to help parents and kids maintain an open dialogue about age-appropriate media use.

The 360 Family Settings Allow You To:

  • Create and manage a Child’s Profile
  • Limit the amount of time the console is used via the Family Settings
  • Block video games and movies based on ESRB and MPAA rating systems
  • Block online access entirely
  • Manage and approve a child’s Friend’s List
  • Block specific online users
  • Block visibility of your child’s account to online users
  • Restrict or Block the use of the Xbox Live Vision Cam
  • Restrict online purchases
  • Restrict the type of advertising your child sees, based on game and movie preferences

These are the top 5 tips for managing media use from Get Game Smart:

  • Get on the same page with your kids about healthy media habits
  • Encourage balance with activities that keep your kids active and busy
  • Set priorities – school work and sports come before video games
  • Get involved – play video games with with your children to learn about their behavior online
  • Set limits – use game rating to select age appropriate content

Ultimately, it is our responsibility to protect our children and not technology. We must talk to them and encourage them to speak to us. I understand that most families have working parents. That just means we must be even more diligent with the conversation with our children.

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How XBOX Is Helping Doctor’s Without Borders

October 28, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
doctors

doctors

On Tuesday, October 27th, Xbox 360, MTV Games and Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment hosted a Family Game Night at NYC’s Element Night Club.The event was designed to bring families together so they could enjoy a night with The Beatles; well virtually at least. It was a real pleasure watching kids and parents alike jam with “The Beatles: Rock Band.” The Rock Band library currently has 45 Beatles songs plus all the newest songs from the complete “Abbey Road” album. We also had the exclusive opportunity to preview “LEGO Rock Band” before its release on November 10th.

The guest of honor was Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The Microsoft family is offerings a charitable partnership with MSF. The charity single of “All You Need Is Love” was released exclusively through Xbox LIVE. All proceeds from the song will benefit Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).

So while the kids jammed and the parents reminisced about younger days – I had the great honor of speaking with Matthew Spitzer – President of the US Board of Directors. Dr. Spitzer joined MSF in 1999. Throughout that time he has been passionately involved with MSF – establishing primary care services in Tibet, working as a field coordinator in Sierra Leone, coordinating a response to the epidemic dengue in Cambodia to finally becoming president.

It was an excellent conversation. I have to admit that my knowledge of MSF was limited. After Matthew took the time to explain what MSF does – I had a much more complete understanding of their mission. What resonated with me the most was that MSF operates independently of any political agendas. They are simply focused on helping the people.

It was great to hangout and watch famlies jamming to the Beatles. It was a pleasure to speak with Spitzer and to learn about all the good that MSF is doing around the world. This is one of the best events that I have attended this year.

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Why the ESRB Ratings Are So Important

October 20, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
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familysafteyNothing is more import to us than making sure that our kids are not being exposed to questionable content before they are ready. Video games at one time were relatively innocent. When we were growing up the games were Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Defender, etc. Today’s games are a bit more robust – there are still those innocent games but there are those games that are not so innocent.

There are literally thousands of video games. How are you expected to know what video game is age appropriate? The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has done a very nice job in doing this for you. The ESRB is designed to provide you with guidance about the age-appropriateness and content of video games. This will allow you to comfortably make informed purchase decisions; about the video games you buy for your children and families members.

These are the ESRB Symbols:

ratingsymbol_ecEARLY CHILDHOOD
Titles rated EC (Early Childhood) have content that may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.

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ratingsymbol_eEVERYONE
Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.

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ratingsymbol_e10EVERYONE 10+
Titles rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.

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ratingsymbol_tTEEN
Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.

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ratingsymbol_mMATURE
Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.

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ratingsymbol_aoADULTS ONLY
Titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.

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ratingsymbol_rpRATING PENDING
Titles listed as RP (Rating Pending) have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game’s release.)

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This is the complete list of the ESRB Content Descriptors

Alcohol Reference

  • Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages

Animated Blood

  • Discolored and/or unrealistic depictions of blood

Blood

  • Depictions of blood

Blood and Gore

  • Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts

Cartoon Violence

  • Violent actions involving cartoon like situations and characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted

Comic Mischief

  • Depictions or dialogue involving slapstick or suggestive humor

Crude Humor

  • Depictions or dialogue involving vulgar antics, including “bathroom” humor

Drug Reference

  • Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs

Fantasy Violence

  • Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life

Intense Violence

  • Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons and depictions of human injury and death

Language

  • Mild to moderate use of profanity

Lyrics

  • Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

Mature Humor

  • Depictions or dialogue involving “adult” humor, including sexual references

Nudity

  • Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity

Partial Nudity

  • Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity

Real Gambling

  • Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency

Sexual Content

  • Non-explicit depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including partial nudity

Sexual Themes

  • References to sex or sexuality

Sexual Violence

  • Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts

Simulated Gambling

  • Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency

Strong Language

  • Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity

Strong Lyrics

  • Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol or drug use in music

Strong Sexual Content

  • Explicit and/or frequent depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity

Suggestive Themes

  • Mild provocative references or materials

Tobacco Reference

  • Reference to and/or images of tobacco products

Use of Drugs

  • The consumption or use of illegal drugs

Use of Alcohol

  • The consumption of alcoholic beverages

Use of Tobacco

  • The consumption of tobacco products

Violence

  • Scenes involving aggressive conflict. May contain bloodless dismemberment

Violent References

  • References to violent acts
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Top Console Bundles For The Holiday’s

October 19, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
courtesy joystiq.com
Dad’s know when the holiday’s are approaching. The family starts leaving bread crumbs to their holiday wish lists. It always seems that the holiday’s come sooner and sooner each year. As dads we want to give our family what they want – we love seeing them happy. Unfortunately, the economic realities are tough to forget and in some instances impossible to over come. Microsoft’s President of Entertainment & Devices Division, Robert Bach, said that many families will simply buying a family present this year; due to the poor economic times. I think that is a great idea.
Great deals are often tough to come by in this industry, which is why we want to keep you up-to-date concerning awesome savings like these:
Sony PS3
It appears that this deal will only be while supplies last. The 160GB PS3 bundle which features a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and a voucher for a downloadable game. Now this setup would normally run you $499.00. Due to this deal you can pick the 160GB PS3 Bundle for $299.00. Currently, the 160GB PS3 is has the largest hard drive in the PS3 family.
XBOX 360
Microsoft is offering the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Value Bundle. This setup includes a premium Xbox 360 Elite console and two games – LEGO Batman and Disney’s PURE. These games are family friendly. In addition to the two free games the 360 comes with a 120GB hard drive. The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Value Bundle will be available for $299.
Latest Drop Dates:
If you have a few more bucks in your pocket you maybe interested in these consoles:
Sony is set to release the new 250GB PS3 on November 3. The price tag is $349.00 and it can be pre-ordered at Amazon.
On November 10, Microsoft’s 250GB Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle is set to arrive. It will run you $399.99.
courtesy joystiq.com

courtesy joystiq.com

Dad’s know when the holiday’s are approaching. The family starts leaving bread crumbs to their holiday wish lists. It always seems that the holiday’s come sooner and sooner each year. As dads we want to give our family what they want – we love seeing them happy. Unfortunately, the economic realities are tough to forget and in some instances impossible to over come. Microsoft’s President of Entertainment & Devices Division, Robert Bach, said that “many will be simply buying a family present this year; due to the poor economic times.”

Great deals are often tough to come by in this industry, which is why we want to keep you up-to-date concerning awesome savings like these:

Sony PS3

It appears that this deal will only be available while supplies last. The 160GB PS3 bundle features a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and a voucher for a downloadable game. Now this setup would normally run you $499.00. Due to this deal you can pick up the 160GB PS3 Bundle for $299.00. Currently, the 160GB PS3 has the largest hard drive in the PS3 family.

XBOX 360

Microsoft is offering the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Value Bundle. This setup includes a premium Xbox 360 Elite console and two games – LEGO Batman and Disney’s PURE. In addition to the two free games the 360 comes with a 120GB hard drive. The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Value Bundle will be available for $299.

Game Rating

Title: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune

  • Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
  • Rating: Teen
  • Content: Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence
  • Platform: PlayStation 3

Title: LEGO Batman: The Videogame

  • Publisher: Warner Bros.
  • Rating: Everyone 10+
  • Content: Cartoon Violence
  • Platform: Windows PC, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3

Title: Pure

  • Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
  • Rating: Everyone
  • Content: Mild Violence
  • Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Title: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2

  • Publisher: Activision
  • Content: Mature Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
  • Platforms: Windows PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Latest Drop Dates:

If you have a few more bucks in your pocket you maybe interested in these consoles:

Sony is set to release the new 250GB PS3 on November 3. The price tag is $349.00 and it can be pre-ordered at Amazon.

On November 10, Microsoft’s 250GB Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle is set to arrive. It will run you $399.99 and it can be pre-ordered at Amazon.

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Top 5 XBOX 360 Family Friendly Games

October 18, 2009 By Ramon B. Nuez Jr.
family3

playingvideogamesXBOX claims to have over 200 family friendly games. So it would appear that Family Game Night will never be boring. I have listed these games because they are all time favorites. Additionally, they are not wallet busters – they are relatively inexpensive. I am not advocating for anyone to be a Scrooge, especially with the holiday’s around the corner, but let’s face it money is tight. The financial restrictions that many families are facing today is very real. I am not a Microsoft fan boy by any stretch. I just believe that Microsoft is demonstrating how the XBOX and Microsoft LIVE can be used to promote family fun with little to know financial impact.


These are my Top 5 Family Friendly Games:

Game: Cars

  • Cost: $19.99
  • Description: Help Lightning McQueen win the Piston Cup Championship and cross the finish line first in this family classic.

Game: LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

  • Description: Follow Dr. Jones’ escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountains of India, LEGO-style!
  • Cost: $19.99

Game: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

  • Description: Play through the events of all six Star Wars movies in this family favorite with new levels, characters, and features.
  • Cost: $29.99

Game: LEGO Star Wars II: Ther Original Trilogy

  • Description: Combine the fun and creativity of LEGO with the epic story and heroic characters of the Star Wars universe.
  • Cost: $19.99

Game: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe

  • Description: Defeat your most famous enemies, like Venom and Green Goblin, then add them to your epic team of playable allies.
  • Cost: $19.99

Game: Cars
Cost: $19.99
Description: Help Lightning McQueen win the Piston Cup Championship and cross the finish line first in this family classic.
Game: LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Description: Follow Dr. Jones’ escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountains of India, LEGO-style!
Cost: $19.99
Game: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Description: Play through the events of all six Star Wars movies in this family favorite with new levels, characters, and features.
Cost: $29.99
Game: LEGO Star Wars II: Ther Original Trilogy
Description: Combine the fun and creativity of LEGO with the epic story and heroic characters of the Star Wars universe.
Cost: $19.99
Game: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe
Description: Defeat your most famous enemies, like Venom and Green Goblin, then add them to your epic team of playable allies.
Cost: $19.99
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