Major video game producers say new video game legislation introduced today by the BC government will create confusion for parents, children and retailers who have been using an internationally recognized ratings system for years. The Canadian Interactive Digital Software Association (CIDSA), representing firms that develop the most popular console and computer games, says that if passed, the BC legislation would make BC the only jurisdiction in North America to have a different rating system, different age levels for video game sales and rentals and need different educational materials for parents and children. Rather than ensuring video games are only sold or rented to children at appropriate age levels -- a goal held by the industry and retailers -- the BC legislation will create confusion, unnecessary bureaucracy, enforcement problems and high costs for government, retailers and producers, said CIDSA spokesperson Bill Tieleman. If passed the BC legislation would mean that all educational material for retailers, age and content ratings printed on game packaging, information on websites and in video game magazines that let parents know what games are appropriate would no longer be usable in BC, says Tieleman. The new government regulations would change the age appropriateness rating categories for games and require special physical segregation of some games in all retail and rental stores, Tieleman said.
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The Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) announced that Valve will preview a beta version of its upcoming Multicast Spectator Mode at SPEAKEASY.net's Counter-Strike Tournament, to be held in Dallas, Texas, April 12 -April 15, 2001. Valve, as part of it's continued support of the online gaming community, has designed its new multicast spectator technology in an effort to give the competitive community what it wants--professional tournament software. Allowing the masses to watch the action in real-time and follow game strategies from a bird's eye view, Valve's Multicast Spectator Mode is unparalleled for tournament coverage. Those present at the SPEAKEASY.net event will be able to preview the client software and be the first to witness the Multicast Spectator features as it is demonstrated in Counter-Strike. Spectators will be able to follow each team's position, strategies, and execution of plays.
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Take-Two Interactive Software has announced that its GodGames videogame publishing subsidiary shipped 4x4 EVO for the PlayStation 2. 4x4 EVO, which was developed by Terminal Reality, arrived in stores nationwide on April 3rd. 4x4 EVO for Playstation has new features including, revamped vehicle physics for even more realistic driving, controls that utilize Sony's pressure-sensitive analog buttons, and improved graphics. In addition, 4x4 EVO will showcase three new vehicles, Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2WD, Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD and a Jeep Grand Cherokee Race SUV.
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Sony Online Entertainment announced today that its classic edition of EverQuest is now available for the SRP of $9.99, a price point that will attract new users to a continuously growing community. EverQuest, the most successful massively multiplayer online role-playing game ever, will be available in both a jewel case and mini box versions at retail stores nationwide.
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Kodiak Interactive Software Studios Inc, announced a new new console game provisionally entitled Circus Maximus, an action-racing title available for Christmas release on the Xbox and Playstation 2 video game systems. Circus Maximus combines the danger and excitement of ancient Rome with innovative, high action, gameplay.
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