ESRB gives 'F' to NIMF
The National Institute on Media and the Family (NIMF) two weeks ago gave the video game industry a "D-plus" for increased sexuality and violence and said that the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) was "beyond repair." Last week the ESRB spoke back, stamping a large red "F" on the NIMF.
"In recent years, the report card concept has become increasingly arbitrary, simple-minded and silly, more of a headline-grabbing tool than a parent-helping tool," ESRB President Patricia Vance said. "NIMF's 2005 report card continues that disappointing tradition."
In its Dec. 6 statement, ESRB assigned the NIMF an "F" for the following categories: "Full disclosure of pertinent facts," "Research and analysis," "Documentation and presentation of evidence" and "Working well with others." An additional demerit was given for "Neglecting parents' and children's best interests."
Microsoft exec blames Xbox 360 shortages on chips
Reports across the country revealed that the supply of Microsoft Xbox 360 video game systems did not meet the demand. Suspicions ran rampant on the Internet that Microsoft intentionally did not release enough systems increase perceived demand. Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer told the Ottawa Citizen last week that this was not the case.
"In these new consumer electronics devices based on new chips, there's always the question of what yield will you get out of the manufacturing process of the new chip," Ballmer told the newspaper. "We're getting a little less, but not much less than the yields we expected, and we know that the yields we expected will probably outrun supply. But we decided to go ahead and launch rather than wait until post-Christmas and get a few million units out into the hands of users."
Ballmer said Microsoft is sending shipments to stores every week. "We're doing our best," he said.
Del Toro in talks to direct 'Halo' movie
Movie director Guillermo Del Toro ("Hellboy") last week told British film magazine Empire that he is in talks with Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox to helm a film based on "Halo," the popular Xbox first-person shooter.
Whether he'll do it is another question. Del Toro told Empire he's more interested in doing "Hellboy 2," and said that the sequel would still be his priority even if he gets "Halo."
The "Halo" movie is scheduled to start production in early 2006 and release in summer 2007. If Del Toro goes forward with his "Hellboy" sequel it is unlikely Fox and Universal will delay production.
Electronic Arts buys Jamdat
Video game giant Electronic Arts last week purchased mobile game maker Jamdat for $680 million. Jamdat was founded in 2000 by Mitch Lasky and found breakout success with its cell phone game "Snake." Electronic Arts had been struggling to find a place in the mobile game market. The acquisition of Jamdat is expected to quickly give EA presence in the space.
