Thu, May 22, 2008 | 07:01 BST
Microsoft explains Gaywood GamerTag ban
Microsoft’s explained why it banned a man from using his surname as a GamerTag on Xbox Live. As reported yesterday, Richard Gaywood – GamerTag RichardGaywood – had his named blocked on the service as included the word “gay”.
“We want the Xbox LIVE community to have the freedom to express themselves, but we also have a responsibility to create an inclusive, safe environment,” Microsoft’s Stephen Toulouse told Kotaku.
“While it may be clear to some that Gaywood is a legitimate surname, it may not be obvious to other Xbox LIVE members. In this case, a complaint was filed by a member of the community, requiring the Xbox LIVE team to examine the gamertag within the context of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use. Based on the these guidelines, it was necessary for the GamerTag to change.”
Pathetic. Let’s hope there are no gamers out there called Allcock or Bender. They’ll be coming after you next.
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Posted in: Xbox 360, Xbox Live
Tags: nazi germany, richard gaywood
11 comments
#1
Daniel Plainview
22/05/08, 7:26 am
How many complaints does it take for Microsoft to step in?
#2
Blerk
22/05/08, 8:16 am
One, by the looks of it. Completely ridiculous.
#3
mart
22/05/08, 9:28 am
Heh, isn’t this a copy and paste of the last statement they made?
#4
Killerbee
22/05/08, 9:53 am
Let’s hope David DICK-IN-SON doesn’t play on Xbox Live.
#5
Tiger Walts
22/05/08, 10:13 am
I find the term Major Nelson quite offensive as I was regularly bullied by this schoolyard prank. :’(
#6
Blerk
22/05/08, 10:18 am
It sounds a bit like an innuendo, too. Nelson’s column? Surely a thinly-veiled penis gag.
i.e.
“Man, when I woke up this morning I had a MAJOR ‘Nelson’.”
#7
EdwardTivrusky
22/05/08, 12:06 pm
This could be a great game, pick a gamertag and complain about it. See how many people you can inconvenience.
Petty, really petty but there again it is the internet so what do you expect?
#8
Tiger Walts
22/05/08, 12:14 pm
Let’s see what we can find offensive about AceyBongos.
#9
Blerk
22/05/08, 12:18 pm
“Bongos” sounds like a euphemism for “breasts”.
#10
Habe
22/05/08, 6:15 pm
My tag is “messylovepump” do you think I’m in trouble?
#11
wz
23/05/08, 8:36 pm
I was just thinking “Wtf it’s his name”, but then a green rabbitfrog explained why MS statement makes sense.
Seriously, they’re more nuts than I am.