Category Archives: Politics

Fri, May 13, 2011 | 05:58 BST

UK politician’s data protection concerns following PSNgate

Ed Vaizey, MP

Another British politician has spoken out about the PlayStation Network dramas, calling on the games industry to prioritise data protection.

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Thu, May 12, 2011 | 06:29 BST

Politician proposes tax breaks for UK game devs

TIGA

British Labour MP Tom Watson has come out in support of the games industry, calling for reforms to the Research and Development Tax Credit system.

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Thu, May 12, 2011 | 04:28 BST

Automated ESRB system live this week

ESRB stress toy

Speaking of ratings, the new automated system for the Entertainment Software Ratings Board is now live, meaning that North American game ratings will be processed in a “more timely fashion”.

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Thu, May 12, 2011 | 03:46 BST

Key pro-R18+ Australian politician resigns

R18+ in Australia

To introduce an R18+ video games rating in Australia, each state’s Attorney-General has to reach a consensus. Tasmanian Attorney-General David Bartlett has always been one of the most passionate supporters of the cause – until he unexpectedly resigned yesterday.

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Tue, May 10, 2011 | 19:32 BST

Channel 5 and the Wright Stuff respond to Gamers’ Voice letter of complaint

thewrightstuff

Back in April, Gamers’ Voice sent a letter to Channel 5 over an episode of The Wright Stuff program after it linked a London gang-related shooting with violent videogames, before showing footage of Modern Warfare 2′s No Russian level.

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Thu, May 05, 2011 | 15:50 BST

Report – Sony issued subpoena by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

liberty

Sony has been subpoenaed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman over the PSN data breaches, according to a report on Bloomberg.

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Wed, May 04, 2011 | 20:48 BST

Sony’s efforts on PSN breach called “half-hearted, half-baked,” at US Congressional hearing

uscongressdome

Today, the US House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing regarding the PSN breach, which was broadcasted live via C-SPAN., like most meet-ups between government officials. During the hearing, Representative and Chairman of the committee, Mary Bono-Mack, called Sony’s response to the matter “half-hearted,” and “half-baked.”

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Tue, May 03, 2011 | 18:04 BST

Australia and US Congress question Sony over PlayStation Network

UnitedStatesCapitolBuilding

Sony’s not just in trouble with consumers – the United States Congress has started asking questions. Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), from the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade has sent a letter, requesting a reply by May 6, 2011. However, Sony has commented that it will not be sitting in on Congressional Hearings pertaining to the matter, at least for the time being. Meanwhile, Australian leaders have also noted concerns on the matter.

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Tue, May 03, 2011 | 17:17 BST

TIGA Board elects five new members from Lionhead, Crytek, more

tigalogo

TIGA has announced it has elected five new directors to the Board, with positions being filled by various member of the UK games industry.

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Fri, Apr 29, 2011 | 06:05 BST

ACT may introduce R18+ ratings category independent of federal decision

20110429simoncorbell

Australian Capital Territory attorney general Simon Corbell has said he’s willing to introduce a territory-specific R18+ ratings category for video games if a federal classification is not afreed upon

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Tue, Apr 26, 2011 | 22:46 BST

US Senator upset it took Sony “nearly a week” to inform customers over possible information breach

connecticuttsenator

It looks as though Sony’s failure to inform customers that their data may have been compromised as early as April 20 has upset a US Senator.

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Tue, Apr 12, 2011 | 11:39 BST

Introduction of Aussie R18+ game rating would create jobs

18plus

Brendan O’Connor, Australia’s minister for home affairs, has said that the adoption of an R18+ rating for games in the country would create jobs. Consultation on the adult-only rating is taking place in July.

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Tue, Apr 05, 2011 | 09:57 BST

Australian AG: R18+ reform “needs careful scrutiny and public debate”

20110216r18plus

Attorney General for Victoria, Robert Clark, has said that the decision on Australia’s fabled R18 rating would need careful scrutinising if it’s to be legislated.

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Tue, Mar 29, 2011 | 03:42 BST

UK culture secretary: Tax breaks not enough for games industry

20110329jeremyhunt

UK secretary of state for culture Jeremy Hunt says the UK government should up its game by offering the games industry the same kinds of incentives as Canada does.

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Wed, Mar 23, 2011 | 18:54 GMT

Tax loophole closure could see UK online game prices rise

George Osborne

The UK government is to hold a consultation on closing a tax loophole that allows online stores such as Amazon, Play and other major online stores to sell products, including games, at a deep discount by being based in Jersey.

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Wed, Mar 23, 2011 | 17:48 GMT

UKIE welcomes budget changes

ukie

UKIE, the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment, has said that it “welcomes” the UK government’s decisions related to R&D credits in today’s newly-announced budget.

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Wed, Mar 23, 2011 | 14:19 GMT

Osborne confirms 200% R&D tax credits rise

osborne

UK chancellor George Osborne has confirmed in today’s budget that R&D tax credits are to rise by 200 percent.

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Wed, Mar 16, 2011 | 00:55 GMT

Australian R18+ debate to be settled in July

20110216r18plus

Following several delays, the Australian Federal Government has set a deadline for the state attorney generals to decide on the possible introduction of an R18+ ratings category for video games.

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Sat, Feb 26, 2011 | 15:47 GMT

TIGA says it has no plans to merge with UKIE

ukietigalogo

After ongoing talks in the last few weeks, TIGA has confirmed it will not be merging with UKIE despite lobbying by industry vets and government officials alike.

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Mon, Feb 21, 2011 | 10:39 GMT

Report – UK government set to reintroduce games tax breaks

osborne

The UK government is set to reintroduce games tax breaks of up to £30 million, according to a Sunday Times report.

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