Australia has banned over 32 videogames, America, None.

The Australian Government is not slack concerning what enters the hearts and minds of its youth, and this strict rule has resulted in many games getting banned due to excessive violence and nudity. America on the other hand up to this day hasn't banned a single videogame because of the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Although they may not be banned, several games have been refused a rating below adults only by ESRB hence making it easier for consumers to make wise purchasing decisions.

Australia's case is different as videogames cannot be rated R18+ as the rating only exists for film. In order to be approved many games have been edited to meet the MA15+ rating because if not, the game will be banned altogether. Here's a list of the videogames currently banned in Australia:

1) Seven Sins ~ Banned because of high impact of sexual references.

2) 50 Cent: Bulletproof ~ Banned because of high impact cruelty and violence. A censored version was later released.

3) Blitz: The League ~ Banned because of drug use.

4) BMX XXX ~ Banned because of sexuality and nudity in relation to incentives and rewards. A censored version was later released.

5) Dark Sector ~ Banned because of high impact violence. A censored version was later released.

6) Dreamweb ~ Banned because of a scene of sexualized violence, however, the game was censored, and re-released with an MA15+ rating in 1996 for "Medium level animated violence."

7) Fallout 3 ~ Banned because of in-game drug use. Edited worldwide due to the insignificant change that was done. Therefore Australia got the same version as the other countries with a MA15+.

8) F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin ~ Banned because of high impact violence, Warner Bros. Interactive later appealed the decision and received a MA15+.

9) The Getaway ~ Original released uncut, more content was found that was deemed too much for the MA15+ rating. A censored version was later released.

10) Grand Theft Auto III ~ Banned because of sexual violence. A censored version was later released. The PC version was released uncut.

Just some of the games that have been blocked the Australian government, others include: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto IV, Left 4 Dead 2 (refused classification as it failed to gain the MA15+ rating. Also, Manhunt 1 & 2, Shell Shock 2: Blood Trails and Silent Hill: Homecoming were banned.

They don't joke around in Australia do they? As of August 26th 2009, the Xbox 360 has sold 700,000 consoles in Australia, the PS3 sold (as of May 26th 2009) 497,000 and Nintendo Wii (as of January 23rd, 2009) approximately 1 million units sold.

Source

10/07/09 Ernice Gilbert

Quick, buy a PS3 Slim, there might be shortages

If you need to play Uncharted 2: Among Thieves this holiday season, you will want to rush out your house, or office, or where you are, and go to the nearest retail store, and buy a PS3. Why? You might not be able to purchase one later.

Demand for Sony's console is so high that SCEA boss Jack tretton warned of shortages occurring if demand remains consistent. Here's Tretton:

"If things continue at this pace, it is conceivable that there will be product shortages," he said, after noting the PS3's sales were up above 300 percent over last year since the price cut was issued. "We are significantly up versus last year," Tretton said.

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some cash, and rush out the door. But before you leave I have a question. You ready? Ok, where will you get the money? Oh you work? Ah, ok, just don't go doing nothing illegal now. Be a good citizen.

09/25/09 Ernice Gilbert

Nintendo sees 50 million Americans owning Wii before this Gen is out

In what seems like a media blitz from Nintendo to promote its long rumored Wii price cut, the company's President Reggie Fils-Aime went to different news outlets talking up the revolutionary product, and how the new price point adds more value than any console available on the market. Apart from the Wii being cheaper, Reggie stated that they were not responding to recent moves made by their competitors Sony or Microsoft, but rather its growth mission.

But what's interesting is the numbers Nintendo's expecting the Wii to reach in the U.S. In short, it's nothing less than outstanding, that is, if they can pull it off. Mr. Fils-Aime said, "Since the launch of Wii our goal has been to expand the gaming population and get more consumers into the industry that we love. While we have sold more Wiis (over 21 million in th US and more than 50 million worldwide) than any other console after 34 months, and over 100 million DS systems, we think there is still significant opportunity to get more consumers into gaming. Just here in the US we think that opportunity is minimally 50 million consumers in U.S., by continuing to offer more and more value."

So there you have it, Nintendo's president sees you owning a Wii sometime in the future; whether you like it or not, it'll happen. Start saving.

09/25/09 Ernice Gilbert