Lawsuits That Changed the Games Industry

Gamasutra has up a piece looking at litigation that changed the way the games industry works. Deep, interesting questions like "Is modding legal?", "Are games covered by the 1st amendment?", and "Are games protected by copyright laws?" have all been decided in legal cases within the last 20 years. The site explores these issues, and ponders issues that are likely to affect the business of the games hobby in the future. From the article: "A variety of laws have been put forth by state legislature to act toward censoring game content or controlling the sale of games. As a rule, be immediately suspicious of any legislation proposed in the name of 'security' or 'protecting our children.' The result is often a jumbo size bite taken out of artistic expression and individual liberty. To date, the ESA has fought and won nine out of nine cases on these issues, having the state laws declared unconstitutional. Furthermore, the ESA has sought and won more than $1.5 million dollars in attorneys fees."

Re:just waiting for it....

[OldeTimeGeek]

But first McDonalds: McDonalds uses massive ad campaigns targeted at children, a group than any self-respecting state recognizes has an imperfect will: the kid wanting something is not a rational choice. And McDonalds purveys as food substances that fool the senses into thinking they're receiving something extremely nutritive, when in fact, they're getting the obesity and diabetes express. So they're targeting a group not entirely capable of reason with a product that fools the senses. And they're intentionally doing that.

Yes, its a horrible thing. The hordes four- and five-year-olds McDonalds has hypnotized. I've seen pictures of them, fives and tens clutched tightly in their tiny little hands, stumbling up to the counter in their jammies; ordering BigMacs and fries - just like they've seen on TV. The glassy stares. The trembling arms as they reach for the poisonous ooze. Oh, the humanity.

Is there nothing that can restrain them? Nothing that can stop them? Something like, say, parents to steer them down the righteous path? No, the government must be called in! Only the military can stop this heinous crime!