Thanks to “The 1709 Blog” for noting and posting links to some very useful largely empirical studies commissioned by the UK IPO. These may be very helpful to those doing papers on related subjects. Having taken a look through as there is tons of good stuff here, especially on the economic impact on copyright holders (actually non-economic impact) of certain classes of use.
To supplement my point that video games CAN teach violent tactics, here’s an example of a practice among FPS “camping”. Yes this is also taught in movies, but with games, you reiterate the same thing over and over – sniping people in a bottle neck from an angle they weren’t prepared for. “It certainly works in paintball” It’s not just “camping” though, it’s anticipating where the other guy is going to set up shop. Knowing that a melee weapon might not alert other members of the opposite faction that anything is out of the ordinary (the Assassin’s Creed franchise makes teaching this tactic a substantial portion of the game). No, I don’t think the average gamer is incited to go on a melee weapon rampage in the office/school, but if they were to do so, I think it’s safe to say they are a more “weaponized” version of themselves after playing 500 hours on an FPS with sprites programmed to behave more and more human.
[viewer discretion – depictions of death ‘R’ rating, it’s a scene from Saving Private Ryan] http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bwBkQy9CpS0#t=1080s
Don’t get me wrong, I think the benefits of video games far outweigh the detriments, but I’m not going to pretend that watching a violent movie, or immersing myself fully in a highly realistic video game where I happen to learn advanced combat tactics doesn’t have any effect on me at all…
As described just prior to the start of class, here is the text of an email received yesterday regarding the E3 Scholarships being given by the International Game Developers Association:
“The IGDA is pleased to announce that we are now taking applications for Scholarships to attend E3. The deadline for applications is 2 April.
The Electronics Entertainment Expo is one of the most important events of the game industry’s calendar, as one of the largest trade shows. Students will get an opportunity to see the AAA marketing machine up close, as well as get some behind-the-scenes insight into how it functions. As with all our scholarships, we will also provide successful applicants with mentorship from established industry professionals as well as the opportunity to tour local studios and meet developers. Applications are based on a series of very short mini-essays, and will be judged by a panel of experts drawn from across the industry.
The scholarships are an excellent way for students to kickstart their career, by being selected as one of the “best and brightest” of those studying topics related to game development around the world. We would greatly appreciate your help to spread the word around relevant institutions, chapters and other groups.
Out guest speaker this week is Chris Bennett, a partner at Davis LLP. Chris is the head of the IT Law Group and Trade-marks Law Group and is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property, Technology & Outsourcing, Video Games & Interactive Entertainment, and Franchise & Distribution Law Groups.
Chris was recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada 2013 as a leading lawyer in Information Technology Law, and by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a Leading Practitioner in Computer and IT Law.
His specialties include the creation, protection, enforcement and commercialization of intellectual property rights; and development, distribution, licensing and support of software, video games and other technology.
He has indicated that he plans to talk about due diligence relating to video game company transactions.
He has a really interesting video game law blog with some great entries. If anyone wants to check it out the link is:
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