Reactionaries Preorder Your Outrage: Take Two's "Bully" Under Advance Fire

[bean19]

Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com) recently posted this article (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/bully/news_6130128.html) regarding Take Two's upcoming schoolboy misadventure game entitled "Bully".

Bully takes the free-roaming style of Grand Theft Auto and applies it to a much more sedate, but intriguing, setting. Instead of shooting whores and chasing down your friend's prison boyfriend in a high-speed machine-gun-peppered motorcyle chase, you take on the role of a misunderstood boarding school teen whose arsenal has been downgraded to swirlies and slingshots.

However, reactionaries (or perhaps PRO-actionaries at this point) are already lining up to take their swings at the title.

Closer to home, Florida attorney Jack Thompson, an active campaigner who has in the past targeted aggressive e-mail campaigns at politicians and company officers he hopes to influence, is himself mounting an effort against the game--specifically, against certain game retailers as well as the game's publisher.

"A check of Internet web sites today reveals that Wal-Mart, GameStop, ToysRUs, and Amazon.com are all presently pre-selling the game with no questions asked as to age of the buyers," Thompson said in a statement.
The question of whether or not the requirement of a credit card for online purchases is sufficient is not asked or responded to in the article.

[Arcon]

Amusing the premise of this game. Considering the nerdcore who make up a vast majority of the gaming world were probably visited upon by a 'misunderstood' bully.

If we/they can forgive and forget, maybe that speaks volumes about our character, who knows?

It seems like it's Jack Thompson's time to shine every time a game comes along where you dont play a wholesome character.

[Nerv]

Like the OP said, not many 12 year olds have credit cards, do they?
So if a kid orders it via the net its either with the parents permission (making it the parent's fault), or fraud (which is probably Rockstar's fault...).

[H.Bogard]

Someone needs to introduce Jack Thompson`s ass to my boot

[bean19]

Arcon - Well, if they do a good job, they'll show that the lead character's bullying nature comes from a pitiable past and allow the player to redeem the character. . . or continue down the negative road with glee.

Bullying is a means to an end. My understanding from previews of the game is that it is not the sole means to an end or the only route to take. However, I'm guessing from the title that they'll reward bad behavior more than good behavior. That is fun as a gameplay mechanic, but not really true to life.

While this may be a game that gets rated Mature for violent content, I think that the most interesting thing about this is the way that Take Two is being targetted. There are a LOT of Mature rated games that can be pre-ordered via the Internet that are not entertaining similar scrutiny and which have much more mature elements.

[Heretic Machine]

Maybe old Jack needs a visit to Mr. Swirly?

[bobbler]

I'm still hoping his kid goes out and does something really bad, like kill him -- oh, the irony. Obviously they can't blame his kid's actions on Video games (he probably doesn't let his kid touch them), although, I'm sure they'll try (his cult of anti video game fanatics).

[Nesta]

I am currently working on a time-traveling robot assassin. When I've completed the design in 27 years, it will travel back to this time period and slaughter Mr. Jack Thompson's mother so he can never be born. Unfortunately I've not been able to find a way to discern this particular guy from all the other Jack Thompson's of the world, so please beware if that it your name. Or just consider it as sacrificing for the cause. Getting this major-league asshole and general attention whore out of the genepool should be more than enough reason.

[Nanashi]

It's my guess that Jack Thompson is less concerned with the safety of children and more with further his own career via highly publicized attacked feuled by his faux morality. Seriously, we're expected to believe that some lawyer really has high moral fiber? It's my opinion that those who ferverously push morals are those that have very few morals themselves.

Realistically, if Mr. Thompson was sincerely concerned about America's youth he'd be using his power to improve our sub-par public school. Problem is, that's a harder task, and there's not much fame involved.

[Arcon]

It seems Take-Two are really the only ones pushing the envelope with games focussing on the antagonists. Similarly, its titles like Postal, Kingpin, GTA, Manhunt and now Bully which are attracting the most press. Probably because they dont do the 'villan' thing lip service, but emmerse you in the world of being a baddie. Goldeneye: Rogue Agent sucked because it was a bog standard shooter with just a different character. Not to mention paper thin plots and all the rest of it. The games that get earmarked for a bashing are always the ones that take great care to not only set you up as a bad-un' but also set up the world you inhabit.

So it's really Jack targetting those who dare to take the genre further than just cardboard cutout monsters. You can't tell me that the only problem he has with the game industry is that youngsters are getting their hands on these games.

[mister_slim]

I'm still hoping his kid goes out and does something really bad, like kill him -- oh, the irony. Obviously they can't blame his kid's actions on Video games (he probably doesn't let his kid touch them), although, I'm sure they'll try (his cult of anti video game fanatics).
I'm sure Jack has educated his son to be incredibly afraid of the real world.

[divinechaos]

It's my guess that Jack Thompson is less concerned with the safety of children and more with further his own career via highly publicized attacked feuled by his faux morality. Seriously, we're expected to believe that some lawyer really has high moral fiber? It's my opinion that those who ferverously push morals are those that have very few morals themselves.

Realistically, if Mr. Thompson was sincerely concerned about America's youth he'd be using his power to improve our sub-par public school. Problem is, that's a harder task, and there's not much fame involved.

couldnt have said it better. *gives nanashi a cookie*

[Kelegacy]

I'm still hoping his kid goes out and does something really bad, like kill him -- oh, the irony. Obviously they can't blame his kid's actions on Video games (he probably doesn't let his kid touch them), although, I'm sure they'll try (his cult of anti video game fanatics).

I'm actually thinking of adopting or kidnapping a child and raising him on heavy doses of videogame violence and ultra-violent movies. No Barney or Wiggles for this brat. If i can raise a killer through media alone, I will send him after Jack for you.

[Gil]

I got the impression from Rockstar's brief statement on the game that you played as a bullied kid, getting back at the people who pick on you.

[Crabby]

It's my guess that Jack Thompson is less concerned with the safety of children and more with further his own career via highly publicized attacked feuled by his faux morality. Seriously, we're expected to believe that some lawyer really has high moral fiber? It's my opinion that those who ferverously push morals are those that have very few morals themselves.

Realistically, if Mr. Thompson was sincerely concerned about America's youth he'd be using his power to improve our sub-par public school. Problem is, that's a harder task, and there's not much fame involved.

Do these kids have books? I think they do.

I am absolutely tired of hearing the same line about improving the school system over and over again. Why should we waste a nickel, or an ounce of effort on improving the public school system when kids don't respect it in the first place? Throwing money at schools, or even giving them new paint jobs will not improve a child's performance when that child just doesn't want to learn his stinking grammar or numbers; he would rather be doing something "fun."

Yet we blame this problem on some unknown force in the universe when it really amounts to a lack of universal value for education. Something you're not going to see reversed in the next fifty years. Better get used to it.

[Arcon]

What?
You think kids 'used' to want to learn? Kids throughout time have loathed the very concept of school. They've always wanted to be doing something 'fun'. The attitude of the kids may have something to do with the current problems in schools, but its sure as shit not the only one and it sure aint new.

[Crabby]

Except...now...we don't quite expect kids to do things for themselves...that...may be different? Slightly.

I never said kids should want to learn. I did say that everyone should start to respect education more. Respect being entirely different than just wanting, or liking something. It is a slow trickling process.

Secondly, when kids keep hearing bullshit being thrown around it all becomes an easy scapegoat and easy ammunition to sherk the work.

What is "new" about all of this is the fact that education in general has become very low on the totem pole of concerns for most Americans. It varies greatly in Europe, but most Americans over the age of schooling (18) don't give two potatoes about learning in general. You know, reading, writing, all that jazz. Insert remark concerning the proliferation of the internet here.

And even entertaining the notion that it's always been like this (unlikely considering the vast advances of the past 500 years), maybe that is exactly the problem?

Upbringing. Teach your groveling mongrels that they need to do a little bit of mental sweat once in a while in between GTA missions.

[Karmakin]

Everything I've read about the game since E3 hasn't been about how you play the Bully, it's that you're the bullied kid, who's had enough and decides to fight back and climb your way to the top of the school social pecking order.

I completly fail to see why there should be ANY outrage about this game. That schools have a social pecking order? Maybe. But guess what. Then do something about that directly. Go to the kids. See what really causes it. ANd guess what. It's the whole culture that causes it in the first place.

Crabby:Actually, as a harsh critic of the education system, the situation in the US is pretty strange. The problem isn't the top 50%, who actually have been raising SAT standards through the freekin roof over the last few years. (SAT tests are recalibrated for the knowledge level of that particular generation, so scores are compable in that way). The problem is the bottom 50%, which is basically dropped through the floor by an anti-intellectual culture. There''s no love of learning for learnings sake. It's all to pass a test, to get money. And either you succeed at it...or you find something else to occupy your time/make you happy. There's no just trying, just doing it to do it. Because everything is so goal orientated.

Again, if you want to do something about it then DO something about it. But trust me. It's not going to be easy.

[Crabby]

Well, that was pretty much my point put more bluntly. Take my brother for example. He's not an idiot, but he hasn't bothered to read a book...ever...because there is no cultural or personal motivation for him to do such a thing. At age 24 he is already suffering from mental atrophy for lack of exercise.

Anyway, I probably should have specified exactly what groups I was referring to as you did, but in most cases it is obvious.

My final point is that there is really nothing to do about it aside from riding the storm out. At some point the values bred in our current culture are going to implode. Basically, I find the political issue bogus because no one addresses it from the proper angle.

[Paltry]

lets make an online petition to have jacky boy commit suicide...

how many signitures do you think we could muster?

[smoonshine5]

lets make an online petition to have jacky boy commit suicide...
how many signitures do you think we could muster?
LOL I'd sign it... that guy's fame strategy makes me angry :mad:

[smoonshine5]

Well, that was pretty much my point put more bluntly. Take my brother for example. He's not an idiot, but he hasn't bothered to read a book...ever...because there is no cultural or personal motivation for him to do such a thing. At age 24 he is already suffering from mental atrophy for lack of exercise.

Anyway, I probably should have specified exactly what groups I was referring to as you did, but in most cases it is obvious.

My final point is that there is really nothing to do about it aside from riding the storm out. At some point the values bred in our current culture are going to implode. Basically, I find the political issue bogus because no one addresses it from the proper angle.
I think you may be on to something here, but I was raised to have a healthy respect (lust?) for knowledge and the school system still sucked... there are ways to improve it, maybe not through coats of paint, but maybe paying the teachers enough to give a damn... to go the extra mile

[OUX]

In a heart beat Fandango, in a heart beat.

[Crabby]

I think you may be on to something here, but I was raised to have a healthy respect (lust?) for knowledge and the school system still sucked... there are ways to improve it, maybe not through coats of paint, but maybe paying the teachers enough to give a damn... to go the extra mile


Most teachers were once students who didn't care about learning either.

[smoonshine5]

Most teachers were once students who didn't care about learning either.
I disagree, I have some great teachers (rare though they were) and they were great because they either loved to inspire young minds, or loved the subject they taught! Their enthusiasm made learning so much the better/easier....

[Nanashi]

Do these kids have books? I think they do.

I am absolutely tired of hearing the same line about improving the school system over and over again. Why should we waste a nickel, or an ounce of effort on improving the public school system when kids don't respect it in the first place? Throwing money at schools, or even giving them new paint jobs will not improve a child's performance when that child just doesn't want to learn his stinking grammar or numbers; he would rather be doing something "fun."

Yet we blame this problem on some unknown force in the universe when it really amounts to a lack of universal value for education. Something you're not going to see reversed in the next fifty years. Better get used to it.
Wow...

Do they have books? Well actually, many inner-city schools lack the proper amount of books and more so the books they do have are out-dated. If you read closely I didn't suggest we give more money to the school systems. Compared to other industrialized nations we spend a pretty generous amount per student. As for your comment protesting that we should even give an ounce of effort... wow... the idiocy is almost overwhelming. "Gee kids are gettin stupid. Must be their fault. Screw em!" What kind of smacktard thinking is that? All I said was that if Jack Thompson were truely concerned with children he'd be fighting to improve our school system. Which in all honsty was just a substitue for saying that if he truely interested in benefitting children he wouldn't have chosen such an assinine cause.

[Crabby]

I disagree, I have some great teachers (rare though they were) and they were great because they either loved to inspire young minds, or loved the subject they taught! Their enthusiasm made learning so much the better/easier....

But you do admit they were rare.

Do they have books? Well actually, many inner-city schools lack the proper amount of books and more so the books they do have are out-dated. If you read closely I didn't suggest we give more money to the school systems. Compared to other industrialized nations we spend a pretty generous amount per student. As for your comment protesting that we should even give an ounce of effort... wow... the idiocy is almost overwhelming. "Gee kids are gettin stupid. Must be their fault. Screw em!" What kind of smacktard thinking is that? All I said was that if Jack Thompson were truely concerned with children he'd be fighting to improve our school system. Which in all honsty was just a substitue for saying that if he truely interested in benefitting children he wouldn't have chosen such an assinine cause.

I'm not interested in your insults. I have read a lot of relevant literature on the subject. It doesn't hurt to approach any situation from a different perspective and in this case the perspective that is most overlooked is the psychological, or philosophical implications of our generation. Again, please spare me with the insults. You could also forgo the mixing of words. Taking what I say out of context of the whole picture isn't going to be constructive.

In an age when people are taking a go at each other by tooth and nail in order to wage idealogical warfare, what better way is there to resolve a tense issue than to let it work itself out by nature? No one is certainly going to listen to another perspective anyway.

What I am proposing is that this whole political "football" concerning the economics of the situation is just a scapegoat. "Improving the school system" is just a buzzword for brownie points. Had Jack Thompson chosen to spend his time focusing on "improving education" there is no doubt he would be discussing these "issues."

As has been pointed out, the cream of American intellect are still progressing where it counts, so the roots of the education are obviously not that bad.

Here is my question to you. In the most extreme cases where a child in an urban area can't get a book; tell me what you think that child is going to do with that book when he or she gets it. The most likely scenario that anticipates current sociological trends.

Well, he'll probably use it to prop up his PS2 while he plays Bully.

[H.Bogard]

I am currently working on a time-traveling robot assassin. When I've completed the design in 27 years, it will travel back to this time period and slaughter Mr. Jack Thompson's mother so he can never be born. Unfortunately I've not been able to find a way to discern this particular guy from all the other Jack Thompson's of the world, so please beware if that it your name. Or just consider it as sacrificing for the cause. Getting this major-league asshole and general attention whore out of the genepool should be more than enough reason.



My favourite post ever.....on this forum. :D