MMOs as an outlet for [future] child predators?

[Kaylena]

Originally Posted by Twobit Whore

Wait, so you didn't say:



Oh, but you did. In the same post. These 2 issues are NOT the same. Ageplay between adults is NOT the same as a 26 yr. old trying to meet a 15 yr. old. Until someone submits evidence that it did happen then nothing illegal has occured. End of story.

So in your mind, Blizzard should just continue to wait around until the next child is hunted?

You don't find any hypocrisy at all in their "ban now, petition to AA later" stance on cheating game mechanics while they turn a blind eye to their own TOS and EULA regarding explicit sexual language in the game?

You keep trying to make excuses for their existence in society. I'm pointing to the fact that Blizzard's own policies prohibit them from assembling under that deviant umbrella.

Blizzard could easily and legally ban them as much as they do the alleged cheaters and foul-languaged-ones. But they aren't and that's a good reason to ask WHY.

[Twobit Whore]

Blizzard could ban you because they don't like your face. That doesn't mean it is right or they should be able to.. but they can. This has nothing to do with it. The TOS and EULA is an all-encompassing umbrella that they can hide under all they want. Of course the backlash may not be something they want to endure financially, hence the backing down on that gay guild thing.

Granted this issue may not illicit such a negative response from the general public due to the sensitive nature, but that doesn't change the fact that they would be banning on the grounds of something that is not illegal in the world and would simply be an exercise of power at their own discretion. It's whether or not people think they should live in fear of being a target of that discretion that is the real issue.

People want these games to mimic the real world, virtual worlds as you will. It's time that people realize the real world is not rainbows and unicorns and it takes all kinds to make it go 'round.

[Kaylena]

Aside from all the opinions of where this going.. I think I have pretty good idea where it will wind up.

Blizzard will either have to act in accordance with the Teen ESRB label they were given or wind up like Manhunt2 did and have it adjusted.

I can foresee that when enough parents get wind of what's going on, they're going to demand the game be readjusted to rated ADULT.

And then we'll see what type of game Blizzard is shooting for here. But at this point, considering the proofs, it's not suitable for minors.

[Twobit Whore]

Originally Posted by Kaylena

I can foresee that when enough parents get wind of what's going on, they're going to demand the game be readjusted to rated ADULT.

The game could already have this sort of movement pushed on it without this latest incident if you are going to make guildchat a factor in the rating. I would easily bet my house that 50% of more of guilds have sexual talk, cursing, racial slurs and other unsavory topics brought up on a daily basis.

[Quineloe]

Why don't you guys just call the FBI on them?

[Kaylena]

Actually after reviewing that article, Manhunt2 got the label lowered to M, from AO. But that was after whatever caused them to reap AO was taken out of the game. The main point being, these games obviously strive for as much of an audience as they can muster and I doubt Blizzard is any different. My guess is they're going to want to keep that T rating.

[Kaylena]

Why can't I edit my posts? Is it because it's in Rickshaw or is the edit function on the brink?

Just thought I'd mention that because I couldn't fix a mistake I made before.

[Twobit Whore]

Originally Posted by Kaylena

Actually after reviewing that article, Manhunt2 got the label lowered to M, from AO. But that was after whatever caused them to reap AO was taken out of the game. The main point being, these games obviously strive for as much of an audience as they can muster and I doubt Blizzard is any different. My guess is they're going to want to keep that T rating.

Wait, you linked an article that said the opposite of what you thought it did before you even read it? Okay...

Hell, you could have pointed at Oblivion and the boob mod to make a better point but that brings up the question of should games be responsible for what players add? If Nintendo makes a Mario game and someone mods Princess Peach to be naked, should that game be rated M? What if they have Mario violating her ass? Is it then AO?

Why would chat be any different? Blizzard cannot monitor chat, they can only react when something inappropriate is brought to their attention. They will then act accordingly, but that doesn't mean the game should have its rating changed. They provide a game and what THEY provide is rated T for teen. What players do is uncontrollable, even with banning because banning someone doesn't turn back time. The inappropriate behavior already occured and nothing can change that. If you are going to give ratings on what can happen then we are in for a world of hurt because everything should be rated M/AO because someone, somewhere will find a way to put sex in it.

[Quineloe]

Exactly because of shit like that you can't edit in the Rickshaw Kaylena.

[Kaylena]

Originally Posted by Quineloe

Exactly because of shit like that you can't edit in the Rickshaw Kaylena.

Thanks, I didn't know that.

No, TwoBit. I linked an article trying to show ESRBs CAN be changed after the fact. It was just in that particular case, it was lowered, but only after changes were made to the game. You had to read all the previous articles to see that it or you could have easily gotten the initial impression I did.

I couldn't edit it, so I clarified it after I read the other articles attached to the first one.

That still doesn't change where I think this will wind up. You do realize that part of the rating is based on the tolerance of language, right? That includes chat and why there must be a language filter. The GMs have stated numerous times that this is the reason why they can't allow swearing without a filter in the game. So, yeah you were wrong on that one. It is controlled, based on the ESRB.

[Camerous]

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the law say that writing about having sex with a minor is illegal? That it is not an excuse that there wasn't an actual minor involved but the act of writing about it is, in of it's self, an act of lewd and willful child abuse? Hmm let me look it up and see if I can find it but I am pretty sure in recent years it was changed to say that so that cops could now arrest guys that were trying to get minors to meet them to have sex.

[Twobit Whore]

Originally Posted by Kaylena

That still doesn't change where I think this will wind up. You do realize that part of the rating is based on the tolerance of language, right? That includes chat and why there must be a language filter. The GMs have stated numerous times that this is the reason why they can't allow swearing without a filter in the game. So, yeah you were wrong on that one. It is controlled, based on the ESRB.

And if you turn off your filter then too bad. If you join a guild knowing they speak in a vulgar manner then too bad. You have no right to complain if you are offended when you willingly put yourself in a position that you know will offend you.

If these people were using open channels to have cyber then you would have a point, but as long as it stays in guildchat you don't. If Blizzard is going to monitor all guildchat for inappropriate comments then to me that is worse than having a few freaks acting disgusting.

[Kaylena]

Originally Posted by Camerous

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the law say that writing about having sex with a minor is illegal? That it is not an excuse that there wasn't an actual minor involved but the act of writing about it is, in of it's self, an act of lewd and willful child abuse? Hmm let me look it up and see if I can find it but I am pretty sure in recent years it was changed to say that so that cops could now arrest guys that were trying to get minors to meet them to have sex.

You're right, it's illegal to even talk with a minor about having explicit sex.

I don't have the cited law on me at the moment, I gotta get to work, but here's an article that gives an example in plain language: The News-Herald - Former teacher, coach jailed

[Kaylena]

Originally Posted by Twobit Whore

And if you turn off your filter then too bad. If you join a guild knowing they speak in a vulgar manner then too bad. You have no right to complain if you are offended when you willingly put yourself in a position that you know will offend you.

If these people were using open channels to have cyber then you would have a point, but as long as it stays in guildchat you don't. If Blizzard is going to monitor all guildchat for inappropriate comments then to me that is worse than having a few freaks acting disgusting.

You're wrong. It just has to be reported. I know a mother that reported her son's guild chat to a GM and it was actioned. But, you can believe that or not. The TOS makes no concessions for private chat channels.

[Camerous]

ok yeah I found it...

16-12-80. Distributing obscene materials; obscene material defined;
penalty.
A person commits the offense of distribution obscene materials when he
sells, lens, rents, leases, gives, advertises, publishes, exhibits, or
otherwise disseminates to any person any obscene material of any
description, knowing the obscene nature thereof, or offers to do so, or
possesses such material with the intent to do so, provided that the word
"knowing," as used in this Code section, shall be deemed to be either
actual or constructive knowledge of the obscene contents of the subject
matter; and a person has constructive knowledge of the obscene contents
if he has knowledge of facts which would put a reasonable and prudent
person on notice as to the suspect nature of the material; provided,
however, that the character and reputation of the individual charged
with an offense under this law, and, if a commercial dissemination of
obscene material is involved, the character and reputation of the
business establishment involved may be placed into evidence by the
defendant on the question of intent to violate this law. Undeveloped
photographs, molds, printing plates, and the like shall be deemed
obscene notwithstanding that the processing or other acts may be
required to make the obscenity patent or to disseminate it.

Material is obscene if:
1. To the average person, applying contemporary community standards,
taken as a whole, it predominantly appeals to the prurient interest,
that is, a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
2. The material taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value; and
3. The material depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way,
sexual conduct specifically defined in subparagraphs 1-5 of this
section:
1. Acts of sexual intercourse, heterosexual or homosexual, normal
or perverted, actual or simulated;
2. Acts of masturbation;
3. Acts involving excretory functions or lewd exhibition of the
genitals;
4. Acts of bestiality or the fondling of sex organs of animals;
or
5. Sexual acts of flagellation, torture, or other violence
indicating a sadomasochistic sexual relationship.

As you can see it is illegal to DESCRIBE an illegal sex act in the state of GA. I thought it was.