mmm...

I didn't see any reference to games in the Australian coverage of this story? I'd be pretty surprised if this constituted anything more than illegal images in a simple puzzle context OR that the officers involved wouldn't know the difference between a computer game and a screensaver (this is Australia!)

Speaking of Australian news - we just banned Manhunt 'cos the English said it was bad and we don't have a rating system that can cope with it:

"A controversial and violent computer game has now been banned nationally following concerns raised by Justice Minister Michelle Roberts. Mrs Roberts said the national Classification Review Board had ruled that the game Manhunt could not be legally sold, hired, advertised or exhibited anywhere in Australia."

"Anybody found in possession faces a fine of up to $10,000."

http://www.refused-classification.com/Games_Manhunt.htm

Yes, it may be well possible that somebody threw in "computer games" into the story just to make it look worse. It is interesting that you haven't heard of any other reference and I would not be surprised that, as you said, somebody could not tell computer games apart from other software. So, let's not hold onto this reference until another one surfaces.

About the Manhunt thing, it is quite pathetic. Illegal immigrants being held in concentration camps in Australia but videogames are the real threat? Our beautiful world of double standards...

More great stuff from Australia:

The 'Counter Strike' Invaders!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Sydney-CounterStrike-invaders-accused-of-murder/2004/11/04/1099362269650.html?oneclick=true

Guns don't kill people, games do! I mean movies do... ehm books?

I can't help shake my head at these stories, yet they continuously roam the media circuit. Why is it that they so often don't adopt a more critical view of what the root of the problem may be? It seems that the Australian government seems to be focusing on media content rather than looking at the more complex social issues that lead to violent crime and make attemps at crime prevention rather than punishment.

Mind you, this issue is not just for the Ozzies. The media here in Europe fall into the same pit trap ever so often.

manhunt is responsible for a death.

there are alot of people out there that are weak minded

they just need a fewq simple ideas and they become a serial killer for example

Edward Gein

the real life serial killer that inspired 2 movies

Texas chainsaw massacre, and who can forget phycho.

in which case this bloke gave other people ideas meaning that possibly someone could become a serial killer.

and thats why its banned, if you have played the game you will see that its pretty much a game of showing you how to kill someone in a way.

and yup the illegal immigrants held in aussie concentration camps is a good thing. they shouldnt be here its illegal so they should be locked up and there better looked after in the camps then they are in there country anyways so im all for the camps

Peter you are a right wing gimp of unbelievable fuckhead proportions.. You are the sort of winghing gitbag that should be locked up..

Manhunt responsible for a murder? bollox,, I blame the weirdo's fucked up parents.

People like you need a bullet in the head anyway,.. Now THAT's an idea.

You are such a fucking loser if you think a computer game can really affect someone in that way. It is so fucking stupid

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