Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-how-to-avoid-new-legal-pitfalls-in-virtual-world-design-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

At last week's Game Developers Conference 2009, we got the chance to sit in on Mark Methenitis' talk on How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy. You may have noticed the sheer quantity of legal cases, rulings and issues surrounding virtual environments and MMOGs that have direct impacts on users and players lately.

We found the talk to be an engaging and interesting one, which certainly went a long way towards clarifying some of the past, present and future problems and we've got a tasty summary of the highlights for you.

Continue reading GDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy

MassivelyGDC09: How to avoid new legal pitfalls in virtual world design and policy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgamblinggame-mechanicsgdcgdc-2009glidergovernmenthernandez-vs-igeigeirslegallinden-labmark-methenitismarvel-vs-ncsoftmoo-industryncsoftopinionregulationsatanasecond-lifetaxuigeavirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftworlds.comworlds.com-vs-ncsoftMon, 30 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China's The9 faces bankruptcy if Wrath expansion not approved by government]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We reported the other day on the issues that The9 is having with getting the Wrath of the Lich King expansion released in China. The government is unwilling to approve the World of Warcraft expansion, citing 'health' and decency concerns about the game's content. The9 is the licensed operator of World of Warcraft in China, and the company paid a significant amount in licensing fees to Blizzard Entertainment in April of 2008 to secure the rights to operate Wrath, according to Shanghai-based JLM Pacific Epoch.

Although the Chinese regulatory body, the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP), is chiefly concerned with removing "unhealthy" content from the game, their stance could prove disastrous for The9. If GAPP doesn't green light the Wrath of the Lich King expansion in China, The9 will not be able to recoup their losses and may face bankruptcy.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!


MassivelyChina's The9 faces bankruptcy if Wrath expansion not approved by government originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusiness-modelscensorshipchinaexpansionsfantasygappjlm-pacific-epochlicensed-operatormmo-industryoperatorregulationregulatory-bodyshanghaithe9world-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Several Second Life banks hacked - millions stolen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/severalsecond-life-banks-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/severalsecond-life-banks-hacked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/severalsecond-life-banks-hacked/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MoneyThe last few days have seen some consternation in the Second Life economic markets as several banks have had their servers brute-forced hacked. Understandably there is a fair amount of uncertainty as some of the affected parties are being less than forthcoming, but according to Nobody Fugazi, normally a reliable commentator, the following banks have been attacked, although SLIB seems to have escaped without any loses:
  • L&L Bank and Trust
  • SL Investor's Bank
  • Giovinazzo Choice Investments
  • Whitfield Holdings/Royal Invest
  • SL Business Bank
LNLBT has publicly stated it has lost over US$11,000 (about L$3,000,000) and has currently suspended trading. LNLBT has also notified the governance team at LL and is working with them. One has to wonder when the police or FBI will be involved too. Hacking a server for cash is a criminal offense in most places, and although US$11,000 isn't the biggest fraud in the world, it's not something you're likely to see ignored.

Continue reading Several Second Life banks hacked - millions stolen

MassivelySeveral Second Life banks hacked - millions stolen originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankbreakingeconomyFBIregulationSecond-Lifesecuritiesserver-hackTue, 20 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST