PSN making some changes and a violent game tax on tap in Oklahoma.

SHOW NOTES:

Story 1:   

So if you are a Playstation Network member, you probably got an email on Monday stating that there would be some changes on the way for the system.

According to Sony, stating today, your account will no longer be called a Playstation Network account, but would instead be called a Sony Entertainment Network account. 

Now before you got and get worried that you’ll have to create a new name, or password, and go through a whole complicated process, Sony has said that this is just a change in name only. 

According to them, “This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music, and more."

So I guess Sony is looking to create more synergy across their entertainment properties. Only time will tell if the move will be a good one.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/psn-accounts-undergoing-name-change-6349822

Story 2:  

So another politician is trying to attack violent video games, this time in Oklahoma.

Democratic state representative William Fourkiller (which is a fairly ironic last name don’t ya think?) has introduced House Bill HB 2696. This bill would levy a 1% tax on any video game that receives an ESRB rating of Teen, Mature, or Adults Only. This is on top of any other existing sales tax. The money raised would go to create two new funds: one to get youth involved in outdoor activities, and one to with bullying prevention.

According to Fourkiller, games are a major cause of obesity and bullying in our society, but since they make a lot of money, could be part of the solution.

Of course, the game industry isn’t taking this lying down. Dan Hewitt of the Entertainment Software Association says that he is disappointed that politicians are still trying to attack gaming in a way that is patently unconstitutional. He also said that "Taxing First Amendment protected material based on its content is misguided."

So a lot of politicians REALLY don’t like violent video games. They keep trying to control them, and it always ends the same way. You’d think they would learn their lesson by now.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/40065/Oklahoma_bill_proposes_extra_tax_on_violent_games.php

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