Game Lif: Bioshock Infinite Delayed and Gotcha Controversy
Summary
Irrational Games has announced a delay in launching Bioshock Infinite from October 16th to February 26th, 201. The game’s creative director, Ken Levine, stated that the team is working on adding new improvements to Bioshock Infinite. Additionally, Levine said there would be no showcase of the game at E3 or any other trade shows this year. In Japan, the term “gotcha” refers to vending machines where people can obtain toys. In mobile video games, players can spend money on virtual vending machines, hoping to receive rare items. This has raised concerns over children spending thousands of dollars on these games, leading to companies such as GRII and DNA to limit spending. The Japanese government’s Consumer Affairs Agency has said that gotcha sales may violate the country’s gambling law.
Table of Contents
- Bioshock Infinite Delay
- Gotcha Controversy
- Potential Illegalities
- Company Response
- Conclusion
Bioshock Infinite Delay
Q: Why was the original launch date of Bioshock Infinite delayed?
A: Irrational Games has announced that the launch would be delayed as they wanted to add in new improvements to make the game “something even more extraordinary.” The game’s creative director, Ken Levine, made this statement.
Q: What was the original release date of Bioshock Infinite?
A: The original release date was October 16th.
Q: Is Irrational Games showcasing Bioshock Infinite at E3 or any other trade shows this year?
A: No, Ken Levine has confirmed that Bioshock Infinite won’t be shown at any E3 or trade shows this year.
Gotcha Controversy
Q: What is the Japanese meaning of the term “gotcha”?
A: The Japanese meaning of “gotcha” is a vending machine where toys can be obtained.
Q: In what context has “gotcha” been used recently in Japan?
A: “Gotcha” has been used in the context of mobile video games. Players can spend money on virtual vending machines, hoping to get rare items.
Q: What happens when players complete full sets of items in mobile games with “gotcha” systems?
A: If players complete full sets of these items they can receive even more rare items.
Q: What concerns have been raised about mobile games with “gotcha” systems?
A: The main concern is that kids have been spending thousands of dollars via their cell phones on these games with “gotcha” systems.
Q: Have any companies responded to these concerns?
A: Yes, companies such as GRII and DNA said they would limit kids spending.
Potential Illegalities
Q: What has the Japanese government Consumer Affairs Agency said about “gotcha” sales in mobile video games?
A: The Consumer Affairs Agency has said that “gotcha” sales may violate the country’s gambling law.
Q: What were the consequences of the possibility of the Japanese government cracking down on “gotcha” sales?
A: This caused stock in GRII and DNA to drop by over 20%.
Company Response
Q: How has the mobile game industry responded to the possibility of the Japanese government cracking down on “gotcha” sales?
A: Japan’s mobile game companies responded by saying they would move to end all “gotcha” sales.
Conclusion
The delay in the launch of Bioshock Infinite has raised questions about whether Irrational Games is adding extra features, or if there are unforeseen issues with the development process. On the other hand, the use of “gotcha” systems in Japanese mobile video games has raised concerns over children spending thousands of dollars on these games, leading to companies limiting spending. The Japanese government’s Consumer Affairs Agency has said that “gotcha” sales may violate the country’s gambling law, leading to a possible crackdown and significant consequences for game publishers.
