INX game servers blog

Where we differ most from past generations isn’t just in haircuts, or dress sense. The question that’s being asked is, are we going too far, and more importantly. Where will we end up?

The media is currently in a frenzy over online gaming website Miss Bimbo. I use the phrase online gaming loosely. Because for those of you used to playing Counterstrike online or pwning Call of Duty 4 servers, you might find this game a little odd.

The web-based game offers players to buy (virtually, for their online character) breast enlargements, dieting pills and face lifts.

Now, nothing new you might say. In fact, I’m offered breast enlargements on a daily basis by email (I always email back to ask if they offer reductions, but they never get back to me ()

What seems shocking is it’s claimed that girls as young as 8 play the game.

My auntie looked over my shoulder watching me play COD 4 at the weekend, and looked disgusted when I head shotted some noob out in cover. Watching the players head explode, she seemed to insinuate I’d somehow be tainted by this and go out and really shoot people.

I wonder what she’d make of Miss Bimbo….

Ok…

So it’s not as if I am new to screaming gaming kiddies. First, as a pro-leet CS 1.5 / 1.6 player, I remember fondly each night the abuse over voice chat. Then as director and support staff at a big game server provider. So, do I get all boo-hoo and upset at a 13 year old calling me a fag? Water off a duck’s back, mate!

Yesterday (Sunday) was my first day off in a long long while. Having not really played much, I decided to get out the XBox 360 I bought some months ago, now with the exception of my PES2008 addiction, gathering dust. I purchased my Xbox Live gold membership, and hooked up to a COD4 server. After pwning for a while, I thought, Why not try that headset they provide?

So on it went. Rather comfortable too. Not like those cheap headsets that brand your ears.

Now, please I’m not a prude. My friends will confirm far from it! It takes a lot to make me blush. Like the cheap moisturiser I thought would make me look good, the other day. Ouch. First impressions, Xbox Live is packed full of nasty, rude, obnoxious little ****es. Of course, not to discount those normal friendly people on there. There are a few, such as the guys added to my friend’s list. Nice to meet you guys

In 5 minutes, I came across:

- Nasty homophobia (gay, faggot…bovved. Let’s face it, kids use the word gay like they do the word want. That doesn’t bother / offend me). I do object when it gets personal and nasty.

- Anti-semitism. Personal jokes about the nazis, the holocaust. One young lad actually piped up really upset…Hey guys, do you mind, I’m Jewish only to be laughed at, mocked and insulted further.

- Complete lack of sportsmanship. If you block or TK, you say sorry. You do not spawn camp.

- Complete lack of skills. How on my first go, did I manage to obliterate the noobs so easily?

- Absolutely no discussion, friendliness, or niceness.

I played on several different ‘servers’…all the same.

Sunday’s conclusion? Stick to the PC for playing Call of Duty 4 game servers. So I’ve put the headset back in the attic, and won’t be taking it back out. Pro Evolution Soccer on Xbox Live is fine. I enjoy that. But for FPS, I’ll have my PC back please.

I do hope this isn’t where online gaming is going.

- Olly