Alphabet soup and you! DLC and the ESRB Q

[stiper327b]

So, anyone know the ESRB's policy on downloadable content? I know they've got the disclaimer on all games that the online experience may change, thus negating any responsibility they might have had, but does this extend to DLC as well?

I ask because if not, then mayhap we'll be getting a some tracks with lyrics some might not deem suitable for the youngins. Sure, I know that HMX (as well as EA/MTV) want to offer a product that is appealing to the largest number of people, but I would think that an uncensored lyric or two wouldn't necessarily be a market anathema.

[logicalnoise]

So, anyone know the ESRB's policy on downloadable content? I know they've got the disclaimer on all games that the online experience may change, thus negating any responsibility they might have had, but does this extend to DLC as well?

I ask because if not, then mayhap we'll be getting a some tracks with lyrics some might not deem suitable for the youngins. Sure, I know that HMX (as well as EA/MTV) want to offer a product that is appealing to the largest number of people, but I would think that an uncensored lyric or two wouldn't necessarily be a market anathema.

HMX already commented. All explicit songs will be censored(swears cut out but not rephrased) but there will be freestyle areas in their place so you can swear if you want. The game just won't tell you to or mark down your score for it. So a T rating is likely.

[mrnuzzlespleen]

In an interview with gamespot, it was confirmed that DLC can have indiviudal ratings. So uncensored DLC is a go.

[Magnet]

Okay, the game will be rated T. That means that any explicit lyrics will be replaced by an empty space on the vocal tracks on the disc. You will not be penalized for singing them or not singing them. However, in an OXM podcast, Alex revealed that they are planning to have DLC content rated by the ESRB. So censoring lyrics would no longer be an issue in that case if that idea goes according to plan, since some songs may be rated M.

[SmokaCola]

Since apparently they have an "itunes-like" GUI for the downloading of songs, I don't see why it wouldn't be a problem for them to do both censored and uncensored versions. Censored versions should cost a bit more though.

[Jimmik]

Since apparently they have an "itunes-like" GUI for the downloading of songs, I don't see why it wouldn't be a problem for them to do both censored and uncensored versions. Censored versions should cost a bit more though.

I bet they'll end up doing something like that. They'll offer a choice. Yay choices

[stiper327b]

Thanks guys. I knew the songs on the disc would be "censored," but I didn't know what the policy on DLC was, either the ESRB's or HMX's. Not that I think a song lacking a curse word or two is completely without merit, but just to give the consumers the choice, that would be pretty nice.

[SmokaCola]

I prefer profanity in my music, playing "Killing in the Name" made me die a little inside.

[Jimmik]

I prefer profanity in my music, playing "Killing in the Name" made me die a little inside.

Agreed.... >.>

[Bakkster]

I remember either Sean or A. Rig confirming that they are exploring "mature" DLC. Also, all DLC gets individually rated, so this is certainly possible.

Also the "online experience may change" only refers to other players and the fact that they may curse, hump your corpse, etc.

[sa_nick]

I remember either Sean or A. Rig confirming that they are exploring "mature" DLC.

YES!! FINALLY!!

After months of saying A-Rig, it's finally starting to catch on!

[Bakkster]

YES!! FINALLY!!

After months of saying A-Rig, it's finally starting to catch on!

It's easier than spelling ;)

[stiper327b]

Also the "online experience may change" only refers to other players and the fact that they may curse, hump your corpse, etc.


I understand that, I was simply bringing that up to illuminate that the ESRB's rating doesn't go beyond that of the content found on the disc.

[whiskerson]

Agreed.... >.>


yeh instead of F* u i wont do what u tell me

they replaced it with a lame out of rythm

Now ur undercontrol

[BathTub]

So wouldn't it be possible to 'download' the songs that are censored in the game, uncensored through the DLC and have them replaced for normal play?

[logicalnoise]

So wouldn't it be possible to 'download' the songs that are censored in the game, uncensored through the DLC and have them replaced for normal play?

it'd lead to way too many bugs and possible issues with scoring.

[Bakkster]

it'd lead to way too many bugs and possible issues with scoring.

I disagree on introducing bugs (just replace the original, and done), I agree on the scoring (even if it is only one word).

[BathTub]

They've already confirmed that you can merrily sing the unedited versions of songs for no penalty, so it's just a vocal track change.

[Bakkster]

They've already confirmed that you can merrily sing the unedited versions of songs for no penalty, so it's just a vocal track change.

I thought the edited versions had no score during the blank (assuming there is no replacement). So if there was a blank and now there is a scoring opportunity, they need to be scored as different levels. If there was a replacement word ('very' vs 'f***ing') then a vocal track replacement shouldn't change anything.

[ThePaska]

I thought the edited versions had no score during the blank (assuming there is no replacement). So if there was a blank and now there is a scoring opportunity, they need to be scored as different levels. If there was a replacement word ('very' vs 'f***ing') then a vocal track replacement shouldn't change anything.

I believe the blanks in the lyrics are vocal fills (those big green bars), I'm not sure if you get points for singing during it or not, but it activates vox version of star power.

[psyborg]

Also the "online experience may change" only refers to other players and the fact that they may curse, hump your corpse, etc .


Basically the Halo disclaimer then. :p