Newsbriefs: Music Expo, Virgin Radio, China Anti-Addiction

Author: by Staff

[UPDATED: 3:58pm PST] Today's regularly updated newsbriefs include the announcement of the Second Annual Composer Expo, which will including video game panels and representations, Virgin Radio launching an online music player for the PlayStation 3 and Wii, and a Chinese initiative to combat video game addiction in minors. - Event organizers the Global Media Development Group and officials representing Turner Classic Movies and Film Music Magazine have announced the Second Annual Composer Expo, an event aimed at bringing together composers and industry professionals to discuss the the state and business of instrumental music for multiple mediums, including video games. Specific game related topics include a panel to discuss “the current state of the art of music for video games including creative aspects of scoring games, how new technology is benefiting game composers, and how game composers are getting jobs in today's rapidly changing business climate for video game composers.” Confirmed video game composers for the event include Jesper Kyd (Hitman franchise), Jack Wall (Jade Empire), and Inon Zur (Crysis). The Second Annual Composer Expo will take place Wednesday, July 25, at The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA. For more information on the event, visit the official website. - According to a new BBC report, UK based online radio station Virgin Radio has launched a new music player designed specifically for use on the Wii and PlayStation 3 web browsers, in an effort to open the station's appear to a younger audience. Users of each respective console can now access a customized music player through their web browser, and stream music, video content, and “exclusive session recordings.” In addition, users can also use the new service to purchase concert tickets (though presumably only for European shows), CDs and downloadable music tracks. Commented Virgin's director of digital media, James Cridland, “People are treating the consoles as part of their home entertainment media centre, and now Virgin Radio will be part of that experience.” - A circular distributed by Chinese officials has announced an initiative to combat computer game addiction among the nation's youths. According to a report by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, the government issued circular mandates that all operators of online games in China will be required to deter minors from playing their games for more than three hours a day. In addition, companies will have to enforce virtual penalties on those who exceed the three hour limit, including the loss of all of the child's virtual credits. Players will also have to register for ID cards, specifying their real name and age, so that game companies will be able to identify those minors currently playing their games. The system, according to the report, must be in place by June 15. The move marks the latest in China to curb online addiction. In 2005, the nation opened the first government-owned clinic for internet addiction, with a majority of its patients addicted to online game playing. - Multiple online reports have surfaced concerning an apparent bug lurking within Bethesda's recently released expansion to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Shivering Isles. According to reports, the bug results when the expansion is installed, and the number of internal identification numbers for objects in the game become exhausted. After this occurs, the game will reportedly erase newly created items. The cause of the bug, which thus far seems to have only been reported withing PC version of the expansion and may or may not be an issue with Xbox 360 users, seems to be malfunctioning AI scripts for a handful of NPCs, which apparently continue to use up these spaces until they are filled, usually happening after about 50 to 120 hours of play, though some have reported it happening earlier. A Wiki has been set up offering more information concerning this bug, as well as advice on actions users can take to protect their games. - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister alt.gaming weblog GameSetWatch include a look at the recently released Deadly Rooms of Death: The City Beneath, a look at the impact of violent games on children from a mom's perspective, and a ridiculously cute Guitar Hero comic. - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister website Game Career Guide include news that Electronics Arts has signed on as the title sponsor of the Vancouver International Game Summit. - Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings, including openings from Bungie Studios, Chewy Software, Concrete Games, Eidos, Midway Games, Radical Entertainment, Snow Leopard Studios, Stormfront Studios, Sucker Punch Productions, Vivendi Games, Xfire, and Zipper Interactive.