Fox snaps back at Electronic Arts

By Robert Purchese Published 25 January, 2008

Come and have a go if you think etc.

Fox has bitten back at EA, claiming the publisher has ignored invitations to stand up and defend itself on TV.

Its the latest development in the argument which started when the US news channel accused Mass Effect of inappropriate sexual content aimed at kids. One panellist likened it to "Luke Skywalker meets Debbie Does Dallas". Both great films but a comparison well wide of the mark.

EA bigwig Jeff Brown responded and wrote a letter asking Fox to refute its allegations because its report was "flat-out false", and the nudity within was the kind of fare seen in films or on telly.

Hundreds of people worked on creating the game, states Brown, and to tarnish their reputation in mainstream media was unfair.

Which brings the argument to a stand still, as Fox News indirectly refuses to apologise until the publisher joins its Live Desk segment to discuss the issue on air.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (64) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • ParmaViolet #1 4 years ago

    Somehow, I highly doubt they were ever asked....I think that EA should take them up on this, I can't see how it would be difficult to show just how wrong Fox were.

    Besides, if Fox want to try and play this kind of crap, maybe EA should just respond with 'OK, we'll see you in court - let's discuss this in front of a judge'

    I'm still pretty livid about this whole thing....

  • Beano #2 4 years ago

    Faux News

  • Fitzmogwai #3 4 years ago

    ... because Fox is renowned for providing a "fair and balanced" platform for those that disagree with its rabid foaming right-wing insania. Want a reasoned debate? Look eleewhere. There really is no point walking in to the lion's den if you're not on the Fox side of the fence.

  • BigStu #4 4 years ago

    EA have nothing to lose on this. Get on it.

  • dirigiblebill #5 4 years ago

    Sounds reasonable on the face of it, but I'll be surprised if they give Jeff much of an opportunity to state his case. They'll probably allot him ten seconds screentime on a panel of Ban-This-Sick-Filth 'experts', and credit him as 'Videogame Pornographer'.

  • geepersd #6 4 years ago

    All Fox wants is to have someone discuss it live so they can say they heard the other guy out whilst cutting them off, ignoring them and then switching to someone else to have the last word with a Star Wars meets Debbie does Dallas comment. Which is exactly what happened when that Greg (or whatever his name was) tried to speak sense in the original pesky report.

  • Aretak #7 4 years ago

    It doesn't matter if EA are right. Fox will find some way to turn it around even if they do try to contest it on air. Fox News has no interest in facts.

  • Dizzy #8 4 years ago

    I bet they are going to sell shitloads more MEs now.
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 14:03

  • afray #9 4 years ago

    if they went on Fox's channel, they'd never get a word in edge-ways.

  • Tweakmonkey #10 4 years ago

    Wow I had no idea journalism was so sh*t in the USA.

  • lambtron #11 4 years ago

    Basically - they should not fall into this trap but just sue.

  • canoot #12 4 years ago

    The yanks really are a fucking joke,there are idiots running around shooting people in shopping malls and schools and all they can find to whinge about is a game that got a 12 certificate,fucking pathetic.

  • Saladin #13 4 years ago

    Why should EA have to stand up and validate Fox New's hacks by providing them with a response (and co-incidentally boosting Fox's viewing figures)? Ridiculous.

  • Triggerhappytel #14 4 years ago

    For once, I think we are all sticking up for EA in this. Big games publisher vs. multimedia mega-corp.

    I just did a Googlefight and the results are... EA 250,000,000 results - FOX 322,000,000 results

    Boo.


    Anyway, since Fox's report was blatant lies, can EA do them for slander/libel? Was it spoken on the news, or was it written?
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 14:11

  • skillian #15 4 years ago

    Democrats boycotted the Fox News Presidential election debate because they know they won't get a fair hearing, and they end up just furthering Fox News' agenda. EA should do the same.

  • FenderMaster #16 4 years ago

    i love how in the original interview when geoff keighley asks Cooper has she played the game, she just giggles and says no

    still at least for once a gamer did a good job, usually they just get illiterate morons, at least they got an articulate and knowledgable guy to defend games (a rarity on tv these days)

    btw go here

    [link url=http://www.amazon.com/Cult-Perfection-Mak ing-Peace-Overachiever/dp/1599211793/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8 &s=books&qid=1201262965&sr=8-1
    ]http://ww w.amazon.com/Cult-Perfection-Ma...[/link]

    and read coopers book reviews, good stuff!!

  • hiddenranbir #17 4 years ago

    Fox wants EA to talk about Mass Effect?

    Wait wait wait. EA didn't publish Mass Effect.

    Microsoft did. If you want a fight, Fox. Atleast try to pick it with the right target.

  • NthSimulachum #18 4 years ago

    Now now canoot, less of the nationalist hate, more of the corporatist hate. The predicate "Fox News is an absolute joke" does not imply by necessity "The yanks are a fucking joke". By the same token, we Brits aren't a fucking joke due to Reality TV, nor are the French a fucking joke for their penchant for nuclear testing...wait- I think I lost the thread.

  • peteb #19 4 years ago

    Ea would do well to stay away from that show, of course Fox will spin it any way they want. And why should EA help them get ratings. They should just apologise instead of trying to make this into a god damned circus.

  • ZeroAX #20 4 years ago

    yeah i also think EA should sue the ass of Fox

  • peterfll #21 4 years ago

    EG will be sued by Fox now for using Luke Skywalker (tm) even though they only distributed the films.

  • Avaloner #22 4 years ago

    So let me understand this. Fox is saying 'You either come here or we will not apologize' That does smell of blackmail doesn't it? So EA HAS to attend the program for FOX to say the truth?

  • monkie_king #23 4 years ago

    Amazon reader review of her book:

    "So I gave this a one star review because I have never read this book, much like she has never played Mass Effect, and yet she said it was bad for kids. She did NOT play Mass Effect, she did NOT research her points. So I will NOT read her book and give it a low rating so that no one will buy her book."

  • xAx #24 4 years ago

    according to Amazon US Mass Effect is rated M 17+ over the pond. So how does Faux come up with aimed at children.

    also how come its only a 12 over here? were americans so offended by this blasphemous digital sex scene that they thought their children would turn into laser shooting sexual predators in space?

  • peteb #25 4 years ago

    @xAx

    yea I reckon so! I thought this when I got my NTSC version and saw it was 17+
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 14:36

  • L42yB #26 4 years ago

    Hang on guys, I don't think it's a very good idea for EA to go on the Live Desk. They will not let EA get a word in edgewise, just like their last report. The EA spokesperson will be cut off constantly and made to look bad no matter what.

    Also, they can't take legal action since FOX NEWS won the right to lie about stuff on tv in 2003:

    [link url=http://www.projectcen sored.org%2Fpublications%2F2005%2F11.html&frame=true
    ]http://www.projectcen sored.org%2Fpublica...[/link]

    So EA are pretty much screwed. The best thing they can do is go to a rival news show and do their appearance there...

  • kissthestick #27 4 years ago

    @xax in the US:

    Violence > Sex

    DOA Beach volleyball got an M rating over there too,lol
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 14:38

  • AbyssUK #28 4 years ago

    EA should just sue them and refuse to go on the show. We as gamers should also get together and file a class action suit against the negative stereotyping of the average gamer.... it might work....

  • Mullet94 #29 4 years ago

    EA should tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine. Fox News makes the journalistic talent at The Sun look good. and it's about as 'fair and balanced' as Hitler and Stalin's love child. :)

  • ZeMumu #30 4 years ago

    A debate on Fox's ground would be highly biased. They'd do with EA what they always do with Ron Paul \o/

  • dirigiblebill #31 4 years ago

    Fox News is one nasty piece of work. If you can't get your point across in a single sentence they'll edit you out of the argument. If you don't throw in the magic word 'research' and talk percentage figures nobody will take you seriously. If you don't have recourse to popular stereotypes- the Concerned Mother, the Cod-Academic, the Pillar o' the Community- you're finished. Soundbites are the order of the day. Personal appeals and anecdotes trump reasoned debate.

    And this is what passes for well-informed and balanced news with millions upon millions of voting Americans...

  • Mortey #32 4 years ago

    I don't think they should go on, that could look like they have a case to answer. Speak to MS and gang up to sue them over it, it is the only way to clear the name of a great product.

  • peteb #33 4 years ago

    I love the internet sometimes... :)

  • peteb #34 4 years ago

    this does sound like little kid getting bullied on the playground, asks bully to apologise but instead bully says:
    "come to the flagpole at 3am to discuss this. come alone"
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 15:13

  • Triggerhappytel #35 4 years ago

    @ hiddenranbir - "Fox wants EA to talk about Mass Effect?

    Wait wait wait. EA didn't publish Mass Effect.

    Microsoft did. If you want a fight, Fox. Atleast try to pick it with the right target."

    No, but EA bought BioWare and subsequently the Mass Effect franchise, so it's more in their long-term interest to clear the game's name than Microsoft's. I'll bet the game's sales are on the up because of this though, so I'm sure everyone's loving it really.

  • Luvbeers #36 4 years ago

    Al Qaeda should attack FOX headquarters next. Hopefully during a republican debate.

  • dirigiblebill #37 4 years ago

    Were I a merciful and benevolent God, I would force every single patronising wazzock who ever gave Fox News the 'benefit' of their opinion to perform ghastly televised sexual acts 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 54 weeks a year. We could call it 'Fucks News'.

    /prepares divine edict

  • tinners #38 4 years ago

    If they get him on he will destroy the arguement with lots of valid comments, which they will then edit to shit, like the dude from spike TV and give some clueless person on the panel from jack thompsons camp 30 mins to explain why all games are evil and we should all still be playing pong and pinball oh and atari who help make family games like Farenheight.....

    Awesome!
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 15:26

  • peteb #39 4 years ago

    @dirigiblebill

    you're gonna extend years by 2 weeks first though, yes? :D

  • dirigiblebill #40 4 years ago

    @dirigiblebill

    you're gonna extend years by 2 weeks first though, yes? :D

    Damn straight. I need more vacation time :)

  • MrWonderstuff #41 4 years ago

    Just came back from LA and the girl I stayed with had Fox news on all the time...drove me nuts...they really are scum. They had a republican interviewed for about 15minutes airtime then a had token appearance by a democrat who was pretty much talked down to without her getting a word in edgeways. She looked bloody frustrated. I reckon M$ and EA should take some action...imagine those two going after FOX...heheheehhe...dribble.
    Edited by 1 at 25/01/08 @ 16:16

  • peteb #42 4 years ago

    @dirigiblebill

    excellent :), i'd follow that, where do i sign up?

  • gaselite #43 4 years ago

    EA shouldn't stoop to that level and appear on Fox News.

    I doubt there's that much animosity between the two, given that EA published the simpsons game, which is of course a key Fox franchise. Whatever did happen to Fox Interactive anyway?

  • Donkeh #44 4 years ago

    Huh? Have I got this right? Isn't that the same as:

    Fox: You're a cock.
    EA: What?! Where the hell did that come from?
    Fox: I was told you're a cock and therefore you must be a cock, Cooper said so and that's the way it is because I say so.
    EA: Take that back, I want an apology!
    Fox: No, come down to the studio and prove you're not a cock. Until then, you're a cock you cock :p

    So I take it, "Innocent until proven guilty" isn't a phrase Fox has heard of?

    They've all gone mad I tell ya!

  • MrClam #45 4 years ago

    There wouldnt be a debate/discussion or anything.

    Fox will just cut them off every time they start to make their point and place someone who hates games instead...

  • Donkeh #46 4 years ago

    Oooh, found where it all started - 11th Jan 08. Makes for an very interesting read but sent shivers down my spine due to the narrowmindness that plagues this topic. A small quote from the article, can't believe they're talking about Mass Effect:

    Bob Waliszewki, media specialist with Focus on the Family, told Cybercast News Service, "We never shy away from sexuality in the media. It's just a question of how is that sexuality portrayed...Unfortunately," he said, "Mass Effect doesn't do that and even goes so far as to allow homosexuality to be on par with heterosexuality and heterosexuality outside of its proper context of marriage."

    Sorry, don't know how to paste a "clean" link:
    [link url=http://www.cnsnews.com/n ews/viewstory.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200801/CUL20080111a. html
    ]http://ww w.cnsnews.com/news/viewstory.as...[/link]

    Mad, just mad....

  • Sl1pstream #47 4 years ago

    Knowing Fox, there's no way they'll even let EA defend the game. It's not like they've let Keeley do his thing.

  • StevilKnevil #48 4 years ago

    Its pretty scary when you think millions of Americans watch this right wing puritan crap day in day out.
    Wait.....that explains a lot....

  • Freek #49 4 years ago

    If they're smart EA will go on the Daily Show instead, it'd be much more fun and get the point across aswell.

  • XdarXideX #50 4 years ago

    Even if EA reps showed up to be interviewed on Fox, it's not like they'd do it live or leave the interview footage unaltered.

  • smelly #51 4 years ago

    "Even if EA reps showed up to be interviewed on Fox, it's not like they'd do it live or leave the interview footage unaltered."

    .. Or cut them off half way through what they're saying, and focus more on a right wing nutjob who hasnt played the game instead.

  • hjarg #52 4 years ago

    So, basically, it goes like this: Fundies say the darndest things. This is just one of these cases. For more laughs or depression, just see what the others had to say about different subjects: [link url=ht tp://www.fstdt.com/fundies/top100.aspx?archive=1
    ]http://ww w.fstdt.com/fundies/top100.aspx...[/link]

    Besides, we all know boobs are from satan. Especially alien boobs!

  • RazorObsession #53 4 years ago

    Doesn't that ex-xbox halo tatoo bloke Peter Moore work for EA now? or something?

    I'm sure he could talk rings round half the apes at Faux news, and seeing as he used to spoon with MS he would probably be the best suited man for the job.

    Just a thought.

  • Bonus #54 4 years ago

    There's no case to defend for EA as Fox news was blatantly wrong. They should just get them in a court and have them for it.

  • Bulbatron #55 4 years ago

    I generally try not to get worked up about garbage like this, but I must admit, this really got under my skin for some reason. They think games are evil? If they really want to see evil, then what they need is a fucking mirror! In my opinion, these people are a far greater threat to society than any game.

    As for the woman who presented this piece, can EA/Microsoft/BioWare (whoever it is) not sue them - hit them where it hurts? Why is there nothing that anybody can do about these kinds of scum, who have nothing better to do than exploit people who are even more foolish than themselves.

    As previous posters have said; it probably wouldn't be good for anybody from the Mass Effect team to go on the show, since no matter how much sense they talk, they will be edited, cut-off or shouted down, until anything they say is robbed of all context and meaning.

  • t8yman #56 4 years ago

    anyone who has seen this film http://www.imdb. com/title/tt0418038/ will be fully aware of why ea need to either shut up, or sue. Because appearing on Fox news will only make matters worse.

    if you havent seen the film, check it out. The way Fox trash the 911 victim's son is shameful.

  • gaselite #57 4 years ago

    I figure it's worth reiterating: I doubt there is that much bad blood between EA and Fox.

  • Lamb #58 4 years ago

    Garbage about snapping and counter snapping.

    What about the firm accusation of repetive environments in the side-stories of Mass Effect and questionable team AI in bunker bottlenecks with the C9 droids.

  • Kujata #59 4 years ago

    "The game is "clearly marketed to minors," Cathy Ruse, a lawyer and senior fellow for legal studies at the Family Research Council, told Cybercast News Service."

    Ah, now it makes sense. She's the feamle Jack Tompson. New and improved, now with 20% extra ill-informed mouth-bile!
    Edited by 1 at 26/01/08 @ 19:56

  • johlee991 #60 4 years ago

    After watching her book reviews get hammered and her online show get spammed to death, she came to her senses... HAHAHA!!

    http://ww w.nytimes.com/2008/01/26/arts/t...

  • Davemanz #61 4 years ago

    @dirigiblebill:

    And this is what passes for well-informed and balanced news with millions upon millions of voting Americans...

    In all fairness most all of the people who watch Fox News regularly are really old and they'd be voting Republican anyway. The young people in the US are more consistently liberal than any other generation in recent history. Then there are those of us who aren't even satisfied by that and are hopping the first plane to England where we won't have to put up with nearly as much stupid bullshit. When oil gets so expensive that all the old folks in the country start freezing to death, Fox News' days will be numbered.

  • dirigiblebill #62 4 years ago

    You're right, though I'd say there's plenty of BS this side of the Atlantic. We have the Mail, doncherknow. Perhaps see if you can switch flights for Ireland? ;)

  • Davemanz #63 4 years ago

    I'd love to but the problem is I can't understand a damn thing the Irish are saying!

    It's easier than Scottish accents I suppose. :D

  • PEANUTXXI #64 4 years ago

    Rather amusing...

    http://ne ws.filefront.com/cooper-lawrenc...