Wow, this is some pretty amazing news!
Microsoft is teaming up with Rock the Vote to allow gamers to register to vote on Xbox Live. The Pwn the Vote initiative (OK, i just made that up, they’re calling it Rock the Vote still) will allow Xbox Live members of all races, creeds and payment tiers to register to vote, discuss politics in an special forum and participate in political polls. Live members will also be able to download Rock the Vote public service announcements.
“Xbox is a natural partner to help us reach out to youth voters,” said Heather Smith, executive director, Rock the Vote. “To realise our goal of registering 2 million young Americans by this fall, we need to go where young Americans are, and there’s no doubt in our minds that many are on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.”
Xbox will also have a presence at both the Democratic and Republican conventions promoting the Rock the Vote partnership and educating delegates about creating a safer entertainment environment on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE using the built-in parental controls known as Family Settings.
Fantastic Microsoft, what a wonderful use of Xbox Live. Now if only the whole industry could get behind this initiative. Why not make video game-centric public service announcements for gamers? Why limit it to the 360. What about the Playstation 3 and the Wii?
Come on Sony, Nintendo, let’s Pwn the Vote.
The 26th Annual Golden Joystick Awards have done away with those nasty, confusing long lists and moved on to the much easier to navigate shortlists round of voting. Gamers from all over the world are urged to head over to the site and make their voices heard as the competition begins to get hot and heavy. There are 15 categories to be determined, including the prestigious Ultimate Game Of The Year award. This year’s nominees for the best of the best? Age of Conan, Assassin’s Creed, BioShock, Burnout Paradise, CoD 4, Quake Wars, GTA IV, Halo 3, Mario Kart Wii, MGS 4, Portal, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, and The Witcher.
Is your favourite not represented? Then you should have voted harder during the preliminaries. Don’t make the same mistake twice! Head over to GoldenJoystick.com and vote today!
