Advertisement

Article

Vista Game Explorer – a mixed blessing?

Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke

  • Updated:

gamesexplorer.jpgAmong the many features to be introduced with Windows Vista is a completely new interface for dealing with games on your PC. Games Explorer has been introduced to take account of the fact that games are, apparently, the second most common use for home PCs after web browsing. Locating all your games in one easy to find spot, Game Explorer includes a variety of data about each game including meta-info and box art.

For many people, the most important aspect of this useful new feature is Microsoft’s introduction of parental controls over access to games. If the parental control system is activated, games rated by the ESRB above a certain threshold will be unavailable to kids using the computer. There’s no doubt that this will appeal to many parents and families, though it remains unclear whether Microsoft have introduced the feature to protect the innocents or merely to cover their own backs from the likes of anti-gaming crusaders like Jack Thompson. Either way, most users will agree that this is a good option to include with Vista.

There is, however, a flipside to Game Explorer which hasn’t really been mentioned much outside of specialist developer forums. The problem is that ESRB ratings cost quite a lot to obtain and as such, are out of reach for most small, independent games developers. A game without an ESRB rating will automatically be classed as ‘unrated’ and will by default be hidden from kids should parental controls be activated. It’s worth noting that this aspect of the controls can be deactivated – and that games can be blocked or allowed on an individual basis – but previous experience suggests that most users will implement the default, and in this case most strict, form of control.

So what does this mean for independent games developers? I think it’s too early to say whether this will discourage anyone from bringing their game to market. But one thing’s for sure: whether accidentally or otherwise, Microsoft has dealt smaller companies and individuals something of a blow while helping out the firms who really don’t need any help. The feature is clearly a good idea but could it have been implemented in a more inclusive way?

Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke

Latest from Tom Clarke

Editorial Guidelines