The Xbox 360 Boycott FAQ
Without a doubt, GamePolitics' recent call for a boycott on the Xbox 360 has generated more controversy than any story we've ever covered. Comments and questions continue to pour in, both here on the website and through e-mail. For that reason we have compiled an FAQ on the topic.
What is the Xbox 360?
The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's next-generation successor to its popular Xbox console. The system was unveiled recently at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles and is scheduled for a November launch. It will compete with Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Revolution game systems.
What has Microsoft done to provoke this boycott?
As widely reported, Microsoft has agreed to cooperate with online government censorship in the People's Republic of China. Words like freedom, democracy, human rights, Taiwan independence, and demonstration are being censored by Microsoft in the blogs contained in its MSN China service. It is the editorial position of GamePolitics that Microsoft's decision is outrageous. Microsoft is a company that became incredibly wealthy based in large part on the free nature of the Internet. Now they would seek to profit by partnering with the Chinese government in a well-documented pattern of repression, and even incarceration, of those who attempt to speak freely.
Incarceration? Have people in China been jailed for comments they made online?
Yes, and in shocking numbers. Amnesty International reports that as of January, 2004 54 people had been "...detained or imprisoned for disseminating their beliefs or information through the Internet - a 60 per cent increase as compared to figures recorded at the end of 2002..." Amnesty International also reports that "...an unknown number of people remain in detention for disseminating information about the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) over the Internet...Many have been denied due process and some have been tortured or ill-treated in custody..."
Doesn't Microsoft need to "play ball" with the Chinese government in order to do business there?
Does it? Well-known Chinese blogger Isaac Mao tells us that Microsoft exceeded the Chinese government's requirements. Longtime journalist and blogging advocate Dan Gillmor calls Microsoft's position indefensible. Even well-known blogger and Microsoft employee Robert Scoble now agrees that "...trying to justify the Chinese MSN word blocker is one of the more boneheaded things I've done."
Why should gamers be concerned about Internet censorship in China?
Everyone should be concerned about it. The Internet has historically been a vehicle for freedom of expression and sharing of ideas. Microsoft and other companies are chipping away at that freedom to enrich themselves. What's more, gaming is very popular in China. Online gaming is an especially important segment of the Chinese market. So gamers around the world have many millions of brethren in China. Besides, the gaming world is becoming increasingly politicized. In fact, that's why GamePolitics.com was launched. Although there are millions of gamers, they have no voice politically, since they are not a recognized bloc. An organized boycott such as this would go a long way to establishing that gamers can unite for a cause.
Does GamePolitics presume to be the political voice of gamers?
Not at all. We are a journalistic and editorial endeavor. Gamers hold as many political views as the population at large because they are from the population at large. We are simply putting forward a strong editorial position on this critical issue and asking that gamers join in.
Why has GamePolitics called for a boycott of the Xbox 360?
Loss of revenue is simply the only language that Microsoft and other large corporations understand. The boycott is designed to call attention to Microsoft's outrageous deal with the Chinese government; to heighten awareness among gamers; and to persuade Microsoft to change their position regarding MSN China.
Was the Xbox Division of Microsoft involved in this censorship issue?
There is no indication of that.
Why should Xbox 360 be the focus of a boycott if it has nothing to do with the Chinese censorship issue?
The Xbox 360 is a key product for Microsoft. Its upcoming November launch window is a critical time for the company in their efforts to gain a competitive advantage among next-generation game consoles. This affords gamers a unique window of opportunity to strike a blow for freedom.
Aren't other U.S. companies doing business in China? Why aren't they being boycotted?
Yes, and some readers have posted comments saying why not boycott Wal-Mart or Coca Cola? The fact is, these companies are A.) not game companies and B.) not involved in restricting freedoms in China.
Aren't other U.S. companies directly involved with Internet censorship as well? What about them?
Yes. Cisco is very involved, for example. The answer is simply that this is **Game**Politics.com We cover issues from a gamer-centric perspective. Microsoft is a huge player in the video game world. The others aren't. Someone else may choose to address the issue with them.
Have you had any feedback from Microsoft about this call to boycott?
No.
Why is GamePolitics running a poll on the Xbox 360 boycott?
We are adding polls as an ongoing feature of GamePolitics. The interest generated by the Xbox 360 boycott seemed like an appropriate topic with which to start off the polls.
Where can I find more information about Microsoft's censorship in China?
There is plenty of coverage online regarding this issue. Just Google Microsoft censorship China. This Reuters report provides a general recap. Rebecca MacKinnon's RConversation.com is an excellent expanded resource on the topic.
Are you a PlayStation fanboy?
Hardly. As a dedicated gamer and game journalist, GamePolitics enjoys all systems. This site is about the nexus of video games and politics, however, and has nothing to do with game reviews or hardware coverage. There is an unfortunate auto-attack response among some system fans whenever they perceive that their favorite console is being threatened. As gamers, however, we need to look beyond our own narrow issues.
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