Topic

can we just settle this. family game or not?

i can't really find an official definition for what a family game is or not, but i mean, it's essentially the same as a 'family film' in regards to the use of language. so, while 'family game' doesn't have an objective definition (yet), 'family film' does. it's "a film genre that is designed to appeal to a variety of age groups and, thus, families." i think we all agree that the game appeals to many age groups. i suppose we could also agree that the game is PG-13 considering that a player must be 13 years or older to play (with parental consent). films typically are upgraded to PG-13 from PG when language is used sparingly (generally, less than 4 times) or the movie is especially violent. note that Glitch never uses language and is never violent, so the game really should be PG or even G. Certainly, it would be rated E for everyone with a disclaimer that they cannot control the content experienced online.  

ultimately though, the game has parallels with a family film that's rated PG-13. and as such, we shouldn't use language. 

thank you for your time.

(edit: ToS says 14 years or older, so I guess PG-14 would be more accurate.)

Posted 15 months ago by Mr. Dawgg Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

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  • flask, just to be clear.

    Most of us don't think that all of the sexual innuendo in game is "clever" or smart in any way, simply that it is humorous.

    Some of the innuendo is quite well-written and some of it is in fact clever, but mostly it is just amusing.
    I also find the Spice Girls references the spice tree makes absolutely hilarious, but that doesn't mean I am still ten years old singing along to them.
    Posted 15 months ago by Biohazard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Well.. fine.. 
    social pressure.. pressures me to do the opposite of whatever everyone else is doing. But other than that, I do my own thing. Seriously. So I guess that works in that way. 
    But I don't swear in public because like I said certain words offend my ears with the sound. Unless I bang my elbow... or my toe. 
    But I guess society norms tell me that I can't say shit or fuck in front of my 86 yr old grandma or my mom. or at work..

    As for this game being mature and smart... pphhh..  (this time I am talking about the opposite of immature) I laugh at you. 
    Posted 15 months ago by Tenebrae Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @biohazard

    oh, i think the in game innuendo is for the most part very sharp and clever.

    it's a number of PLAYERS who haven't got the hang of it and should not be trying it at home.
    Posted 15 months ago by flask Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Tene

    "Why can't it?"

    Sorry. Why can't what what?

    "But.. if we can titter behind our screens about playing with pickles and not get totally offended by said joke, how can this be a bad thing? I think it's a bad thing that you can't chuckle or chortle about such a juvenile joke. We are playing a game where you can make silly jokes with other like minded people without having to censor yourself because there is a child in the room/street."

    Well, I do chuckle sometimes, but I would like the game better without it.

    Apparently you're agreeing with me that it is childish.
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Exactly, Tene has come up with wonderful examples in which society teaches us not to swear.

    I have been swearing since I was probably 13 years old, and even as an adult I rarely swear in front of my mom. It is a conscious decision I make, due to previous chastising when I was younger regarding swearing. That is social pressure against swearing.
    Same with my grandmother, my younger cousin (despite him being officially a teenager as of this month, and knowing them all anyways), and every member of my family actually.
    I would also never swear in front of a boss or manager, or at work unless it is already happening and everyone is at the same level of authority or lower.
    I try not to swear when there is a child near me on the bus, because I don't want that child being punished for repeating what I have said.

    There, several more examples of Peer Pressure Against Profanity.

    Edit: oh, I see flask. Thank you for clarifying.
    But at least they aren't doing any actual harm with their jokes. They may or may not be amusing, and either way, nobody gets hurt except maybe their own feelings if nobody is amused.
    Posted 15 months ago by Biohazard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @flask
    *like*
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Biohazard
    No... you didn't get it at all. Just sounding off my thoughts in general, I do have them, I am allowed. Apparently you did not understand what I said, again...in general. I realize there is free play and there is 3 subscriptions, but I did not mean to offend you as you think I did and nothing I said was not directed toward you. I don't know you from Adam, and why are you focusing on me with your anger?
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Shall we make this a philosophical debate?

    Why should some words be viewed as "bad" and others not so. For example, "shit" and "crap" have the exact same meaning, yet for some reason we've decided "shit" is bad and "crap" isn't. Why?
    Posted 15 months ago by Skwid Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Biohazard, you brought up a good point. Maybe one reason people go wild on line so much is because they're so repressed off line.
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • i don't like the word poop. 
    Posted 15 months ago by coolbettycakes Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Skwid, that's exactly why it isn't the words themselves that offend me. It's all in the context. This whole discussion, for me, is about people using words that they know are offensive to some people, just for that reason.
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • coolbetty, you might have noticed that I don't use that word either.
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @celtic

    There is absolutely no anger in me whatsoever right now. That anger is definitely your perception, and not my intention nor my actual feelings at the moment.
    Nobody said that you cannot have thoughts, what I mentioned was that you were listing reasons why children shouldn't be allowed to play, and one thing you mentioned, possibly in jest, was that they do not have credit cards.
    What I stated was that many people do not have credit cards or the ability to purchase a subscription, which means that others could take offense at what you said, to let you know that if you would like to be cautious of other people's feelings, you may wish to alter your future words to avoid implying that one should not be allowed to play video games unless one has expendable income and a credit card. It is no business of mine if you choose to ignore that, feel free to imply or implicitly state such a thing. I can feel free to disagree publicly.

    @ferond
    That is definitely a demonstrated fact, people do act out online. It may or may not be due to many things, including repression, anonymity, and a feeling of invincibility since nobody can physically harm you through the screen.
    I don't see much acting out here actually, I see a lot of (mostly) calm conversations or debates, and about an average amount of crude humor and swearing. Then again, I haven't socialized outside my house since forced to do so in highschool, so that's a highschool level of crude humor and swearing.
    Posted 15 months ago by Biohazard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Biohazard
    Oh, I get it, you think you are my keeper and must reprimand me for my comments. I don't think so. Go bother someone else.
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Sorry celtic, I was stating facts, not reprimanding.
    Telling me to leave because you disagree with me is rather childish though.
    Posted 15 months ago by Biohazard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • getting one's knickers in a twist

    1 English
    1.2 Verb
    1.3.1 Related terms

    get one's knickers in a knot
    get one's panties in a bunch
    get one's shorts in a knot
    get one's undies in a bundle

    (idiomatic) To become overwrought or unnecessarily upset over a trivial matter.
    Posted 15 months ago by coolbettycakes Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 coolbettycakes.
    Posted 15 months ago by Jia-pop Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Biohazaed
    I did not tell you to leave. I said go bother someone else. I will not play on or with words with you. Once again, not directed at you....I think it would be wonderful if this FANTASTIC game was directed toward adults of a certain age. Good night, Be Well, Be Safe and Be Blessed.
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "Go bother someone else" means "go away [from me]" which means "leave". It isn't playing with words, it is using words which are not a direct copy+paste of the ones you used.
    Posted 15 months ago by Biohazard Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @coolbettycakes
    Awesome observation my friend.....last time I saw my nickers they were on my man's head, what's with them wearing our underdrawers like that, made you laugh didn't I, hugs.
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • well i type up my opinion and apparently hit the wrong button and it went Buh Bye...soooooo:
    In summary:
    No Kids, no begging, no I do not want to be an online babysitter.  There are lots of kids sites, and not as many grown up sites. (at least not many that aren't war themed)  If you are a kid, go play somewhere else.  If you need a suggestion, I can name at least 15 sites.
    As for language, sexual innuendos, adult themes and vegans....if you don't like what your reading, go play somewhere else as well.   I'm not saying you aren't allowed to be offended or have an opinion, I'm jus sayin you have a choice to play or not play (that is the question).  Its like when you are deciding what movie to see on Friday night...and the paper lists the ratings...you can choose to not see the R movie because it may offend you.  You can choose to not play glitch because potential for adult content is part of the game.  Its what the creators envisioned and how the game has been and its part of what makes this game fun for many people.   Theres no reason for everyone to get mad about it.   Also it was mentioned that a report option will be available (soon), so we will be able to let devs know of offensive situations, comments and players as we find them.  And devs have shown how well they listen so I would think if something really offends the masses, they would make necessary changes.
    Wow this is longer then my deleted post LOL
    Thank you and have a nice day.
    Is the game open yet?
    Oh and I love squeezing chickens...it makes me laugh. (and the screaming pickle also hilarious...and scary) sorry, I'll shut up now.
    Posted 15 months ago by Gadzooks Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Gadzooks
    Very well said my friend, your the pooh, that's a good thang. Looking forward to squeezing chickens with you. Is the game open yet?
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • First of all, am I the only one digging on the post calling out the ruination of one's innocent joy via innuendo by someone with the username of "Lucky Pierre"? Comedic gold right there. Well played.

    Second, I don't really care what kind of language you use. In game or out. If I don't care to see it, I have the option to close that particular chat window or walk away from the conversation taking place. I'm the kind of man though who chooses to use my tongue to praise rather than profane. You may choose differently. We walk different paths but we all end up in the same place linguistically. I'm not going to impose my beliefs on you and in return expect the same. We're all old enough and intelligent enough to make informed decisions on how to conduct ourselves accordingly.

    Third, I don't believe that Glitch is marketed at children but I also have no illusions about how it is perceived by them. Look at this world. Pure eye candy. Beautiful artwork. Gorgeous colours. Cute characters. Whimsical actions. What's not to like? See it through their eyes for a moment. Oh yeah, that's right...most of us already do. I grew up hard in Kahnawake, without much of a childhood. Glitch brings me back to a childlike state of wonder and enjoyment. My four-year-olds can't infer anything from the innuendo. They don't recognize any words beyond the normal developmental things one learns from pk or the books we have at home. They really love to sit in my lap and hoe the garden or use game tickets or squeeze chickens and hear them buk-buk-buk. It doesn't last long though. They have interests that take preference over Glitch, just as most children their age will. Jumping around online isn't near the fun jumping around irl is. Hopefully they will have the opportunity to come back and get the full-on Glitch experience, and all that it entails, in a dozen years or so.

     
    Posted 15 months ago by malo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 malo :)))
    Posted 15 months ago by celticlady Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1000 Malo.. So well said :)
    Posted 15 months ago by Joni Mitchell Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @flask:  it just loses its impact. and then what's the point?

    This is precisely why our family seldom uses those very powerful words.  Not because they are intrinsically "bad" words (what a ridiculous idea!) but because they lose their power when over-used.  No forbidden language in the Pallas household, though we do have the "don't say fuck in front of grandma" rule which means that you shouldn't intentionally use language that you know will offend the listener.  That and "call someone what they like to be called" pretty much covers every social situation I've run across.

    Honestly, if TS is looking to avoid the membership of childish twits who will type in a semiliterate manner, they've ousted the wrong age-range.  13-30 or so is the PRIME age for acting out and being "edgy" in ways that irritate the crap out of the rest of the world.  I vote that children UNDER the age of 13 be permitted, and people OVER the age of 30, but no one in between barring special permit.  WHO'S WITH ME, PEOPLE???
    Posted 15 months ago by Pallas Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Just remember... if you're arguing on the internet, you've already lost.

    Related: FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCKITY FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCKITALL FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCKERY FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCKYOURMOM FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK 

    /it had to be done
    Posted 15 months ago by Sir Poox Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I find that the addition of the occasional "fuckity" interspersed with the chanted "fucks" adds a certain whimsy, a lilting rhythm, a certain je ne sais quoi to the whole thing.  Try it!  You'll like it!

    FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK

    or!

    Oh, fuckity fuckity fuckfuckfuck!

    See?  So much better.

    And now I have a terrible song in my head.  Fuckity fuck fuck, fuckity fuck fuck, look at glitches go ... fuckity fuck fuck, fuckity fuck fuck, that's my manifest-o ...
    Posted 15 months ago by Pallas Subscriber! | Permalink
  • edited. :) Who am I to deny a dash of whimsy, or dare I say it, a pinch of perversity!
    Posted 15 months ago by Sir Poox Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Gadzooks, the report abuse function is actually already in place - you can see it in the drop down menu with your face on it (towards the bottom) as well as in the menu when you click on someone/their name in chat. In that menu, it appears as 'Block/Report'.

    @Ferond, nvm about our chat! I went off and thought about it and realized how my behavior could be affected. :p
    Posted 15 months ago by Millie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "a lot of people confuse shocking or sexual with clever and cutting edge. when i see stuff i don't like, i simply close the chat window. unlike many people i see, however, i don't announce that i'm closing it."

    I think flask stated this ideal very well.  I have seen some remarks and behavior in the game that I would consider juvenile, like a six year child who thinks they are getting away with something that will shock or upset people.  It may not be to my liking, but I am not going to stand on a soap box and try to dictate to others how I think they should behave. 

    I am not afraid to admit that I walked out of the movie "Pulp Fiction" and am disturbed that some children find that movie funny.  It is gratuitous violence that concerns me much more that what kind of language people use.

    I saw a quote from stoot somewhere that said that Glitch is a game about culture.  I don't doubt for one minute that he and the devs thought long and hard about the very things that are being discussed in this thread.  But I also am intrigued by the fact that the game is the very reflection of American or even international culture, with the good and the bad, warts and all.
    Posted 15 months ago by Shmoopie Kerfuffle Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Millie, thanks for telling me that!
    Posted 15 months ago by Ferond Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Ferond: I don't think there can ever be a perfect game that offends no one. I don't think Glitch has ever attempted to be that kind of game (not that you're suggesting it has).

    Shmoopie has it right. This is a game about culture, and it is about coming together as a community and compromising. This isn't going to happen overnight or in a thread like this. It will happen naturally over time by the people playing the game and participating in conversations. 

    Each and every one of us can probably think of an instance where someone in the chat went a little far with their discussion. Maybe they were just being belligerent about a point they were attempting to make (hey, we've all been that guy), or maybe someone was throwing out deliberately controversial statements, or being blatantly crude. 

    As it relates to global chat, I think a lot of this will become moot. Global chat is going away, to be replaced with something more local / community based. Whether it is a random chat, or a regional chat won't matter. What will matter is the level of intimacy afforded chat members by a smaller group of participants. When it stops being a giant, fast-paced chat, the opportunity for more genuine conversations is possible. 

    That's not to suggest that those uncomfortable moments won't arise anymore; they most definitely will. But it will be a different context with a different set of expectations around it, and be far more conducive to the people participating being heard.

    As for the game itself, part of what makes Glitch unique and fun is the multi-level jokes. A dancing pickle is funny in its own right, but add to it a level of innuendo, and you've gained another audience who appreciates it. Glitch IS a cute game, but it is not cutesy. It is a wonderful mix of art and quirky humor, clever writing and community. 

    But Shmoopie hit the nail on the head. This is a game about culture, and we are that culture. I'm not saying we shouldn't look to the TS team for guidance on these issues. This is a social game, and as we get into our groove and become more social IN it, a culture will be built on top of the already awesome framework the TS team has created. Their work is a wonderful foundation for us to build upon.
    Posted 15 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Uhhhhh ... yes, it is intended for adults. And yes, consenting adults in social situations can feel free to find a level of cussin' that they find acceptable — I'm quite a cusser myself in real life, with people I know. Or even, selectively, in public speaking.

    But, all you swearing over and over in this thread seem a lot more like kids than adults. And: going around persistently swearing just because you know other people find it offensive is the kind of thing that will get you silenced from public chat channels or even kicked out of the game. So: don't do that. It's not "fighting for free expression" — it's "being a jerk".
    Posted 15 months ago by stoot barfield Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Adult humor is not juvenile humor.   Its more subtle and therefore less offensive.  

    Having said that I sometimes think that the Giants should use more colorful language when I donate something like a bean to the shrine.   It would probably get old fast, but things like that are quite funny at first.   I don't get enough LOLs out of the game.  Maybe I'm a bad person but I find stuff like this - http://slipsum.com/ipsum.html  hilarious. 
    Posted 15 months ago by Treesa Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Treesa - it's funny you should say that. The keepers of the shrines are, at this very second, considering how best to impart their depth of frustration when presented with a bean. I'm not sure they'll end up with something *too* anglo-saxon, though. 

    But rest assured: it will be language. From beginning to end.
    Posted 15 months ago by annapeee Subscriber! | Permalink
  • excellent.   I wasn't finding the Giants fury too convincing.  Maybe  some "made-up"  curses would get the message across?
    Posted 15 months ago by Treesa Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Thanks for your reply, Stoot.

    I do not like swearing myself, though I occasionally do. I don't do it in written word because I mostly swear on impulse. Typing swear words is usually NOT on impulse, it is deliberate.
    Also the argument of being able to say what you want because of freedom of speech: it is not the freedom to insult or be disrespectful. So many people say nowadays: if you don't like what I say just don't listen or go away. Mind your own bussiness.
    I am minding my own bussiness if someone is acting out of line (in my eyes) and I mention it. It has become both our bussiness then. If you don't like me telling you to stop swearing, then go somewhere else where people don't mind you to stop swearing. (See what I did there?)

    Adult humor is not less offensive because it is more subtle, it can be even more offensive because of that. (Because adults should know it potentionally is offensive, by still making an offensive joke you add more "offensivenes" to it because you also imply you disrespect/don't mind if you hurt/belittle feelings of the subjects that could take offence.

    Btw, I agree about made-up curses, that would be fun :)
    Posted 15 months ago by Miriamele Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Here's my comment on this whole subject: Video Response
    Posted 15 months ago by g33kgurrl Subscriber! | Permalink
  • If you want to play a "family game" try checkers, ok.  This is an "adult" game and with parental permission people age 14 and above can also enter our little world.  

    What gives you the right to give Glitch citizens any type of rating and then try to reinforce your values on what type language we can use?

    Are you a parent who is attempting to change how we behave, what we say including what we can't say.  Next thing you will want a button to push in order to report us for not living up to your values (or down) and have us suspended from playing because the "younger" players shouldn't be exposed to such language, thoughts, ideas or actions.  You sound like a parent who is looking for a game site that  you can dump your young kids, (who of course acts and sounds very grown up) on the computer instead of tv.  Take your children to a nice G rated movie and entertain them yourself, leave us out of it.

    Perhaps I'm taking this wrong and your just expressing your opinions on proper behavior to the players of Glitch.  

    Guess what?

    For your edification I don't care to have Glitch rated by you, and for damn sure not with a crummy G rating.

    I love Glitch exactly the way it is.  Tiny Speck, developers, and Stoot have put a lot of work into making Glitch not just enjoyable but FUN.  Everything has been thought out, worked out and improved on what is socially acceptable and fun for most players.  Adult game players. 

    What in the world makes you think we want to change anything including adding a G rating to Glitch.   You must have an ulterior motive, come on give it, up tell us the real reason you want to make Glitch more socially acceptable to your family?

    I have enough rules in real life.  I don't need more rules another boss, or a fricking dictator politely asking me to comply.

    Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter and I look forward to your reply.
    Posted 15 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Undies in a bundle LOL ha haha 
    That has to be the funniest thing I've heard all week.  Makes me think is it time to do the laundry.  I love it.

    Knickers in a twist, how was that done.  ha ha ha

    Down with griefers, which rhymes with reefers and censorship.

    I have a question, is this going on my permanent record?
    Posted 15 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Julie -- you are on double secret probation now.
    Posted 15 months ago by g33kgurrl Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Damn back to the principals office, detention sitting on the wood bench with the other delinquints.  lol

    See you there g33kgurrl  :)
    Posted 15 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I thought it was   " panties in a wad."    It is lovely that we have free expression.    Saying nasty words is the way   juveniles release their pent up anger.      Glitch is a safe place for you who feel  the  need to let it all out.     Today it is de rigeur.              Say whatever with no thought that you will be judged by your words.         Go ahead but be brief.                        I agree with Stoot and endless repetition of the F word is sadly out of line.                         What if   you have to pay for each word you post here?           And you do.            Others form impressions of you by  your language.                  Thankfully most Glitcherini are well spoken and charming.
    Posted 15 months ago by napabeth Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Julie, I spent lots of time there myself.  Not for cussin' in particular, though.  Mostly for "inappropriate humor."  Say, maybe that's why I love this game so much!
    Posted 15 months ago by Pallas Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Oh crap napa, pay for each word, I just read what a teal deer is, and I think I might have that disorder.  As for panties in a wad, yikes, don't even tell me how that happened.  I keep thinking of splinters from sitting on that old wood bench.
    Posted 15 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Julie - Verbosity NOW!!

    Fight the power.
    Posted 15 months ago by g33kgurrl Subscriber! | Permalink
  • and further more...
    Posted 15 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Beth (and Stoot for that matter), I don't normally curse, excepting on special occasions.  I cannot speak for SirPoox, but I was not so much venting my frustration as expressing the fact that words are just words, with the power that we assign them, and when said with frequency lose meaning altogether.  

    What I dread about opening up our wee little community is not the invasion of Anglo-Saxon language but mindless competition, incessant textspeak, an abruptness where once there was leisurely conversation ... and I don't think those things can be controlled by a TOS.   

    We have an opportunity to establish a game culture that, hopefully, will attract the many like-minded gamers out there.  I hope that we'll expend our energy and street credit on things more important than cussin'.  Be excellent to each other.  ;>
    Posted 15 months ago by Pallas Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Part of changing how online communities work - behavior wise - is setting an example, and respecting those who don't, even if you disagree with their methods. Respect is a tricky thing online, especially when everyone is a semi-faceless entity, otherwise anonymous except for their Glitch and conduct. It's really hard to respect those who do things we find offensive or objectionable. 

    We all know that fighting on the internet is a lost cause. Peer pressure, normally thought of as a negative thing, can be very positive for setting standards of behavior and indicating what is and isn't appropriate. We are a more mature community, and consequently, we can go about communicating with one another in a more mature fashion.

    Oh man, how corny was that?
    Posted 15 months ago by Xev Subscriber! | Permalink
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