Author Topic: Assassin's Cwiid? SNUH UH (Read 32222 times)

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #50 on:** November 19, 2007, 10:51:23 AM »

Here's something I don't understand...

Developers create fictional women in order to add sex appeal to a game and make it sell all the time, but someone uses a REAL woman who actually worked on the game and suddenly the same group who was probably drooling over scantily-clad fictional women gets all bent out of shape and starts making comics like that?

Kairon · « **Reply #51 on:** November 19, 2007, 11:29:40 AM »

Apparently gamers can tell the difference between fantasy and reality. And that isn't necessarily a good thing.

vudu · « **Reply #52 on:** November 19, 2007, 11:33:16 AM »

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Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix
She is obviously an experienced woman in this field.

... Must resist making joke ... ... ...

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #53 on:** November 19, 2007, 12:47:27 PM »

Cottage cheese.

that Baby guy · « **Reply #54 on:** November 19, 2007, 12:56:22 PM »

Well, I don't know everything about the issue here, I haven't even seen the comic, though I'm not sure I'd want to, but anyways, I have formed an opinion.

The woman, I don't even remember her name, shouldn't be portrayed the way she was in the comic. Her pictures did not involve sex appeal, and developers use their likeness to advertise their games all the time. How many times have people used David Jaffe in graphic sexual comics? Miyamoto? Iwata? Major Nelson? They don't. Now, a woman promotes a game she worked on, and what happens? Something terribly discriminating. It's people like the ones who made said comic that give feminists a chance to get their word out, and I know we all don't want that to happen...

Anyways, it really is sexist, especially since many men have done the exact same thing, but without any sexual consequences.

That's about it, I think. Although I really don't know what's going on.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #55 on:** November 19, 2007, 01:07:51 PM »

"Her pictures did not involve sex appeal"

Sure they do, that's what this whole thing was flared up from in the first place...I've seen pictures of her and various other team members at times posing in the oddest places, as if they were modeling clothes or something...Maybe it's a French thing...

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #56 on:** November 19, 2007, 01:15:10 PM »

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Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
"Her pictures did not involve sex appeal"

Sure they do, that's what this whole thing was flared up from in the first place...I've seen pictures of her and various other team members at times posing in the oddest places, as if they were modeling clothes or something...Maybe it's a French thing...

Talk about a stretch. You really are trying to rationalize despicable behavior aren't you? So now when you pose for pictures in odd places it is sexual? It is called trying to be dramatic, it has nothing do with sexualizing her or the staff.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #57 on:** November 19, 2007, 01:32:15 PM »

Yeah, well, no...I'm not trying to rationalize anything, I'm only merely stating what I'm seeing and my opinion on how the issue came up in the first place...On the other hand, it's you who is going out of the way to try and point me out as sexist or a bad person or whatever, when I can absolutely assure you that I am not...

vudu · « **Reply #58 on:** November 19, 2007, 02:09:27 PM »

Look at the pictures in Shift Key's first post--it's an attractive woman front-and-center surrounded by a bunch of nameless people in the background who just happen to do all the work. There's a reason why Jade is the spokesperson for the game and no the director.

EDIT:

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Originally posted by: thatguy
How many times have people used David Jaffe in graphic sexual comics? Miyamoto? Iwata? Major Nelson? They don't. Now, a woman promotes a game she worked on, and what happens? Something terribly discriminating.

I've seen Photoshops of J Allard looking all "too-cool-for-school", pictures of Ken Kutaragi looking crazier than he does in real life and about a million of Miyamoto dressed up like Link. These things are a type of twisted characticture--they over accentuate the subject's character traits. You can't deny that Ubisoft has been marketing Jade almost as much as they have been Assassin's Creed. The comic is merely a reaction to that.

that Baby guy · « **Reply #59 on:** November 19, 2007, 03:02:07 PM »

But they aren't doing anything of a sexual nature, are they? If they had dressed here in the Assassin's costume in the game, wouldn't that be more comparable? The fact is, she has not used sexuality as an overt point in marketing the game or talking about the industry. Other's have implied sexuality, but she, herself, has not used it. If she had, I would say there's no serious harm or foul, but she hasn't. Her name's Jade Raymond, right? In any case, at least from the pictures here, she is not displaying herself in any sort of sexual manner, and while her clothes are not conservative to the absolute extreme, there's nothing suggestive about them, her stances, or anything.

If being a bold woman in her predominately male-dominated industry is sexually suggestive in general, then wow, I'm surprised. Anyways, she hasn't been trying to sell the game on sex, Ubisoft's PR hasn't been trying to sell the game on sex, once the comic got out there, Ubi's PR quickly went out and stated that this was not the intent on getting her face out there in correlation to the game. I have to disagree with you Bill. Her pictures are taken in the middle of nowhere, by the look of the pics on the first post, but there's nothing sexual there. Nothing at all. She's not bending over. She has nothing written on her chest. You can't see any underwear. She isn't licking her lips. She isn't standing in a seductive pose. You can't see down her shirt, or up her skirt. There's absolutely nothing sexual about the picture. She is an attractive woman, but I believe that being attractive doesn't mean you're using sex to sell something.

It's obvious that the comic is a reactions to the publicity Ubisoft is giving her. I won't argue that point, because it's completely true. The problem is that our reaction to a woman being a prominent game developer of a popular game shouldn't instantly mean sex when we see her. The same issue pops up everywhere, not just in games, and the real problem is that we're so used to having sex sell things, that we aren't used to it not selling things. If it were a man, a younger, more attractive man than those well known in the industry, then several women would likely perceive this the same way several men did. I suppose it can't be helped, but the least we can do is respect her and Ubi's PR enough to refuse these pictures as something of sexual nature.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #60 on:** November 19, 2007, 03:10:13 PM »

Has it occurred to anyone that maybe the reason why Ubisoft is getting her out in the open is to build her up because they have faith in her work as a producer? Oh no, that can't be it, has to be because they want to sexualize her so people will buy the game. Give me a break. Heaven forbid a company may actually believe in a woman for something other than invoking sexual thoughts, and want to build them up because they have faith in their potential. But no, because she is attractive, she is only good for one thing, sex appeal. Right?

S-U-P-E-R · « **Reply #61 on:** November 19, 2007, 08:01:38 PM »

Since you guys like words so much;

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November 15, 2007
VIA EXPRESS MAIL AND EMAIL
Attn: Richard Kyanka
webmaster@somethingawful.com
RE:
Infringement of ASSASSIN’S CREED Mark and Jade Raymond’s Personal, Privacy, and Publicity Rights

Dear Mr. Kyanka:

We are counsel to Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. (“Ubisoft”), publisher of the popular video game ASSASSIN’S CREED and employer of Ms. Jade Raymond (“Ms. Raymond”). Ubisoft is also the owner of the following U.S. trademark applications for the ASSASSIN’S CREED mark (the “Mark”): Serial No. 78850944; Serial No. 78866696; and Serial No. 78850968. In consequence of Ubisoft’s extensive efforts and expenditures, substantial goodwill has been built up for Ubisoft and the products and services sold under the Mark, and the ASSASSIN’S CREED game is one of the most widely anticipated games of the year.

Ubisoft has recently learned that the extremely offensive pornographic image (the “Image”) accessible at http://sabretooth.mirror.waffleimag...dd47ceb2a5.jpg, a copy of which is attached hereto, is being used on your website located at http://www.somethingawful.com and/or other related sites, including, but not limited to, http://forums.somethingawful.com (collectively, the “Site”). Such Image and misuse of the ASSASSIN’S CREED mark constitute trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition in violation of common law trademark rights, the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §§1125(a) and 1125(c), and state law.

Furthermore, the Image’s blatant, vile, and unauthorized misappropriation of Ms. Raymond’s name and likeness, and your conduct in using the Image on your Site, have caused immeasurable harm to Ms. Raymond’s reputation and career, and constitute an egregious infringement of Ms. Raymond’s personal rights and privacy rights. The Image and your conduct also constitute an egregious unauthorized commercial exploitation of Ms. Raymond’s rights of publicity in violation of, without limitation, her common law rights of publicity and California Civil Code §3344, which provides in relevant part:

“Any person who knowingly uses another’s name, .., photograph, or likeness, in any manner, on or in products, merchandise, or goods, or for purposes of advertising or selling, or soliciting purchases of, products, merchandise, goods or services, without such person’s prior consent…shall be liable for any damages sustained by the person or persons injured as a result thereof.”

It is well established that a person who commercially exploits the name or likeness of someone without their consent is liable for all of the damages caused thereby. Additionally, the Image and your conduct in using the Image on the Site constitute unfair business practices and false advertising in violation of the California Business and Professions Code; intentional infliction of emotional distress; a violation of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. §1125(a); and harassment, which is a criminal offense.

Please also note that any failure to comply with applicable privacy laws may result in direct action against you by the Federal Trade Commission, in addition to other litigation.

Ubisoft hereby demands that you immediately: (1) permanently remove the Image from your Site, databases and servers and prevent any further uploading or display thereof; (2) permanently cease and desist all unauthorized use and hosting of images using the ASSASSIN’S CREED mark and Ms. Raymond’s name and/or likeness; (3) provide us with the name and contact information of the person who originally created and/or posted the Image; and (4) complete, execute, and return to me the enclosed Declaration by November 16, 2007 to confirm that you are complying with Ubisoft’s demand.

While Ubisoft hopes to resolve this matter quickly and without resort to further legal action, Ubisoft reserves all rights to seek appropriate legal relief, including attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief, statutory damages, costs, and enhanced damages.

Sincerely,

David Anderson
for Nixon Peabody LLP

Dave Anderson
Nixon Peabody LLP
555 West 5th Street, 46th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(t) 213-629-6095
(f) 866-532-8491
dlanderson@nixonpeabody.com

Quote
Basically Ubisoft is threatening to sue me because somebody here posted an offsite link to a comic somebody else drew, and the comic featured a cartoon version of somebody sucking many dicks. I don't know where this image is located, I do not know who drew it, and the only vague connection to this site is because somebody posted a link to it on these forums. My reply to them, addressing their completely legitimate and wonderful lawsuit threat:

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From: Rich "Lowtax" Kyanka (webmaster@somethingawful.com)
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:06 PM
To: 'Anderson, David'
Cc: A BUNCH OF FRENCHIES
Subject: RE: NOTICE: Infringement of ASSASSIN'S CREED Mark and Jade Raymond's Personal, Privacy, and Publicity Rights

Please let it be known that hereforth I have read the express mail and email sent thereforth by Famous Lawyer David Anderson of the Famous Lawyer Law Business of Nixon Peabody LLP, and furthermore a declaration shall be expressed on the part of Internet User Rich “Lowtax” Kyanka that thatforth herethrough I have conducted rigorous tests implemented through a vigorous barrage of legal studies, and furthermore hitherthrough these rigorous tests have therefore proven Famous Lawyer David Anderson of the Famous Lawyer Law Business of Nixon Peabody LLP shall be recognized as a man of the f-- persuasion.

Pursuant to the United Dairy Council

Rich “Lowtax” Kyanka
Internet

S-U-P-E-R · « **Reply #62 on:** November 19, 2007, 09:17:32 PM »

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Look at the pictures in Shift Key's first post--it's an attractive woman front-and-center surrounded by a bunch of nameless people in the background who just happen to do all the work. There's a reason why Jade is the spokesperson for the game and no the director.

That's funny, because she's the producer.

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #63 on:** November 20, 2007, 06:48:38 AM »

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Originally posted by: vudu You can't deny that Ubisoft has been marketing Jade almost as much as they have been Assassin's Creed. The comic is merely a reaction to that.

The maker of the comic could have made an infinitely better satirical statement with a PG comic, one which Ubisoft would have seemed petty to attempt to shoot down.

But that was just gross and unwarranted. I do NOT want to see the gaming industry turn into a situation where companies need to have an attractive face to attach to their products in order to get them to sell (like Hollywood is now), but unless Jade posed for Playboy or her Maxim photos are all poses where it looks like she's about to go down on someone, then the comic is 100% out of left field and completely unwarranted.

The real irony is that Assassin's Creed doesn't have any sex appeal in the game (at least not as far as I've played). The closest thing you have is a blonde researcher but she's conservatively dressed as well.

Fun game so far, though. Pacing CAN be a bit slow, but the slow pacing balances out when you're running from guards trying to hide before they see you again.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #64 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:38:18 AM »

Just picked the game up this afternoon...I like slow pacing, so it's been fantastic fun for me so far...It just took me a while to get used to the complex controls after playing so much Mario Galaxy... >_>

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #65 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:50:22 AM »

It's like Prince of Persia with meets GTA meets Splinter Cell, and it's a pretty decent formula.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #66 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:54:49 AM »

The one gripe I have with the game so far is that the guards are always hilariously suspicious of everyone...They walk through town holding their hilts...

And somehow riding your horse a little too fast is grounds to be chased by guards...Are there speed limits I didn't hear about?

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #67 on:** November 20, 2007, 09:06:01 AM »

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Originally posted by: Bill Aurion And somehow riding your horse a little too fast is grounds to be chased by guards...Are there speed limits I didn't hear about?

I aroused their suspicion just by getting ON my horse. To be fair, I jumped my horse over their wagon before that.

However, nothing was funnier when I saw a guard standing on a cliff edge and knocked him off by running into him which brought the pursuit upon me.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #68 on:** November 20, 2007, 09:38:03 AM »

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Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion And somehow riding your horse a little too fast is grounds to be chased by guards...Are there speed limits I didn't hear about?

I aroused their suspicion just by getting ON my horse. To be fair, I jumped my horse over their wagon before that.

However, nothing was funnier when I saw a guard standing on a cliff edge and knocked him off by running into him which brought the pursuit upon me.

Lol, I have to buy this game now. I find it funny that this is yet another game where the PS3 version is inferior with a slower and more inconsistent framerate.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #69 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:00:55 AM »

"However, nothing was funnier when I saw a guard standing on a cliff edge and knocked him off by running into him which brought the pursuit upon me.

Hahahaha, I did the same thing...I was all "Oh no, get out of my way!" *guard launched off cliff*

My favorite thing to do is lead guards up really high, then chuck them off...

stevey · « **Reply #70 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:14:37 AM »

Lol are they really suing over a comic? I seen the *original* comic and it not that bad (no nudity, everything just implied), it's nothing worst that a "It doesn't print money" PS3 photoshop.

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #71 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:25:29 AM »

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Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
My favorite thing to do is lead guards up really high, then chuck them off...

Damn, I gotta try that...

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I seen the *original* comic and it not that bad (no nudity, everything just implied), it's nothing worst that a "It doesn't print money" PS3 photoshop.

Um, did the version you saw have sperm involved? When questioning the good taste quotient, I think spooge should always be the deal-breaker.

Smash_Brother · « **Reply #72 on:** November 20, 2007, 07:10:33 PM »

I've played a bunch more of this game and I've found something rather disturbing: I love killing people in this game. I mean, I pretty much shrugged off GTA3 and Godfather made me a bit on edge about the subject, but jumping on people and stabbing them in the neck is one of the most fun things I've ever done in a video game.

I've seen actual wrist daggers like the one in the game for sale in magazine catalogues and I'm almost tempted to order one, heh.

And on that note, my gripe with this game is that it's immensely easy. Seriously, I've killed near 30 guards at a time just because it's so simple to do. Every time a guard moves in to attack, you can simply press block+counter+the direction of the attacker and you'll either knock them away or slay them outright as the rest of the guards look on haplessly. I was hoping that the game would get harder, but thus far, I can see little reason to actually use these assassin skills to their fullest because there's no real danger in standing your ground and fighting. Also, the fact that there are so many achievements which focus on raw combat instead of stealth says to me that they realized the game will involve a great deal of hacking and slashing.

Still incredibly fun with an abnormally deep storyline, but they could have upped the difficulty a peg or two to at least force me to learn some new strategies.

Kairon · « **Reply #73 on:** November 20, 2007, 07:47:57 PM »

So... I heard some conspiracy theories that this game had some really way out there concepts like genetic memory or time travel... care to explain? Use spoiler tags if you need to.

S-U-P-E-R · « **Reply #74 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:45:15 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: stevey
Lol are they really suing over a comic? I seen the *original* comic and it not that bad (no nudity, everything just implied), it's nothing worst that a "It doesn't print money" PS3 photoshop.

nah, they're just emailing illegitimate legal threats

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Author Topic: Assassin's Cwiid? SNUH UH (Read 32222 times)