Our United States readers may not know this (we didn't), but in Canada companies are required to apply both English and French labeling to all products. Apparently this is a cause of great frustration among some folks. Being disconnected from the whole thing, we find it amusing. For example, if you live up north and plan on snagging a copy of The Orange Box, you're going to have to look very closely. As you can see, the French title for the game takes prominence on the packaging. Why Electronic Arts decided to go this route we don't know, but we have a sneaking suspicion. See, La Boîte Orange (LA BWOT OHRAWNJ) is just more fun to say. Try it: La Boîte Oraaaaaaaange. Feels good, doesn't it?
[Thanks, xenocidic. Image credit: MattBrett]
[Update: Looks like the labeling law covers all of Canada, not just Quebec. Corrections made.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-12-2007 @ 1:52PM
xenocidic said...
Normally games will be shrinkwrapped and then there will be a wraparound cover and french instructions with more shrinkwrap. This is how they comply with the Quebec language laws. of course this extra french cover and manual gets discarded like a useless husk.
However, I think in this case they're trying to cut costs and not go this extra mile. I'm calling foul!
Thanks for posting my story =]
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 1:53PM
Mitch said...
This is absolutely a Canadian thing - EVERY BOX must have both French and English on it if you're gonna sell it, no matter where you are in the country. GH1 was delayed here because of printing issues. Blech. However, I do find this hilarious, and it caused mass confusion for me when I picked up my copy :)
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 1:59PM
Patrick said...
Yeah, it is a Canadian thing. But, usually, the titles are a little more proportioned together than that. Funny.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 1:59PM
xenocidic said...
@mitch - Yep, but this is the first time where French has been so prominent (with the tiny English subs), as far as I can remember.
By the way, this issue is also being discussed here - http://forums.xbox.com/16083100/ShowPost.aspx , if anyone is interested in hearing more of my incessant whining.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:02PM
Lunitsond said...
Just wait, soon enough in the US all games will be released with Spanish titles with the English title in small print. We have to protect those illegal aliens and make sure they can buy and understand our games.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:08PM
Xvalue said...
Actually, Quebec is the only province that does not have to have bi-lingual packaging. Just the rest of Canada.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:21PM
crux said...
I was about to add a comment on the illegals myself. The way things are going in the US you can bet that will happen given that they seem to have way more rights than actual citizens. Games in Spanish first is no doubt on the way.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:22PM
Tony said...
Lord knows no one who speaks Spanish has ever come here legally.
Stores do carry a Spanish only version of Forza 2, though. You can get it pretty much anywhere.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:22PM
xenocidic said...
@6 while that's technically correct, I can't think of any Xbox 360 games that are made only in the French language. So since the primary language is English, and French is necessary, the article is still technically correct.
Of course if there was a video game made in French only, they would be allowed to release it in pure French.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_of_the_French_Language
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:25PM
SuperChuck said...
Erm, Spanish is just as popular with LEGAL immigrants as illegal.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:30PM
BlackBeltJones said...
The only thing I hate more than Canadians are French Canadians. (sorry knuckles)
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:37PM
rTwelve said...
You might say it has a certain je ne sais quoi.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:43PM
Matthew Falk said...
blackbeltjones:
the only thing I hate more is ignorant Americans is vocal ignorant Americans!
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:53PM
CDN Crockett said...
I don't buy things with french on it, if I really want that game or a movie I would make a special trip to the US to get it!
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 2:55PM
Patrick said...
And just like that the Canadian/US relations break down. :P
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 3:48PM
hiiro said...
Some of the comments on this thread make me sorry for humanity.
"Lord knows no one who speaks Spanish has ever come here legally."
After the US invaded Puerto Rico much like they invaded Iraq they added a few million legal spanish speaking citizens. I guess God wouldn't know about that.
And what the hell is the deal with being anti-Canada? Honestly? Is it that horrible to share the continent with another country of white english speakers who somehow manage to have less crime and better healthcare than the states while at the same time being as free as the states? What, does that make some americans feel less special and incites mindless hostility?
I didn't think racism and ignorance where that badly spread until I started playing on Xbox Live.
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 4:37PM
STEVE said...
WHO CARES!
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 5:56PM
charleytony said...
Hey everyone, you might not know this but Canada is a bilingual country. Sure a huge percentage of french canadians happen to be in the province of Quebec but you're supposed to be able to get service in both languages all over the nation.
BTW this helps if you are getting a speeding ticket in Vancouver and say to the police officer that you only speak french. If he can write you up and explain your infraction in your language then you get off free !!!
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 6:15PM
mfed3 said...
the french are gay, orange box = the real name
Reply
10-12-2007 @ 7:49PM
maniac0201 said...
#19, if the French are gay, how do they keep reproducing?
Reply