Microsoft has announced that it has partnered with Rock the Vote to bring several new political features to
Xbox Live just in time for the last leg of the U.S. presidential race. Some of the new features include letting gamers register to vote, participate in special online forums and take part in presidential polls. The new features are set to go live starting August 25, the first day of the Democratic National Convention. Xbox will also be promoting the Rock the Vote message at both the Democratic and Republican conventions while also "educating delegates about creating a safer entertainment environment on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE." Specifically, the press release is referring to the Xbox 360's "industry-leading" parental controls.
The press release also makes mention of Xbox Live's 12 million members, noting that if Xbox Live were a state, "it would rank as the country's seventh largest, giving it approximately 20 electoral votes." An impressive statement, even though Xbox Live's 12 million members aren't all located in the United States.
All of it sounds pretty neat but, frankly, we're holding out for some presidential candidate "Game with Fame" sessions, or at least some video chat town hall meetings.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
8-22-2008 @ 4:23PM
Sagar said...
Uh oh.
I don't know if this is a good idea.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 5:36PM
Bmurph said...
Anything getting more people to vote is a great idea.
I understand your concern about the racist/homophobes, but the majority of those people are probably younger than 18.
8-24-2008 @ 1:54AM
martin said...
In my opinion, ageism is just as bad as racism or homophobes, if not worse. It's certainly much more rampant and severe.
8-22-2008 @ 4:25PM
VSpeck said...
"An impressive statement, even though Xbox Live's 12 million members aren't all located in the United States."
Or old enough to vote.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 4:26PM
Jim Halpert DM said...
What he said.
8-22-2008 @ 4:34PM
nsdcx said...
I would say 60% are 18, and 10% of those are foreign. So, 6 million isn't bad.
8-23-2008 @ 12:25AM
joeybeast said...
But I don't have citizenship.
8-25-2008 @ 2:24PM
EdgeOne said...
I would say 98.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot thus rendering them useless drivel, nsdcx
8-22-2008 @ 4:29PM
offday said...
Rock the vote is a joke. I remember the last time when all the celebs were wearing rock the vote shirts, and promoting the crap out of it, and then it was revealed that over half of them weren't even registered themselves.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 4:57PM
Dirty said...
I can only imagine the things that those little bastards would shout at Obama if he was playing halo on live.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 4:58PM
Eric23A said...
I think it's pretty neat quite honestly
I also find it kinda cool that tomorrow(aug. 23) is my 18th birthday...) and I'm super excited to register... and now I can register on my 360? Life is becoming pretty convenient =]
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 8:17PM
blank964 said...
If it means I don't have to send in an absentee ballot (I live in the state of Ohio where these votes weren't counted last election), then this could be good. Hopefully it's used right.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 9:38PM
diamondxp said...
Kudos Xbox! I can not believe that we have come this far with technology. You kids today are some lucky mofos.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 9:55PM
Gamerschoice said...
I'm surprised the Democrats are going along with it considering they're always the ones who are anti-videogame. Joseph Lieberman, Hilary Clinton... Xbox might be laughed (or worse) out of the Democratic National Convention.
...Here comes the flames.
Reply
8-22-2008 @ 11:49PM
offday said...
You're actually totally right. Most people assume that conservative republicans who are anti-video game. When in reality it's the liberal democrats who want to ban everything from video games to fast food.
8-23-2008 @ 1:32AM
Jack the Ripper said...
God help us if Tipper Gore sees five minutes of Gears of War.
8-23-2008 @ 11:45PM
DemonGSides said...
Seriously. Never have you seen a Republican hate on a Video Game.
That being said, most are crotchety old men, but hell, there are some of us who are young!
8-23-2008 @ 1:35AM
Michael said...
Great outlet for targeting youth. John McCain 2008.
Reply
8-23-2008 @ 5:45AM
John-Paul-Jones said...
Although everyone is entitled to their own opinion..
HELL NO TO MCCAIN! F*CK THAT SH!T!
8-23-2008 @ 8:50PM
Gloqwi said...
What paul said.