I’ve never liked the X-Box. I’ve always thought the graphics were sub-par in comparison to the PlayStation consoles and the controllers just seemed a bit ridiculous. Then there’s also the fact that Microsoft charges gamers an additional fee per month for in additon to their regular internet fees. (Sony doesn’t charge for access to the PS3 network. )

An article over on Queerty today gave me more reasons why I will never purchase an X-box. It turns out identifying yourself as a lesbian in your gamer profile on X-box Live is enough to get your account suspended by Microsoft because it’s deemed offensive.

Microsoft has no problem letting underage kids play games like Call of Duty, Halo 3, Grand Theft Auto or Resident Evil. All games that are extremely violent and graphically explicit. Brains and blood splattering across the screen are perfectly acceptable. Allowing users to identify as lesbian or have the word gay in usernames is entirely too offensive.

I can understand if these folks were being harassed by other gamers. Cyber-bullying is commonplace when playing and interacting online. What else can you expect from a bunch of 16 year old boys spending eighteen hours a day playing games? Having Microsoft condone sexually explicit games and interaction on their network but ban people who’s profiles and usernames appear too sexual is hypocrosy at its finest.

I’m going to go hug my PS3 now.

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