I think historic portrayal based on first amendment principles should take priority over private contract rights. And I think further that the fact that they have a government contract further makes them a substitute government actor at least as to the HUMV. If the government wouldn't have a right to sue on this,…

I absolutely agree with Activision here. I don’t know too much about this particular area of law, but their first amendment argument sounds cogent to me. Should every WW2 movie that features a Thompson or a 1911 owe those manufacturers royalties? Of course not. I can possibly understand toys-IE- you sell a toy that is…

Yea, that little plot twist there at the end felt pretty desperate.

I've never played any of riots games and never care to. Phrases like “burn it to the ground” are inflammatory and entirely unhelpful. From what I’m seeing on glassdoor the average salaries for this company seem pretty good (above 50 and 80 for many postions), many which make more than I make as a public interest…

I can see your point with the items. Although it can be hilarious fun (especially after a drink or 2+++) to have 4+ players, items, and a crazy stage. I also remember when my brother and I were kids (and obsessed with pokemon), we had a blast in smash 64 with all the pokeballs. That was eons ago though. Anyways, my…

Smash is meant to be crazy chaotic fun for everyone to enjoy! Start sneaking some new levels in. You can cite the creator of the series as justification, if anyone's opinion on the series matters, I imagine his would be up there. 

Really amazing. Kudos to these people for doing wonderful work. Nice reporting! 

I’ve always thought that competitive smash has twisted what smash brothers used to be. Not that I have anything against it, but now people in just casual play insist on boring rule sets/stages - and consider everything else cheap/no skill. It all detracts from the spectacle of the game, it's party game roots, and the…

This gave me a much needed laugh. Thank you and too true. Also, good article! 

Thankfully, it’s unconstitutional here in the US to convict someone of crime based on drug screens alone, notwithstanding a few understandable exceptions.

While I share your sentiments about Japan’s drug laws, as well as about some of our own, I don’t think its fair to blame the US for Japan’s laws. Japan’s culture is remarkably unique. I imagine these laws are more likely a product of that, than of US influence. It really doesn’t matter though as it’s all ridiculous. I…

Are comments always not approved? I've been reading kotaku for years pretty loyally and just posted for the first time around when you did. Still no approval... Is this just how it works? 

Great article. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this game so far. Its scary how much time I’ve spent just exploring the environment. The reverence the developers had for the monuments/exhibits is impressive. The sound design is also fantastic, especially some of the ambient noise in the quiet moments. 

I definitely think that last paragraph summarizes what's going on here. And in the end, I think that concept ends up making racial divides greater. 

Ms. D’Anastasio, I appreciate your writing and particularly the objective stance your took in the actual body of the article. I doubt this cosplayer had any intent except to enjoy her hobby. This also doesn’t look like “blackface” in the racist sense.