The very definition of an unsafe work environment…

The company that blacklisted Phone Story has conceded that many of its suppliers are still not meeting their obligations to their employees. As reported by The Age, the tech giant has confirmed that one third of its partners are failing to provide a safe workplace, while almost two thirds are demanding excessive hours from their workers.

While in some respects a damning expose of its own negligence, Apple’s latest Supplier Responsibility Progress Report is also intended to publically reposition the company on the issue of worker’s rights. Apple’s claims to be reducing underage labour and forcing some of its partners to repay excessive ‘recruitment fees’ to employees.

It has also asked the independent Fair Labour Association (FLA) to monitor the progress of its reforms. Apple is the first technology company to join the FLA. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are inclined to follow suit.

Last year, Apple was lambasted for blacklisting Phone Story, an iPhone game critical of its labour practices.

A good majority of shooters feel as though the multiplayer facet is a secondary consideration tacked on to justify a hefty price tag. The Call of Duty series has become the exception to the rule. The story mode in Modern Warfare 3 shows glimpses of a potential but it’s jumping online to fight the real enemy (likeminded geeks) that should excite you. Read the rest of this entry »

Racing games have been a staple of the video game scene since its inception.  You’ve had simulations, car chases, kart racers, cops and robbers and even dirt car madness but until May 2010 you hadn’t had a car racing reality TV show where you could alter the course as you were driving.

The game was Split/Second and it was brought to you by the late great Blackrock Studios, creators of the excellent ATV racing game Pure. This was a blast from start to finish, literally. You could swing cranes, drop explosive barrels and blow up parked traffic all in an attempt to take out your opponents. If you could hold off until the right moment, you could set off a mega charge that resulted in collapsing skyscrapers, crash landing 747s, exploding cruise ships or even a series of smoke stacks collapsing like dominos.

Split Second was released with little fanfare and almost no marketing, meaning that despite solid reviews the game was missed by many. So if you find yourself in the mood for some destruction with a side order of racing, Split Second should fit the bill nicely. It may be a one trick pony, but god damn it is one hell of a trick.

Don’t waste another minute! Download Split/Second from either XBL or PSN.

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