Terrorist Attacks Change Video Games

Oct. 2 -- This week's Cybershake looks at the future of video games, the use of more security technology at airport checkpoints, and how to make a donation on the Web.

Video Games Revamped After Terrorist Attack

In light of the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, video game makers are retooling their upcoming products.

"The gaming industry has recognized that this is not an appropriate time to do some things," says Dan Shoe, the editor-in-chief of Electronic Gaming Monthly, a magazine devoted to video games. "They're reconsidering things because it either involves bombings or terrorists or flying planes in military action, and things like that."

What happens to a game depends on the story line and the location — such as the World Trade Center. "Those are being looked at right now to be changed, or completely taken out altogether; and we've seen some of that already," says Shoe. Microsoft, for example, has removed the twin towers from the scenery in new versions of its popular Flight Simulator program.

Shoe says video game sales might drop because of the staggering economy. But with the decline in travel, Shoe believes consumers may turn to some games as a form of escapism. "We think a lot of people will be looking at video games just as they do at movies," he says.

— Clarissa Douglas, ABCNEWS

Fingerprinting Future Flights

Making air travel safe again has been a high priority for the both airlines and airports. And many are hoping technology can play a key role in new airport security systems.

Bob McCashen, the chief executive officer of Identix, says his company's computerized fingerprinting technology could be an immediate solution. "These products are all being used in different industries today," says McCashen. And they may soon show up at many more airport gates.

McCashen says that Identix equipment could help screen out terrorists by scanning passengers fingerprints before they take a flight. The electronic prints, which take one tenth of a second to capture, could then be matched against a database of terrorist suspects. Another use: As a lock on the cockpit door, which would open only at the touch of authorized crew prints.