Terrorist Attacks Change Video Games

Oct. 2, 2001 -- 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.

— Richard Davies, ABCNEWS

Donating Online To Relief Charities

The images of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have been powerful images, stirring many to action. And one of the easier ways for Web users to get involved is at LibertyUnites.org.

As mentioned by President Bush during his televised speech before Congress on Sept. 20, the Web site is a place where people can go to find information on legitimate charitable groups and how to contribute to rescue efforts.

David Eisner of the American Liberty Partnership, one of the site's sponsors says LibertyUnites.org has information on the Twin Towers Fund, the American Red Cross and other relief funds. "They click on that organization, can read more about it and just like purchasing a book on Amazon.com, they can make a contribution," says Eisner.

Eisner also says that all online contributions are secure and donor information is kept private. All organizations listed on Liberty Unites have also been approved by federal, state and local governments.

— Larry Jacobs, ABCNEWS

Cybershake is produced for ABCNEWS Radio by Andrea J. Smith.