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Mac OS game deletes files
Author: Gareth HalfacreePublished: 30th October 2009
The Lose/Lose game by artist Zach Gage deletes a file each time an enemy is killed - but claims to be art rather than malware.
The software in question is Lose/Lose, a game created by artist Zach Gage - described by iTWire as a "Space Invaders inspired game" created as part of an on-line art exhibition. However, this particular package has a twist which has brought it to the attention of anti-virus developers.
Rather than blasting harmlessly away at pixellated aliens, each enemy character represents a file located somewhere in the system - and when an alien is killed, the related file gets permanently deleted. While pacifism is an option - and the only way to get out of losing files - losing your life in the game results in Lose/Lose itself being erased.
Despite the clear warning on Zach's site which alerts people to the fact that files are going to be lost, anti-virus companies are classing the file as a malicious Trojan and updating their detection appropriately.
Gage describes the project as a method of "exploring what it means to kill in a video-game" as well as investigating "at what point [...] our virtual data become[s] as important to us as physical possessions," and asks of gamers "why do we assume that because we are given a weapon an[d] awarded for using it, that doing so is right?"
Despite the clear downside to playing Lose/Lose - and the difficulty of doing so should your anti-virus package keep un-installing it - the on-line high score table features users such as arvenus and BlueHawk who have both killed almost 5,000 enemies - with the corresponding loss of almost 5,000 files from their Mac OS X installation.
The big question: is it art, or is it malware? Have your say over in the forums.
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Where theres a simple solution.
On a side note, I love that all the smug people saying you don't need anti virus on a mac, are now being targetted. Even if it is"in the interest of art"
Makes you think...and that is what art is meant to do right?
you mean one with spell/grammar check?
Surely that should contain a capital "Y" on "you", as its the start of a sentence.
Back on topic.. What a great idea, as long as its CLEARLY stated (maybe before you start the game also), then I see no objection to this.
That's brilliant!
Can we get an anti-virus system that lets you deal with virus' etc in the same way?
It is a malware program that has been created for the purpose of artistic expression so it's both. Ultimately he's a fanny though and should really try to think of something a little more conceptually inspiring.
Not really, we're talking about this arn't we?
I'd say that's a pretty clever way to get some attention. It's a lot of effort and not mainstream but it's interesting..
It is - it's called Windows ME - instead of shooting things, files are deleted by pressing the power button :)
On a side note, and back on topic - if it has a clear disclaimer, then people that play it only have themselves to blame
hahaha i don't usually pay for anti viruses (usually go with free versions) but if there was one like that i certainly would!
Would it be wise to assume you don't own a mac, and are infact talking about a Mac in an Applestore?
Can't say I've even bothered with an A/V program for over a year now, but if someone did one like this, I too would part with cash for it.
***Edit***
As to the being placed on the malware list, would he be eligible for lawsuits? I mean it is clearly stated that it deletes files.
Joe, how about an article on how games with this type of ability could affect the future of gaming?
B3CK- That's a good idea actually, and you win when you destroy the file that is the game on your opponents computer.
Still fun though.
Because its a video game and therefore not real life so personal morals aren't necessarily an issue seeing as its all make believe?
Even though there is a disclaimer stating its purpose and consequences, how many people will read that? How many of us read the EULA of games we install?
I do. It makes good sense to know what the hell you're installing and what could and what couldn't be considered their fault.
I do not even know how to respond to something this stupid.
+1
+1
the only people who whine about violence in video games are the ones who don't understand it is entertainment. like judge whats his face calling it a "murder simulator." that is like calling a violent movie a "murder manual." are their real sickos who will go out and repeat what the see? yes there are, but they are messed up to begin with, and it realy only is a matter of time before they decide to kill anyway. best to be prepared in my oppinion.
as to the anti-virus people, i can understand theri anxiety. what if you had a "freind" who sent this to you and told you to play it? i mean come on, if you were going to play this and you actualy knew what it was, why would you even bother installing anti-virus? your going to hose your computere anyway. . . .
a multiplayer would be neat. i might be tempted to play in a sandbox or a VM, just for lols.
now if you'll excuse me, i have some mac snobs i am going to go make "freinds" with.
I may be in need of sleep.
Clever game, but kinda stupid
Actually, it'll teach them a lesson.