NCsoft Fined By ESA For Excessive Noise At E3

According to major consumer video game website GameSpot, Korean-headquartered MMO publisher NCsoft has been fined $5,000 by the Electronic Software Association (ESA) for violating noise regulations during last week's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. NCsoft is most recognized for the PC massively multiplayer online (MMO) games City of Villains and City of Heroes, as well as the upcoming release of Tabula Rasa for the PC, a MMO in development by Richard Garriott, which was promoted at E3 by NCsoft with a stage show and music preformed live by Mutaytor. The crowd was also enticed to get “as loud as it could”, which prompted the neighboring booth operated by Sega, as well as the ESA to respond. According to the report, NCsoft vice president of strategic development Fred Schmidt stepped on stage following the musical act, addressed the fine, and pointed out that Sega had three individuals monitoring NCsoft's noise output with decibel readers during the show. Schmidt also claimed that there were other more noisy booths at the show, and that the company tried to keep the noise within five decibels of the agreed limit. Schmidt also indicated that NCsoft may not attend E3 in the future, commenting: "We're not sure we're on the same plane with this organization… We have been harassed for three days straight, and I'm not sure we're coming back here, but we are going to have a party next year--real near here--and we hope you all will come." NCsoft wrapped up its presence at E3 on Friday with a Guild Wars PvP tournament and award show, according to reports.