It seems pretty easy for gamers to forget that there's an entire world out there, and an entire group of people being dehumanized for video games' sake. Take, for instance, this horrifying story of sweatshop conditions in the factory that produces 360 controllers which you can read here.

I won't say too much on the topic, because I think the article does a pretty good job of that anyways, but still – it's pretty ridiculous to think that Microsoft can charge $60 for their controllers and use sweatshop workers and still not turn a profit on their XBoxes (until very recently, that is). I know this is a problem endemic of almost all consumer goods, as Westerners generally enjoy the discounts made possible by forced labour, but still, I have to say that seeing all of the comments on 1up's site (the website that originally reported the story) of gamers saying, basically, "I don't care, the controller's too expensive as it is, blah blah blah" made me feel a little sick to my stomach. Anyways, head over to the Border House Blog for the ongoing discussion. If there's any action made on this development, I'll be sure to let you know.

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I wonder if since this story broke anyone has looked into 3rd party controller manufacturers? I mean, what's done is done and it would be senseless for me to sell my current Xbox 360 controllers, but if I were going to buy another controller I'll be looking to the 3rd parties after this.

Yeah, I agree, although I think a lot of those third party controllers are probably in the same boat. It's a pretty widespread problem.

I think I'll at least be buying the controllers secondhand. That way they're not making any money off of me directly.

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