It seems that the state of New York are planning to use Microsoft’s Xbox Live service as a means to send emergency broadcasts to gamers, they may also consider doing the same for the Wii and PS3.

According to a recent article posted on Joystiq it looks likely that in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disasters and other related issues a message could appear on your screen (in a similar way to as how a friends message appears) which would warn you of an issue.

It is thought that due to the amount of people on Xbox Live this would be a very easy way of getting the message out there, and I agree it does make sense.

Whether this actually ever goes ahead is unconfirmed, however I feel that as long as it wasn’t too intrusive and was used sensibly its a great idea, find out more on Joystiq.

Do you think that this is a good idea?

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http://www.product-reviews.net/2009/11/24/new-york-to-use-xbox-live-as-an-emergency-broadcast-system/

My feeling is it will only be available to Gold users. Silver users will have to die. lol

It makes sense, no reason not to.

they should go ahead and do it. i mean they already do both TV and radio and frankly a lot of gamers are like myself and don't really watch much tv/radio because i'd rather game.

Yeah, it does make sense... But, better be a warning for PSN, or I'd never see it.

Yeah, but they're condemming the larger Wii community to certain death.  Also, while obvious, the Gold vs Silver joke was funny.

It's obviously a good idea and it should be done across all platforms too. I wonder if they would do tests like they do now on TV. I'll be on the look out.

The Gold v Silver joke was obvious and funny but expected from them lot.
Sort of ruins it knowing it's more of a dig than an actual joke.

The gold joke made me giggle.

Anyways, while I would be annoyed as much as I'm annoyed about any emergency alert broadcoast, it makes sense and it's something I hope they implement nationwide if successful.

Kowenicki,
The only reason they post news in the MS section is to have a dig.

I'm from NYC and I think is a good idea, I'll let you know if I get it ..

I imagen a msg pop up saying this is a test in case of an emergency