http://www.thestar.com/article/611472

In Lara Croft’s latest action adventure, part of the wildly popular Tomb Raider video game series, the lithe heroine can demand of her evil doppelganger either, “What the hell are you?” or, “Qu’est-ce que tu es, exactement?”

And that’s exactly the way Quebec wants it, from now on. French language rules on video games come into force today prohibiting the sale of new English-only video games in Quebec if a French version is available.

It’s causing a lot of consternation among retailers and gamers alike, who fear the rules will lead to delays in video games arriving in the province, and may not accomplish what the law intends, which is to promote and protect the French language.

Ronnie Rondeau, co-owner of the eight Game Buzz stores around Montreal, said he even fears bankruptcy.

“I’m afraid it’s going to cost me my business,” Rondeau said. “If it really was going to make a difference, I’d be for it, but only a small number of people want to play in French. The rest don’t care.

“And money-wise, it’s going to hurt.”

Rondeau said gamers are notorious for wanting new games the minute they come out. It’s why he has had numerous midnight sales with lines stretching around the block.

It’s why he even carries Japanese games that won’t be available in English for months.

If there’s a delay of even a few days, they’ll find other options, such as buying online or across the border.

Way to kick the local economy when it’s down.  Gamers will just order online or drive to the US. These bureaucrats really don’t have a clue. If consumers really cared they’d demand French audio and subtitles.