By Felicity Ussher, 15 December 1999 16:56
NEWS Allegations that a popular online game, Elf Bowling, is a computer virus have been squashed by leading virus detectors. McAfee, Norton and Symantec have confirmed that N Vision Design's Christmas-themed game is not malicious, despite the millions of emails in circulation which claim otherwise. In Elf Bowling, the player takes on the role of Father Christmas, and tries to knock down green-shirted elves like skittles. N Vision President, Dan Ferguson, conceded that the game does set up an online connection with the company each time the game is played. "But it is a simple sonar ping that carries no data," he told Silicon.com. "We just want to know how often the game is played, so that in future we can introduce players in the same city to one another." Symantec's Anti-Virus Centre has published a statement that the email alerts are a hoax. The emails claim the game is a time bomb which will destroy the hard drive on Christmas day. "The hoaxes started two weeks ago, and have already mutated - each one alleging that the virus will kick in at a different time. Other games developers have been affected too," continued Ferguson. "Symantec, Norton and McAfee are all backing us on this." Symantec's conclusive report is available at http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/y2kgame.hoax.html Those interested in decimating elves with bowling balls can click here http://www.nstorm.com/games/elfbowl.cfm
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