Robert Scoble: Union Pacific Says Microsoft Train Simulator Is Dangerous. Union Pacific turned down Microsoft’s request to be involved with Train Simulator because UP is concerned that people will learn to drive a train and then hop into a real one which might cause a major accident.
I’m guessing this the work of a lawyer. Union Pacific probably fears that it’ll get sued if someone using this game steals a train and causes property damage, injury or worse.
Whatever, it’s absurd. It reminds me of the foolishness that came up a couple of years ago when American Airlines went after people using its logo in flight simulation games, except then it was a trademark issue. I recall noting the airline’s idiocy in a column at the time, and the company eventually reacted to that and lots of other criticism by backing down to a large degree.
Here’s hoping that the train simulator community will bring Union Pacific to its senses.