The headline essentially speaks for itself; the anti-video game crusader has finally seen defeat at the hands of the gaming public.
Gaming sites left and right are reporting on this event, from Joystiq, to Kotaku and even G4. Destructoid also mentions that Thompson’s response to news of his disbarment was ‘go to hell.’
If perchance he should end up there, I am sure that no one in the gaming community would miss him.
Gamepolitics has legal analysis of Thompson’s defeat here, and G4 has a hilarious look at what would happen if his nightmares prove reality. It can be seen below:
Now that Spore is out, gamers everywhere are having the opportunity to try their hand at creating species to run amok in the world. Though Will Wright’s games are not my cup of tea, I greatly appreciate what he is doing to advance gaming by focusing on a genre that centers on ingenuity rather than destruction.
However, while I and other gamers may applaud Wright’s direction, others are against his plans; this article highlights how people disagree with the game because it promotes evolution rather than creationism.
Personally, I think that Spore is just a game, and parents can actually use it to teach kids about the wonders of science. Sadly, it seems easier for people to locate problems in a new idea rather than use it for solutions.
Speaking of problems, I am very disappointed in the new game out that promotes the shooting of Muslims. In reading the main piece and Gamepolitics’s analysis of it, I have to say that for the first time, I am going to side with the game’s detractors. I simply fail to see the redeeming value of this product, and though there is some humor in it, there are too many individuals who will get the wrong idea, especially in this post 9/11 world.
On the subject of laws, I really hope that this video game law in California is proven unconstitutional. If only our elected leaders spent more time on worthwhile issues, like ending this war in Iraq.
Video games are continuing to make inroads in our society and popular culture. In fact, they are even making inroads into the political process, if the video in this article below any indication.
Along with this piece of news, I would also like to recognize two individuals who dedicate their lives to improving American values in differnt ways. One solider who made the ultimate sacrifice, and a Congressman who is working to improve the public good. Interestingly, both of these people are gamers; in fact, the Congressman is a proud gamer. This is prove that not all gamers are insane ingrates.
I am writing this post as I am watching Sarah Palin speak at the Republican National Convention. I have to admit, though I disagree with her policies, (all of them), I have to admit that she comported herself well on stage, supplying some decent stage presence and showing candor in praising her family and her constituents for their efforts.
Of course, Sarah didn’t earn her nickname ‘Barracuda’ for nothing, as she wasted no time in attacking Obama and the Democrats as being ‘part of the Washington elite.’
Interestingly, little has been figured out on Sarah’s positions on media issues; all that we know about her is that she is very socially conservative. Apparently, that extends to all media, including books, if this article is any indication.
The fact that Sarah even TRIED to ban books is scary; it almost reminds me of the book Farenheit 451, or to a lesser degree, the ten-cent plague, a book that I have read and reviewed earlier in my blog.
Interestingly, David Jaffe seems to agree with my distrust of Palin, as he has released a video that can be viewed here that mentions her opinion. Gamepolitics’s analysis can be read here. Jaffe is known to speak his mind, so he may say a few things that are a bit off the wall. I personally think that it’s funny.
Of course, Palin is not the only one against emergent media, the Thailand government has made it clear that they disliked the gaming medium, ever since that story broke about that young male who claims that he imitated Grand Theft Auto. The report can be found here; frankly, Thailand has bigger problems than dealing with games, but the fact that they choose to focus on them shows how out of touch they are with their country.
Speaking of Grand Theft Auto, it has actually found its way to make some positive news for a change. Destructoid has the report here; based on what is said, it shows that all games can have their good applications. I know that and you know it, now if only everyone else would see it.
The Democratic National Convention was, by all accounts, a success in that it did its part in showcasing who Barack Obama is to the world. His historic speech on the convention’s final day did a good job (at least I think) of cementing his positions about how he plans to govern our country.
In terms of gaming though, the DNC was both a success, and Gamepolitics has reports describing both in detail.
First of all, Microsoft’s online service, Xbox Live, has decided to participate in voting efforts along with Rock the Vote at both the Democratic and Republican conventions. A video of their efforts at the Democratic National Convention can be seen below:
Sadly though, the goodwill was negatively countered with an advocacy group called ‘No Child Left Inside’ blaming the inactivity of today’s youth on video games. Personally, I can’t wait until a gamer reaches a prominent position in government, maybe then these bullshit accusations will finally pass. The report is here.
Speaking of advocacy, an important question was discussed in Gamepolitics on whether or not gamer advocates need to actually be gamers themselves. The article is here; personally, I would answer this question by emphatically saying YES! After all, you can’t fight for something if you don’t know what you are fighting for.
Academic duties and life planning have been contributing factors in my not blogging as frequently as I would like; however, I reassure you that I am still keeping abreast of gaming issues and the roles that they play in our society.
South Africa apparently thinks that this role is negative, as a watchdog group situated there is calling for a ban on not just video games with controversial content, but violent music as well. Gamepolitics has more on this report here.
In making this decision, the spokesman from the group, Errol Nadioo, cited two incidents; the first involving a United States teen who murdered his friend after listening to Slipknot, and the second being the Bangkok GTA incident.
What is disturbing about these actions is that he even admits that these actions may not achieve their desired result, but ‘thinks that they may bring peace of mind to families.’
My opinions on individuals, organizations and associations who blame video games for their society’s ills have already been voiced throughout this blog; I will simply say this instead: considering all the problems facing South Africa, should they really be focusing their energies on banning the one means of escape that these people have? There is a reason that games continue to provide a decent revenue for people despite our struggling economy.
Speaking of the economy, considering how bad it is, it should provide an easy electoral advantage for Democrats. However, Obama has run into some trouble as of late, with most of it coming from his questionable associations and the rest coming from exposed flaws in his policies. Others are not enthused about his choice of Joe Biden for VP.
Personally, I have always been skeptical of Biden; I believe that he has the tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Turns out, I am not alone in this concern, if this article is to be believed.
Kind of sad, but oh well, he is better than Hillary Clinton.
To end this post on a humorous note, here is a video that shows how McCain likes to use his war experience as an excuse for EVERYTHING!! Thanks, Jared Rea!
If movies, music and books can ask and express controversial questions, can games do the same?
That very question is one that Winda Benedetti attempts to answer in her Citizen Gamer column. One article in particular points to various games that have pushed the envelope in terms of content in ways that Grand Theft Auto could not. The piece can be read here.
I am all for games asking questions about life in fact, I tend to like games that explore topics beyond the simple fare of saving princesses. One game that I thought tackled deep themes well was Shin Megami Tensei: Nocture. More information about it can be found here.
Finally, Gamepolitics has a letter written to a reader by a NY Senator who opposed the Video Games Law that was recently passed. It can be read here. I am glad that some of our politicians have back bones, and are actually accepting of entertainment culture.
It is becoming more and more apparent that bastions of old media are expressing fear over the rising influence of video games.
According to a post on Townhall.com, Grand Theft Auto 4 is a threat to American values. In reading the piece, I expressed anger that he was blaming the world’s problems on video games, much like other politicians have done and continue to do. If anything, the fact that the game has managed to sell well should highlight the fact that the video game economy is thriving, while every other sector (with some exceptions) are dying.
The main problem with these ‘moral crusaders’ is that it seems easier to attack outside factions rather than inside influences. Blame the media for your problems rather than your own bad parenting seems to be the way to go. There are positive forms of media to counterbalance these negative forms; incorporate them into your life if you are so concerned about it, and give your children the common sense to avoid the bad forms of media that exist.
As for GTA 4, it is not going anywhere, if this article by Joystiq.com is any indication.
Another attack on ‘American Values’ by games comes from Spore, a game where players are encouraged to create their own creatures. Of course, it has led some to create animals that are less than savory, and thus cause watchdog media groups to label it ‘Sporn.’ CNN has the report here.
I am confident that the companies who make this game will find a way to regulate what is shown in the game, in an odd way, I actually find it funny that this stuff was shown; after all, we do have freedoms of speech and expression, for better or worse.
Here is an excellent piece on Ars Technica which shows how gamers as a whole can work to improve the industry. Reading this piece gave me a renewed sense of pride and it should provide gamers (of all stripes) renewed ammunition against naysayers and ill-wishers for our industry. Whether they want to admit it or not, gaming is here to stay, and will only mature as we do.
As the presidential election heats up, video games are finding themselves in the crosshairs once again, as our elected officials are apparently scared of the power of media when it is not paid for and in their back pockets.
Scenes in Fallout 3 where Washington D.C. is turned into ash is simply a media image, not any sort of political statement, as Fallout 3 developers had to reiterate in this MTV Multiplayer interview. Gamepolitics has the excerpt of this report here. Personally, with the way that our country is going, I wouldn’t be surprised if parts of our nation were ruined, considering how we are harming our environment and thinking we can use our ‘military might’ to influence nations.
Continuing on the politics tip, Gamepolitics has a report concerning new video game legislation by the U.S. Senate here, the report also allows a look at the bill in its entirety. I get tired of these anti-video game bills; like Gamepolitics says, when gamers grow up to be politicians themselves, hopefully these bills will cease to exist.
Speaking of anti-video game views, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney made it clear that he was against video game culture, as this video shows below:
I ask the following question: would you want this guy as your VP?
McCain is at least considering the possiblity, based on this report by Gamepolitics. Ostensibly, Romney could help McCain in terms of economics and in repairing his ‘conservative’ image. Romney is also young enough to take McCain’s place should he keel over.
However, I STILL wouldn’t want him in office, as I think he comes across as an elitist and a perfectionist. To me, he is almost too slick and likes to potray himself as a moralist.
It doesn’t matter anyway, Obama still has a better chance to win this election than McCain does. By the way, does this contest remind anyone of the election between Kennedy and Nixon?
Finally, here is another piece about a video game being used to aid autistic children; more proof that games CAN be used to do good.
Come here to find out about how video games are playing a role in our society, and become enlightened regarding all the goings-on in the industry! Take a second to peek around and check out some of my previous posts. Comments are ALWAYS welcome!