Paul Carr with yet another interesting talking point. This time to do with how we support Internet start-ups (he should have looked at web mission 08 before talking to Oli about this) and how the video gaming industry leaders view the debate about violent games:
“Another interesting point on blaming technology for society’s ills came from Ian Livingstone, the founder of Eidos and so, therefore, I suppose, Lara Croft’s dad. He raised the point that MPs are very quick to attack violent computer games, but in fact only 5% of games, by volume of sales, are 18 rated. And yet – in his words – video gaming had become ‘the bastard red-headed step child of the UK creative industries’.”
Hmmm.
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I’m reminded of a brilliant quote, the origin of which eludes me, that says:
“Computer games don’t affect kids. I mean, if Pacman affected our generation as kids, we’d all run around in a darkened room munching pills and listening to repetitive music.” – Utter genius.
Rather than attributing violence to games perhaps the nation’s current obsession with Jordanesque frontal embellishments can be blamed on Ms Croft instead. I don’t think The Sun has made the connection yet.
And while we’re at it, let’s blame the current cult of online self-obsession on Mr Carr. He seems an easy a target as any.
Paul Carr knows all about the Web Mission, as he was here in San Francisco as part of its fringe (and indeed maintained the official fringe blog).
@John Lilburne – it was Marcus Brigstocke who made the Pacman joke. Genius indeed.
Ian Livingstone! Legend! Author and creator of the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks and creator of Games Workshop way back in the day.
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