VIDEO: IGN creates a reality show centered on indie game makers and it is beyond embarrassing
Matt Hawkins Could there possibly be a worse video game based reality show than the PlayStation Network’s Tester? Believe it or not, the answer is a resounding and deafening “yes.”
A while back. IGN launched the Indie Open House Project, which offered office space, equipment, and even advisement to those who wished to create their own games. It was something that immediately got the attention of myself and pals of mine… ones who happen to be indie game developers to be exact. Knowing what we knew about IGN (how it’s primarily a supplier of mainstream gaming news and previews, among other tings), we all wondered what the deal was. Though everyone ultimately tried to stay as optimistic as possible, albeit cautiously.
Months passed and pretty much everyone, myself included, completely forgot about the initiative. Then all of a sudden, IGN announced the premier of The Next Game Boss, a reality show that details those that had signed up tackling various game design related challenges. Again, when one considers what IGN is all about… specifically the types of folks who frequent the place, and those among them who aspire to be game creators… a clearer image began to take shape.
For those who wish to watch episode one, which clocks in at around 20 minutes (no thanks), they can do so here. Though this highlights package pretty much tells you everything you need to know…
Here’s the deal: as noted, I know a TON of indie game makers. It’s no exaggeration to say that I’m pals with a number of folks who make some of the very best that the iPhone/iPad has to offer, along with countless others that make PC/XBLA/PSN oriented fare. And I swear to God, none of them are as douche-chill inducing as these tools.
Talk about perpetuating negative stereotypes. Not to say that there’s a ton of women making indie games (at least not yet), but the overall scene is not at the women-hating club that the clip above somewhat implies. Hell, even their attire is embarrassing. Granted, some have claimed that many indie game devs are responsible for the “hipster-fication” of video games, in the sense that those making them are not wearing “Zelda’s My Bitch” shirts or sporting beards and thick-framed glasses. Also, their content is less concerned with musclebound, machismo antics but more abstract and at times emo concepts. Basically, none of them would be caught wearing such stupid hats and have better things to do than mash-up internet meme mash-ups that are only really funny within the confines of Tumblr.
What I’m most curious about is the one lone female in the assemblage. I’m certain she’s featured prominently in the actual episode (which needless to say I’m not wasting time upon) and more than likely smiles a lot, because a camera is shoved in her face, so how else can she react to such asinine b.s. going on all around her? Guess I’ll have to wait for the eventually recap in which she storms off out of disgust.
The Awkward And Misogynist Lowlights From Indie Developer Reality Show ‘The Next Game Boss’ [Kotaku]
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