One week after the release of Rockstar Games’ latest flagship title, GTA:IV, it would seem that consumers have globally proclaimed it is good.
The sales figures are next-level — 500 million dollars spent in the first week, roughly 6 million copies sold, and nearly 310 million spent on the first day. No doubt the estimated production cost of 100 million spent by Rockstar Games was focused in the right direction.
Both the music and film industries should pay a considerable amount of attention to the success that is the billion dollar gaming industry. What music artist or film has pushed those types of figures in the first day or week of sales? Not even Star Wars, or HOVA himself can lay claim to Rockstar’s crown.
Despite the thriving video game industry, the negative social stigma surrounding video games constantly threatens to overshadow its epic success. With nearly 20 billion spent on video games in 2007 — people like myself laying down hard-earned dividends at $60 per/game for their next-generation consoles, why does the stigma continue to exist?
Too violent? A waste of time for adults? Children losing all stamina and social skills due to video games? The list is endless. These types of assertions about video game consumption exist, primarily due to generations who have grown up not having played games.
The most vocal opponents have not experienced the social impact of video games in their early lives. As I was reminded earlier today, the demonization of this type cultural consumption is not new. Why does history continue to repeat itself?
What will be the next big thing, as we continue to age, that we will vilify (as our young-bloods are coming up)? Electric cars only? Regulatory practices prohibiting beef consumption? All video games requiring full body interaction to play? Marinate.
