D.I.C.E. Summit
Tim Sweeney decries the use of divisive politics in games marketing
Tim Sweeney thinks any political message in a videogame should be an expression “from the heart of creatives” rather than a marketing strategy.
“If a game tackles politics, as To Kill a Mockingbird did as a novel, it should come from the heart of creatives and not from marketing departments seeking to capitalize on division,” said Sweeney, in order to clarify reports of his recent keynote at the D.I.C.E. Summit in Las Vegas.
The Ubisoft approach: While series like Far Cry and Tom Clancy’s The Division feature political themes – although mostly quite extreme and unnuanced ones – the publisher and the studios tend to play it safe and stay on neutral ground when actually handling the subjects.
“And when a company operates an ecosystem where users and creators can express themselves, they should should [sic] be a neutral moderator,” he added. “Else the potential for undue influence from within or without is far too high.”
His keynote at D.I.C.E. this week compared the importance of stopping game marketing from playing politics to the separation of church and state.
Time For A Quick Daily Quiz?
What year did Geoff Keighley first host The Game Awards?
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
The answer will be revealed at the bottom of today’s issue. Join up with our community on Twitter and Facebook to discuss what the answer could be.
Daily Fact
Mario Golf: World Tour rewards the slightly patient with villainy
Camelot Software Planning’s 2014 Mario Golf: World Tour for Nintendo 3DS features a wide variety of Mario heroes and villains teeing off on the green and the game’s intro shows all your favorite Mushroom Kingdom heroes getting into the swing of things.
If you take a break at the title screen and wait a little, you will be presented with another intro – this time starring the iconic baddies we love to stomp and fireball enjoying a spot of green time.
Oddly, the European versions of the Birdie, Eagle and Albatross announcement animations are missing exclamation marks, while the US version has them.
Join up with our community on Twitter and Facebook to discuss today’s fact.
Indie Games Median
Valentine’s Day round-up
Friday the 14th is Valentine’s Day, so a bunch of games will get lovey-dovey and celebrate the occasion. Here’s some of the notable ones:
- Pokémon Go (February 14th – 17th)
The week-long Valentine’s celebration starts tomorrow. Expect a deluge of pink Pokémon in the Wilds, raids, and hatching from Eggs as well as Field Research encounters. Audino and Alomomola will also make their debuts in Pokémon Go, and there will be a special raid on February 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time featuring Lickitung. - Apex Legends (February 12th-19th)
This year’s Valentine’s Day Rendezvous began yesterday and lasts until next week. Simply log in to collect your Valentine’s 2020 Badge. Duos have returned for a limited time and there’s a ‘Double Up’ XP boost capped at 20k per day. There are also two new Pathfinder and Nessie gun charms, as well as returning Valentine’s items. - Dauntless (February 13th – 27th)
Celebrate love between friends during this year’s Saint’s Bond with 7 contract rewards. You will receive a gift when the event begins today – a free Hearts United flare. Each contract rewards a special Saint’s Bond weapon skin, and you receive ‘double quest progress’ when playing with a friend. You can also purchase the Saint’s Bond skin, proving love is cheap after all. - Ark Survival Evolved (February 11th – 18th)
A special event called Love Evolved started earlier this week, and will last until next week. Cupid-themed weaponry, items, skins and even five new chibi pets will be available to those burning with passion. Looks like love is a pretty savage affair, no matter how evolved. - Fortnite (February 5th – 17th)
The Love and War campaign started earlier this month, and lasts until next week. You can try out the new Search and Destroy LTM, earn some goodies like a free Pickaxe, Emote and Wrap by completing challenges, and nab yourself a themed Outfit available through the Shop. All is fair in love and war.