Tomino thinks video games....ARE EVIL!!!(actually he thinks they don't contribute)

[Darkslash]

Link to original post: [drupal=2314]Tomino thinks video games....ARE EVIL!!![/drupal]



http://gamasutra.com/news?story=25118

So Mr. Kill'em All Tomino thinks video games are waste of time and consume electricity.

"I think that video games are evil," says Tomino. "[Gaming] is not a type of activity that provides any support to our daily lives, and all these consoles are just consuming electricity! Let's say we have about three billion people on this planet wasting their time, bringing no productivity at all. Add 10 billion more people, and what would happen to our planet? Video games are assisting the death of our planet!"

This is particularly ironic, as his signature Gundam franchise and its many spinoffs are widely featured in games on all platforms, and have been since the series' popularity exploded in the 1980s.
If any thing, this has caused a wild fire on gaming forums. Some responses come up with the basic "Tomino is a idiot, it could apply to Gundam"

I personally think people are missing the point. If any thing this could mean from any thing from games,anime,T.V and movies. When was the last time a video game made you stop and ponder about life? I was watching some of his Gundam series and was wondering why does a 13 year old deserve this kind of hell? It then hit me how lucky I am. I wasn't forced to pilot some epic machine of war, watched loved ones die in my hands, or countless innocents get killed in front of my face. I didn't see enemies killed by my hands who could of easily been me.

I never managed to get that from video games today. Maybe some older ones, but never the feeling that could make you ponder how lucky you are in life.

It could be entirely me....but then again, I'm not you, the user, who's sitting there in front of a computer screen reading this blog. In one perspective, I could be blabbling like a idiot. In another perspective, I could be uttering wisdom. I personally think I'm pushing this too far. Trying to over think, while the real message is in my face. Who knows...

Well If this doesn't get ignored, I want to read what you think about this? Maybe get some opinions from guys who hate anime/moe/what ever from asia stuff.

EDIT: Forgot to ADD ONE Important part *silly me*

"If finding answers to these questions were easy," continued Tomino, "then something better would have been out by now. Has there been anything better than Tetris since it first came out? How many years has it been? This is what I want to tell you: I want you to create a game that does not negatively affect our daily lives and is something that is considered more productive."

 

[stabbedbyanipple]

Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of Japan's most popular sci-fi giant robot franchise

....Is that an actual genre?

 

[Darkslash]

....Is that an actual genre?

Its official name is "Real Robot", a derivative of "Super Robot" which has military themes, with plausible technology, I.E Nuclear Reactor power source. Or that could apply to both

 

[kr3wman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM6nUX57gCg&feature=fvw

It may be a waste, but it's sure as hell awesome.

Same thing could be said about anything that's not sleeping/eating/having sex.

 

[El Nino]

I read the title and went into this expecting to be offended.

But, in actuality, old dude has a point.

His goal is to challenge developers to improve their output. "You have to find the median -- that games are not evil, perhaps not necessarily good either, but something that can be considered a pastime. What would make people enjoy a game? How do you make them feel like it is not just a waste of time?"

Who DOESN'T want good games? It's like the difference between a movie that makes you think and one that you go to just to chug soda and eat popcorn with the cool kids. And, yes, I do see the value of cheesy entertainment (it's fun), but I do like quality and insight too, once in a while.

Also, Tetris is awesome.

Edit: Whoever wrote that headline at Gamasutra probably just wanted a title that would get people's attention, but it's also very misleading as to Tomino's actual intentions in his address. Taken out of context, it's easy to misinterpret what he meant.

 

[Oracle]

Well in part he is being hypocritical because anime and tv are in the same boat as video games in that very few examples of each have the deep meaning that he described. I would hardly call orange-clad ninjas running around being the furthest thing from stealthy "deep", nor would I do the same for *insert generic ******** television because I don't watch it much these days*. There are some great ones from each genre.

However he argues against himself because it doesn't matter how great a game/show is. To him, they both should fall under the category of "it makes lazy people sitt on their azs and do nothing". Besides, you could argue that very little that we do "supports" our lives, such as going to the movies, buying nice things, art, music, etc.

 

[finalark]

My friend actually linked me an article about this last night. I read the escapist's article on it, and what I got from it was initially this:

"So sitting on your *** playing video games all day is bad but sitting on your *** all day watching guys in mechs blow each other up all day isn't?"

I reread it a few times, and I can see what he's getting at, but.... it just seems a tad... contradictory. And lets not forget, how many Gundam games have been made exactly?

 

[Darkslash]

I personally think people are missing the point. If any thing this could mean from any thing from games,anime,T.V and movies.

I think he's talking about the current state of the industry today. Hell he hates the modern Gundam shows as well.

Tomino is like Kojima, both geniuses when it comes to their work, but should keep their mouth shut.

 

[SuSa]

If using problem solving skills in Legend of Zelda is a "waste of time" or figuring out how to solve an issue or a problem (most RPG games) or hell, even being able to remember simple objectives given by a game (most FPS, any puzzle game (Tetris, Pokemon Puzzle), any Strategy Game (Tom Clancy: World at War or something like that? I can't remember... it's a war strategy turn based game), or any game that invokes thought (Splinter Cell/Metal Gear), or anything that sort of deals with real life issues (Metal Gear to a degree if you follow the storyline, and GTA if you tone it down a bit and get rid of the obviously fake things) is a learning experience.

People look at things incorrectly in my opinion. None of the above is a waste, and to be honest. I put much of my brain development (especially my problem solving skills) into the hands of video games, and things such as Sudoku. More so then I put into school or my parents.

/has been offended and worded many things incorrectly in the above statements. Grammar needs work. :3

EDIT:
This:
"Same thing could be said about anything that's not sleeping/eatingworking/having sex."

 

[El Nino]

I think people are misunderstanding what he's saying.

I took it to be just tough love directed at the industry. Games, anime and other forms of popular entertainment are elements of middle class leisure. They matter very little in the grand scheme of things. In order for games to be worth the energy spent on them, I think he's arguing that they should be GOOD and exceptional in quality.

"[Tomino's] goal is to challenge developers to improve their output."
(Gamasutra)

"...How do you make them [consumers] feel like it is not just a waste of time?"
--Tomino

My interpretation: "Games are pointless. So make YOUR game NOT pointless."

It's just tough love. Keep in mind that he's talking to game developers and giving them advice. But it looks like it got lost in translation.

 

[SuSa]

The games nowadays still aren't pointless. Also "good" is an opinion. Some people think Halo or SFIV are "good" but I'd say FF3 and Tetris are "better" (not really, just pointing this out)

Also exceptional in quality is a large varient due to the many different genres of games and what each teaches. Be it problem solving skills, memory capacity (being able to think back to an earlier time to know what to do now), reaction speed, etc. etc.

Also tell me DDR is pointless (if you have the dance mat) :3

 

[El Nino]

Also "good" is an opinion.

No kidding. That doesn't mean you shouldn't tell someone, "Make it good." They'll do "good" by their definition of it, but sometimes people need to be reminded that they're not in a life-sustaining industry like agriculture or medicine where the entire field itself has a definite future. The future of any entertainment field is always sketchy. Fads come and go. If you want to keep your industry around, you have to think about the future, and you have to connect with people on a level that will keep them interested and willing to support you.

Think of it from the supplier's perspective. If the market becomes oversaturated with the same products and they all look identical, how will your company survive by selling the standard? If some new technology comes out and totally kills off all interest in video games, what will you do then?

That's why it's important, from a developer's perspective to think ahead and to NOT assume that consumer interest in your product is a constant and guaranteed. Start with the assumption that you produce a completely useless product and, from there, build it up to something that people will actually put money down on. Fads come and go. If you want to build a lasting industry, don't run on the assumption that your product has some intrinsic value just by nature of what it is. You have to put the value into it.

 

[SuSa]

That has nothing to do with what has been said. If the games being bought, it's still doing "good". If it's not being bought, it may be "bad" but still useful.

My point is video games aren't useless. If someone can find one that is, you will amaze me.

(Just because a game teaches nothing, does not mean it is useless. Entertainment can keep people from doing other... "worse" things. by entertaining them....)

Think of the King+Jester relationship. Haha. (Although not accurately. More of the "Jester did a bad job, King said "off with their heads" to the entire troupe")

 

[urdailywater]

video games helped me expand my vocabulary to surpass those around me.. at least up to 10th grade. and really i guess surpass in other things like spelling too. i was just lazy which is why I did bad >.>


soap operas are a waste of time.
anime is a waste of time.
pretty much everything related to t.v. that isn't educated, news, or weather is a waste of time.


so is the internet.

entertainment is a waste of time.

this article is a waste of time.



it also wastes electricity so yah.

i guess the only thing video games waste more is money but w/e. that's why you set financial priorities.

 

[Phir3]

My knowledge and vocabulary has been FAR superior to that of most of my classmates.... because I play videogames.

 

[CRASHiC]

My point is video games aren't useless. If someone can find one that is, you will amaze me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU1lHFCRh0k
You get to watch Pikachu watch tv.
I think that's as close as you get.

 

[El Nino]

If it's not being bought, it may be "bad" but still useful.

If you can find a use for a bad game, then good for you.

But I hope you're not considering a future in business management.

My point is video games aren't useless. If someone can find one that is, you will amaze me.

I've never played it, but I've been told that Lair is pretty useless.

"Jester did a bad job, King said "off with their heads" to the entire troupe"

You are familiar with the Sun Tzu?

 

[SuSa]

You are still completely missing my point.

Also am unfamiliar with Sun Tzu.

 

[j0s3ph]

I never managed to get that from video games today. Maybe some older ones, but never the feeling that could make you ponder how lucky you are in life.

You haven't played MGS4. I haven't even, but I was so intrigued by the story I watched some of the cutscenes on youtube. If there's a game that can make you think, it's that one.

 

[SuSa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU1lHFCRh0k
You get to watch Pikachu watch tv.
I think that's as close as you get.

I see problem solving skills. Along with being asked questions which test memory (or your ability to research)

see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA6BW1B0rMs&feature=related

To be honest, I've never even beaten Pokemon Channel...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbnjcBJUPdc&feature=related

 

[Darkslash]

You haven't played MGS4. I haven't even, but I was so intrigued by the story I watched some of the cutscenes on youtube. If there's a game that can make you think, it's that one.

You are in fact correct sir. I havn't played MGS4 yet, because no PS3. But I also mentioned

Tomino is like Kojima, both geniuses when it comes to their work, but should keep their mouth shut.

Also, take into the account of a anime show compared to Video games.

Anime shows will always clock around 21 minutes(not counting commercials) once a week on T.V. Video games can be played 24/7, its entirely possible. Unless you plan to watch over 1000 anime shows a week.

Some thing that made me lol

10 billion more people

The world only holds 6.5 billion 9_9

 

[Kewkky]

The world only holds 6.5 billion 9_9

Only for now! In the next few years we'll have to make room for SEVEN billion, as predicted by the sensus....


Thinking that videogames bring no productivity is an obvious case of tunnel-vision. Some games are meant for siingle-person audiences, while others are for multi-person audiences (like the Smash series)... This involves socialization, dedication, and even teaches you to accept losses and avoid egotistical actions in public areas. Partying brings about the same (if not worse) productivity as gaming, depending on the point of view... Dancing is good exercise, you socialize by meeting new people, and you're getting out of your house every now and then. However, you could end up drunk (and get a DUI), *****, mugged, even killed as possible consequences. Gaming doesn't have such dire effects, which is why it doesn't have obvious productivity rewards as partying does.

It has its ups and downs... But it's only truly evil if you base your opinions on what people DON'T do while gaming... And evil isn't even the right word! More like... Unhealthy for a normal social life development, and ONLY if you're playing the single-player games all the time.

 

[CRASHiC]

I remember reading that those who participate in MMO games have a larger social life than the average person.

 

[urdailywater]

face to face interaction is being social.

being behind a computer could even be considered anti-social to a point.

 

[Kewkky]

face to face interaction is being social.

being behind a computer could even be considered anti-social to a point.

To socialize, all you need is other people, it doesn't matter what the distance or tools you have been given to interact with them. Now, socializing in a HEALTHY way that is approved by the majority of the populace is a different thing.

 

[RATED]

I learned my english bcuz of videogames ( yeah I talk spanish) also I think of games like they were books an example : FFVII Crisis Core or Metal Gear series.

Or like a Sport : smash, SF4, tekken or Marvel for examples. I have even made friends thanks to videogames. also Crisis core inspired me to enjoy poetry yeah the Poem Loveless is really good by example.

also he's the guy who created Gundam right? why that's being stupid when I even played dynasty warrior gundam LOL so that's hypocresy.

 

[Darkslash]

The thing is, most people that you claim helped you with video games, can be said the same thing about T.V as well.

If you look at the gaming industry now, most of its focus is all on the graphics. Most games get shooed away or ignored due to having...average graphics. Looking at most anime today, the most popular animes are shows full of MOE BLOBS. Its plaguing the anime industry, just like Graphics are plaguing the gaming industry.

If any thing, Tomino is saying focus on the content rather than atheistic.

 

[SuSa]

TBH, even games with good graphics still teach me more then most TV.

 

[Super_Sonic8677]

Play Sonic Adventure 2, Call of Duty 3, Megaman Legends, Megaman X 5 and 6, Mass Effect, Megaman ZX. and/or LOZ Twilight Princess and then tell me that again. These are just ones I can list off the top of my head that I have played. These all have philisophical meaning. Ze;da games with the puzzles and complex dungeons work your memmory and desision making skills. Fighters help with your mental speed and reation time. And decision making as well.

Tomino IS and idiot at least in that respect. Though I do like the Gundam franchise alot XD

Off topic: Can a mod tell me why I'm white please? I don't care really. It goes with my avatar but normal member color is yellow right?

 

[Sephiroths Masamune]

It's sad because he made millions off of video games from Gundum. and he's probably sore because his only 3D graphic TV series sucked (if you don't know what I'm talking about it's SD gundum A.K.A Super Deformed Gundum)

 

[Darkslash]

It's sad because he made millions off of video games from Gundum. and he's probably sore because his only 3D graphic TV series sucked (if you don't know what I'm talking about it's SD gundum A.K.A Super Deformed Gundum)

I LOVE how most uninformed people say he made millions off Gundam games. He only made money off the animated works, and even he didn't make that much. Most of the profits went to NamcoBandai and sunrise.

Hell he didn't make that Superior Defender crap. I like how every thing Gundam is TOTALLY Tomino.

Seriously I don't treat him as God (he possibly made the most whacked up, depressing series ever...HINT: its not Gundam), but hell Tomino hates the new Gundam's as well.

EDIT: Forgot to add

"If finding answers to these questions were easy," continued Tomino, "then something better would have been out by now. Has there been anything better than Tetris since it first came out? How many years has it been? This is what I want to tell you: I want you to create a game that does not negatively affect our daily lives and is something that is considered more productive."

AND FYI Tomino only directed Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta Gundam, Double Zeta, Victory Gundam, Gundam F91, Char's Counterattack, and Turn-A. Turn-A was created at least 10 years after Counterattack. He has no say in those Gundam anime,merchandise and products after those.

 

[Johnknight1]

If video games are so bad for you, how come they stimulate brain activity, & how come a active gamer like myself always scores extremely high state/school general tests & scores extremely high IQ scores?

Maybe it's the fact video games probably increased my problem-solving thinking process so much. Or because the 3 songs on the NES Tetris game are imbedded in my brain!

Also, Metal Gear Solid makes you think like a movie, & that's coming from a film major who's pretty much given his soul to film.

But that's more aimed at the interviewer/promoter, & very minimally the AMAZING interviewee [did I spell that right?].

 

[Uffe]

I guess we'd all better turn off our computers, television sets and refrigerators. We can't have these killing off the planet.