The Anti-Patrick group present on this site will never stop disgusting me. Patrick has added a level of detail in news for giant bomb (the podcast and the site) that had never been present previously. All the stupid shenanigans still happen, but there is also serious news/topics discussed. The depth of commentary and everybody's sphere of experience grows slightly larger and healthier in the process. Get over your fucking selves or go away. I like when Giant Bomb does more, which is exactly what every addition to the crew has allowed it to do.
As far as this story. I liked this article much more than the original one. This isn't entirely for the other perspectives (although they were nice to see), but the change in focus. What was more important was the sexual grotesqueness of the figure, not just the surface sexuality of the curvy lady in the bikini. This piece of marketing is the definition of lowest common denominator. They seem to be trying to both titillate and shock with very little sense of irony or class. It does send bad messages and it does paint the game buyer as some sort of ghoulish torture buff. It is the equivalent of the creepy- sexy anime action-figure, except put front and center as a "draw" instead of some niche fetish.
I don't think the developers should be run out on rails or forced to apologize, but people should take notice and think about the way they want this industry to develop. As somebody who has a rabid interest in games as a pastime and an industry, this is the kind of thing I have to talk around when I am trying to explain why games are a worthwhile interest. Just like the more vile games in history, things like this deserve to be brought to the public's attention so they can make their opinion known to developers.
Again, I love the work and the discussion that Patrick brings to Giant Bomb. I hope he keeps doing what he does. I will say that Patrick should be more careful with his tone when approaching stories that strike close to his heart. The price of being a journalist is a detachment from the strong impulse at calls to action. The job of a serious journalist is to report and give context. Tell what important thing happened and explain why it is important. I love editorial, and one person can wear both hats, but there needs to be as clear a distinction as possible if you want to avoid some of the more level-headed concerns that have been voiced in these comments.
The rest of these tools can eat shit.
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