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Disaffected Puts Gamers Into Real Life
The Guardian Gamesblog writes of a new Persuasive Games game called 'Disaffected'. The title puts you into the shoes of a Kinkos employee to discover why real-life minimum-wage employees are often so miserable. From the article: "It presents a very simplistic premise, and one which may offend both Kinkos and the employees themselves. As a casual game, it can't get as deep into the sociohistorical aspects that dog underpaid, under-trained and often under-age employees of US national corporations that Eric Schlosser's books Fast Food Nation or Reefer Madness expose, but it's an interesting scat on the seemingly pervasive branded advergames that have taken over."
Now that you played the game, why don't you get a REAL JOB and move out of your parents' basement?
For perspective, I wonder if the submitter believes that America's Army is an "advergame".
The common understanding seemes to be that such games are of low quality and value, but does that necessarily have to be the case?
-Rob
Biblical fiscal responsibility
I don't see why you are so quick to dismiss the game... did you even click on the link? It doesn't look like the most advanced game (it is, after all, free), but it could be pretty fun in the vein of one of those simple quick action games like Diner Dash or others that can be found on the web. I, for one, was interested in trying it out, but I am at work -- a slashdot reading haven, of course, but downloading/playing games is a stretch.
Why would it make money?
AFAIK, it isn't meant to make money... the company apparently makes their money creating these so-called "advergames" themselves (for Jeep, PT Cruiser, Coldstone Creamery, etc, according to their website) and any self-respecting game developer probably has certain qualms about being pigeonholed in such a market, and this is their way of doing something fun and creative as an escape and a parody of the average "advergame" (my take on the situation, anyhow). Although by making minor headlines I suppose they've probably achieved their goal, which could lead to "making money" in the sense of attracting more business for future projects.
Why is this news?
Personally, I thought it was kind of funny and interesting. These advergames are everywhere and it is cool that someone out there would take the time to experiment with a game that tries to "enact dissatisfaction and criticism against corporations" rather than a positive advertising message. I play these stupid little games with advertising tie-ins all the time when people email them to me (a Pringles King Kong game comes to mind) and they're good for a few minutes of fun, but they do beat you over the head with the advertising.
Anyways, I thought I would stand up for these guys because it seemed like a pretty original idea, and from the responses I've seen here it seems like everyone is scoffing at it. What's the big deal? I found it more interesting than IE 7 leaks or "Google is still super awesome" articles. Though Google still is super awesome.
Ok, ok. I admit it. Six years in the video games industry does not constitute a REAL JOB. However, working for IBM does! :P