Gizmondo's Spectacular Explosion

Over at Wired, Randall Sullivan writes about the spectacular breakup of Gizmondo. The discussion of the short-lived portable console's reign begins, of course, with the well-known car accident: a perfect metaphor for an imploding company. The article goes on to discuss the sordid past of Bo Stefan Eriksson, and how his role with Gizmondo never stopped his collusion with some of society's more sordid elements. From the article: "It wasn't long before Eriksson imported his wingmen from the Uppsala Mafia. Johan Enander, who had served more than two years for crimes including grand theft and extortion, handled security for Gizmondo functions. Peter Uf, who had spent more than five years in prison for fraud, was named a Gizmondo director. The company opened a glass-fronted corporate headquarters next to Farnborough Airport, and expensive Ferraris and McLarens dotted the parking lot. To add to the glitter, in 2004 Gizmondo purchased a 75 percent interest in a London modeling agency called Isis, ensuring that there would be plenty of beautiful young women at its parties and events."

Comments

Gizmondo! Now mit boobies!

[Bieeanda]

To add to the glitter, in 2004 Gizmondo purchased a 75 percent interest in a London modeling agency called Isis, ensuring that there would be plenty of beautiful young women at its parties and events.

I know that beautiful women unrelated to the product at hand are a time-honoured schtick in the industry (e.g. the "classic" E3 booth babes), but that really, really strikes me as unfathomably scuzzy.

I guess it's like the old saying goes: if you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, bamboozle 'em with bosoms.

Ever get cut off by some yuppie jerk

[BeeBeard]

driving some ostentatious ride for the tiny-penised, and you secretly wished horrible things upon him? Well now your retribution can be realized--look no further. The wreckedexotics.com site, referenced in the article, is just amazing.

Re:Ever get cut off by some yuppie jerk

[Sponge Bath]

Why do people automatically say that if someone drives a fast, expensive car that they have a small penis?

That is a particularly disturbing generalization if the driver is a woman.

Re:Ever get cut off by some yuppie jerk

[cptgrudge]

Why do people automatically say that if someone drives a fast, expensive car that they have a small penis?

You must drive one of these "fast, expensive cars", don't you?

Re:Ever get cut off by some yuppie jerk

[Lord_Dweomer]

You must drive one of these "fast, expensive cars", don't you?

Wow, you must think you are so witty. Actually I don't. I drive a 98 Subaru Forester. My dream car would be a Mazda RX7 r2 with the twin turbo. Hardly $150k, but definitely fast, and with 50/50 weight distribution making it a beast in the corners.

But I love how you assume that just because I defend people with expensive flashy fast cars that I drive one. The fact is I think the reasoning behind the grandparent's comment is completely baseless, and is one of the most retarded comments that I hear all too frequently. Thanks for supporting the ignorance.

Re:This is an excellent article

[red_dragon]

The best article on this subject, if only because of the absolutely spectacular flowchart attached to it, appeared on GameRevolution back in April. It kinda makes you consider tinfoil hats from a different perspective.

You mean this?

[BeeBeard]

This is just genius. Can we say organized crime-backed money laundering schemes?

This would make a great movie

[British]

If this whole story would be made into a movie, I would go see it. Forget the video game angle, the whole swindling of money and wooing investors is a good enough plotline for me. It could be done in circular time, with a wrecked Ferarri Enzo and an officer to the scene. Then it unfolds.

On a side note, I noticed the names of the launch games, one being "Mommy, Can I mow the Lawn?". That just seemed to ridiculous to be a serious launch title. Sounds like it was made up to tell investors off. I can picture in the office:
  "uh, yeah, we have, um, a launch title or 2 for the Gizmondo. It's called uh (looks outside office window), Mommy, can I mow the lawn? Total PSP killer!".

I read the whole 6-page spiel and was more entertained by the whole scam story than the game console itself. The same can be applied for the Phantom console.

So, any other scam artists want to release a game console?

Re:Where do I apply?

[Parafilmus]

Since you ask, this is how it went down:

Foreign Investors: "Hello, nerds. We are buying your studio. Please to create software for our device. We have lots of money."

Nerds: "This prototype is sweet! This is going to be fun!"

(several months later)

Foreign Investors: "We are out of money. Please to close your studio now."

Nerds: "How is that even possible? We had lots of money!"

Foreign Investors: "We invested it."

Nerds: "In what, pray tell, did you invest our entire budget?"

Foreign Investors: "Fancy cars and models."

Nerds: "Drat! Oh well, just give us last month's payroll and we'll be out the door."

Foreign Investors: "We do not have last month's payroll! But we are keeping the million dollar company car."

Nerds: "Shouldn't karmic retribution be kicking in about now?"

TV News: "Video game executive wrecks million-dollar Ferrari"

Nerds: "Hah hah!"