I have to admit that I am not one of the millions of people who own a video game. My experience hit a brick wall when Star Wars appeared on those pub tables and I was pushed into a corner by my over-enthusiastic male friends.
However, I have had to abandon my stereotypical view of a gamer – it’s not a lone teenage boy closeted in his bedroom at all, but a 37 year old man or woman, half of whom play on mobile devices. In America, 72% of households play computer or video games and the average age of the most frequent game purchaser is a mature, responsible 41 years old.
I was so wrong!
Reflecting this massively growing industry, that bastion of British culture BAFTA has even become involved. I discovered that the organisation has been recognising achievement in interactive and video gaming since as early as 1998 and in 2006 BAFTA announced its decision to give video games equal status with film and television.
This evening sees the annual BAFTA Video Games Awards ceremony at the London Hilton, Park Lane and the event will be streamed live on the BAFTA website. There are 18 categories ranging from Best Game to Best Mobile and Handheld.
Apparently this year’s Awards are a showdown between Batman: Arkham City and LA Noire (a neo noire crime video game whatever that is), with 8 nominations each.
I think my cultural development has been sadly lacking and maybe I need to put a better-late-than-never New Year’s Resolution in place – GET INTO GAMING ASAP.
Any advice for the woeful amateur gratefully received.
