So there I was innocently searching the web for the best priced copy of I heart Huckabees when what should I see in an ad banner but: Prison Tycoon. Purchase now. The ad featured a grphic of a gaurd standing on a prison wall, holding a shotgun, overlooking indistinguishable prisoners in orange jumpsuits below. Clearly visible on the guards arm are patches of the american flag and a seal or crest indicating guard status.
Curious I clicked on the ad. It was infact advertising a real product. -
http://www.gamespot.com/... Private prisons have become the new growth industry. You will construct and run an efficient rehabilitation facility with nothing but money on your mind.
Thus boasted the promotional page for the game. I was shocked.
You may be thinking that I am a prude, perhaps I should play Manhunt or at least GTA. Those games however do not shock me the way this has. My reasoning tells me this is because I identify more easily with anarchy than fascism. Remember when you had to imagine shooting the dog in duck hunt instad of seeing his face blow up in a preprogrammed gorefest?
Video games have recently been seen to help foster rapid decision making in the new generation of white collar workers. These gentlemen (and sometimes ladies) are very good at playing within the rules of the game. Live in your world play in ours? Live in your world train in ours? Live in our world?