Video Games and Facing Controversy

[@Hebdomad7]

Knowing Marty O Donald swung by this part of the internet makes me happy.

[@Doginthesleep]

Here from there as well haha insane how relevant this still is

[@foggynoon]

@@Doginthesleep Where did he mentioned this video? I'm curious

[@kingdot4677]

@@foggynoon it wasn’t from a video it was from a KZbin community post

[@einootspork]

"Now if I may address Konami: You guys are great." Ah, how times have changed...

[@LadyLunarSatine]

Hello from 2023, where it seems Six Days in Fallujah is set to release sometime this year by way of developer Highwire Games and published by Victura.

[@ranger4375]

I find it interesting how the marine who saw the battle, is for the game.

[@prodJakob]

Man i wanted to play this game when i saw it

[@Enderwar602]

man, this is the birth of extra credits!

[@Fischstix95]

We live in a culture in which video games are swiftly becoming the standard in narrative fiction. Outstripping film and literature in both terms of popularity and sales. I'm a traditional artist, in fact I'm a figurative oil painter, and I actually think you cannot get more old fashioned then that. Yet despite being so anachronistic in so many ways, (or perhaps even because of it), I do not fail to see the influence video games have had on our collective conscience. To say that a video game is nothing more than a "game" or cheap entertainment is simply failing to understand the scope of this media. A video game is a work of art, the same as a novel or a film. Yet what separates video games from these other forms of artistic media is how completely integrated the audience becomes with the work. Video games by their nature are completely interactive, and in playing them you become a piece of the artwork itself.

[@PonzooonTheGreat]

With the Mass Effect "controversy" how that got solved was that loads of gamers went over to Amazon and carpet bombed the Fox news "expert" on the subject with 1 star reveiws and comments like "I heard from a friend of a friend that this was offensive" The "expert" apologised and revised their opinion of Mass Effect claiming that she was misled by Fox. So apparently fighting fire with fire works here.

[@QberryShortcake]

Mr. Floyd, I must say, this was my favorite video yet. I'm an independent game designer, and I actually open up meetings with my team with your videos, to help us remember what it is we're trying to achieve. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@dragonick2947]

The series is getting better as it goes along!

[@KDanielsS]

Words of wisdom Daniel, congratulations on the new lecture. I'm waiting anxiously for your next lecture!

[@silversnow506]

Fox news... pfft. They do realized that every game is set for a certain appeal, don't they? Some games are violent others are graphic, but if they all get banned for being themed differently than what some people want, what happens to the whole "free country" saying? People commit crime without games, pretending that buying Assassins Creed will turn someone into a serial killer is pretty dumb if you think about it.

[@TheDaftMonk]

These videos are getting better and better. Thank you SO much, all of you - Daniel, James, Leigh - you are all amazing, and make me proud to be a self-aware gamer. :)

[@psbohemian]

As the mother of a gamer I sometimes sit and watch him play and I am so impressed by the level of artistic expression I see in some of them. This is a great video - very eloquent about a much needed shift in perspective.

[@DanielFloyd]

Yep! Great tune.

[@jonathanortiz6212]

Who’s here after watching the new tailer in 2021?

[@Twentydragon]

I don't normally play shooters, and especially not "realistic" ones at that, but "Six Days in Fallujah" I actually find interesting. The soldiers themselves asked for this to be a game, probably in an attempt to educate people on what happened there in a most accessible way than a lecture, and Atomic was willing to oblige. Good on you, Atomic, and best of luck! I look forward to learning from your game.

[@OtakuBozu]

Once more, you have nailed the issue in a clear, understandable way, Dan & James.

[@grasified4320]

This video... Now THAT was powerful

[@UnboxedtvNet]

From what ive read Six Days is still in development, so yay on that

[@NuclearRizzicist]

Making a video game about recent events is no different from writing a book about said events, the only difference is the perspective it puts you in and the media its portrayed in.

[@PinkPwner]

Congratulations... on... releasing a new video. Excellent work.

[@wanderingslacker]

Damn, you and James are poetic. This was my favorite one yet. BTW, I really liked those episodes of Digital Cowboys that you appeared in.

[@Baalthazzar]

Your videos are truly inspiring. Had to stop by, since the Escapist is facing some downtime at the moment, right after I discovered your team's show. Oh and by the way: A huuuuuge thank you for putting in The Passing of the Blue Crown at the end. That song made my day.

[@xmajesticmoosex]

dude you're amazing, i think even just what you're doing here makes a HUGE difference.

[@Seikufu]

Can't stop watching these videos.

[@Jkvrvids]

an excellent piece of filming. Well done guys!

[@Mirshan89]

Daniel, I just love your series. Seen every episode more then once and going to watch them again and again)) Amazing humor, beautiful animation and, what is more important, great ideas! Thank you very much! Really much! Keep up the good work, you're awesome! Also give my regards to James for helping you do what you do)) P.S. Could you please tell, what song sounds in the end? I just can't get that guitar solo out of my head))

[@frozensage]

this almsot sneaked through the subscription box. I love your stuff!

[@Wanderer_of_Sol]

this was another great presentation. I wish somehow the people at some of these publishing companies would see these videos and really think about it. I know its a stretch, but still it would be nice.

[@Q9R42]

Great research and seeing the reality of the situation.

[@Ugunark]

I am always astounded by your lectures, they both make me laugh and educate me a great deal, often without me realizing the latter until several days later. This lecture in particular struck me, as this is a problem that is becoming more and more pronounced the longer I watch the industry flounder. I hope you get a wider and wider viewer base, may people could benefit from this.

[@kurtmcbeth]

This reminds me of what happened to solders in England after WW1. Many felt that the memorials and days of remembrance honored those who died, a very important thing, but ignored those solders who lived. By showing the experiences of the solders who survive a conflict we understand them and show respect.

[@Terker2]

Sometimes i dont get why americans even look fox news, i mean fox news is laughed at in many places in our media, even other tv shows. Why do they keep watching this crap?

[@ashleythomas5420]

Not all of us do. I stopped watching it 5 years ago, and I wish my dad would stop watching it.

[@DeadCosmonaut-u2]

Because, American news brainwashes people into becoming stupid sheep that, follow the masters and do everything the masters tell them to. I watch fox news to laugh my ass off at the great amount of stupidity that's shown. I really wish most of my fellow Americans would grow a brain.

[@AnakinSkywakka]

Gullibility.

[@michaela644]

**insert fox joke from the simpsons**

[@spilberklp5107]

SIX DAYS IN FALLUJAH is getting released in 2021

[@Hiryy]

We sure live in an interesting era for gaming... Can't wait what the following years have within themselves... And salutes to Atom from this neck of the woods too!

[@trickassbitchmark]

@kirithem i definitely got that tune from the ken combo video. it's so epic. moving on though, your lectures are amazingly well done and thought out. keep on making these and maybe one day, enough work will be done to have the rest of society see games as an acceptable art form.

[@karateporkchop]

Another great insight from someone in the industry. Bravo!

[@Terezar]

Did a little research, and I found this little tidbit. You go guys, you really can change this world for the better. In August 2012, it was revealed that Sony may have once considered publishing the title.[13] Later that month, Atomic Games' president, Peter Tamte, informed the British website, Digital Spy, that Six Days in Fallujah was "definitely not canceled" and remains "very important" to the studio.[14]

[@SkyfishArt]

in Norway, the libraries have taken up videogames as part of their cultural collection. Some libraries are equipped with xboxes or ps3's depending on what the individual library feels is the more suitable console. In my local library one can rent games and play them in the library if one brings headset. Right now they have a policy of only using games with a age rating similar to "all audiences" though.

[@Zeb364]

This video was amazing. I'll admit that when I first heard about 6 Days In Fallujah I thought the developers were just hunting controversy but thanks to your video I got their side of the story. I had no idea they were working with a unit from that battle who specifically asked thme to make a game about it. I truly respect them trying and think they deserve all the praise in the world.

[@4400seriesFAN]

Once again,THANK YOU!!!! Thank you,Daniel!!!

[@Silkfox]

On subject of the video, I think making a video about these soldiers is a great way to immortalize them and remember them.

[@andyb2028]

War is a game. There are winners and losers. There are goals and objectives, prizes, but also terrible consequences. It's a game, just a horrible one that causes suffering and deaths in real life. I'd rather play videogames about war than play a real war.

[@righteousham]

Your videos are always insightful and once again you have taken a complex problem and reduced it into more easily understood bites. You are criminally under-subscribed to.

[@MGlBlaze]

You know, a rebranding just might work. I was thinking "Interactive Immersive Experience" to add a little to what Mr. Floyd suggested, but that might not work either. I'm not so great at coming up with names.

[@blitzertidus]

Thoroughly enjoyed it sir. Excellent commentary on the current state of the games industry, as usual. Definitely thought-provoking.

[@Darfk]

Thanks for posting, great presentation!

[@Saharaoasis]

I just hope that everyone could see this 5stars !!!

[@alexwolff1990]

well made, smartly presented and explained, intelligent and funny. simply put: you and your videos are sheer brillaince, if only more people watched these

[@robertzane1901]

how is it these videos were released 3 years ago but still reflect current stuff perfectly

[@Scarlet_Lunacy]

I'll take this at heart. Stay true and stand by to my future creations. Thanks :)

[@Zythain]

Thank you so much we do need to stand up. I get called names at school for being a gamer but after I watched this video I stood up for what I loved. THANK YOU!

[@Stewbedale]

indeed, it's a very good way to tell stories about real events and the hardships that people in the military etc. go through. it's great that people who have been through conflicts and disasters are willing to help developers make games portraying these events. take Medal of Honor: Warfighter for example, the devs are getting a lot of guidance from real special forces guys, so they can make their game authentic to how spec ops operations are undertaken, while telling personal stories (continued)

[@VerboseToast]

I first saw this video in 2009 when I was in high school. I just finished playing some of Six Days in Fallujah, which was never supposed to come out. You could argue it's a different game and shares only the name at this point, and that could be true, but still cool.

[@link000000]

this is amazing and so true!! More people really need to see this!

[@robotwo]

Its a hidden mini-game that was made avaiable with the "Hot Coffee mod " ... The Mini-game was originally included by the developers , but it was unlinked from the final project , so with some minor modifications done by the "Hot Coffee mod" its linked so that its accessible to the player. You can find more about it by looking up "Hot Coffee Minigame" on Wiki or Google :)

[@SketchBookShortFilms]

Also, how does Cinematic Interactions sound? How about Interactive Art?

[@jangofett1234]

this is brilliant, i'm hoping to become a games developer in the near future. all the hard work i've put in to my games development course hasn't really prepared me for the biased opinions of those who disdain video games. this video has given me more then enough courage to defend the world i'm working tirelessly to get in to. thank you.

[@EdgeNicx]

Salute indeed. Had never heard of Atomic or Six Days, but damn, you got my blood flowing.

[@Kaige4Life]

that quote was epic! pure poetry!

[@DanielFloyd]

A buddy of mine suggested "Interactives." It's a mouthful, but it sort of works. But it's like trying to give yourself a nickname: even if we come up with something good, making it stick will be a challenge.

[@ES21007]

@theJMBgamer From what I researched, it was apparently suppose to be "Survival-horror-esque" but with humans instead. You're getting the crap scared out of you by the insurgents. They're freaking determined, they probably waited for you for DAYS just to fill you with holes. They left lots of little surprises for you. There's also the setting that can suddenly become dark and scary.

[@alynnidalar]

This is a great video, and it raises some very good points! Kudos to you and your wonderful videos!

[@arsezxvi]

again very nice "lecture":P i liked how you made the link with comics/movies. while directors are trying anciously to make the viewer gain a feeling of war, while in the gameindustry this is considered a bad thing (according to some critics). there still in the mindset that playing a game with violence will make you violent. but in essence your brain is just sending messages move joystick, press R2.

[@TheOneSourceOfTruth]

as always brilliant and right from my soul.

[@majinanna]

well said james...lol nice ending with great points throughout. i look forward to your next entry.

[@linkzellda]

People always make controversy for nothing. That show how immature humanity are.

[@kaymencherrington9331]

+linkzellda no, a lot of "controversy for nothing" is done more for publicity. no such thing as bad press after all. its done on purpose to bring a vast increase of attention to a topic, and works rather well.

[@kingnothing3523]

+linkzellda Here's what pisses me off: Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Battlefield, and Six Days in Fallujah- Criticized for even respectful depictions of modern conflict Black Hawk Down, Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, American Sniper, Lone Survivor, Act of Valor, Jarhead, Unbroken, Fury, Platoon, The Hurt Locker, Full Metal Jacket, etc.- All praised for depictions of our troops, regardless of respect for source material I missed the part that said that games deserved any less respect than other art forms. Because there isn't one. Never has been. Never will be. So the arguments against SDIF are unjustified as long as war movies continue to be made. Keep in mind, the project for SDIF was pitched and advised by real Marines and other personnel who served in that time period, who wanted players to witness and understand their experiences. They were guys who enjoyed video games, and it would be hard to think of any medium more engaging and interactive than this. So when accusers call it disrespectful, it shows that 1) Games are not being respected as the art form they are, and 2) Some people are not willing to do the research to show that this game is, in part, an homage to those who served and died in Fallujah.

[@Alexisonscope]

Excellent watch, as usual.

[@SJPace1776]

Easily the best videos on the state of the industry. Well done sir, and thank you.

[@nekofrog]

Fun is one element of a game. You may not have been paying full attention to the video if you cannot see that games can be so much more than that (and, in some past instances have when the risk was taken). A re-branding is a fantastic idea that unfortunately will never happen. I remember playing through Silent Hill 2, having fun the entire time, because of what it conveyed. Fear, hopelessness, thrills, chills, and then utter and complete heartbreak. Why can't a game about war do the same?

[@ChristopherConnors]

This was a really fantastic piece, and struck at the core of my own feelings as a long-time gamer now in his twenties. I think a lot of us grew up getting made fun of for playing with what is seen as childish toys, instead of the interactive, immersive experiences we know they are. Couldnt have said it better myself guys, well done :)

[@Necroskull388]

@RBFF123 Farenheit 451 was written by Ray Bradbury,and I don't remember any bullets,just some tame burning to death.

[@Miganishi]

You're one smartass, huh? You sure covered every issue in such short time! gotta subscribe for this.

[@Mray3460]

Great subject Daniel, keep up the good work.

[@01ZombieMoses10]

@lupvirga The hot coffee mod was a piece of 'dead' code in the programming of GTAIV. For those of you who aren't programmers, it basically means that it is a part of the game that would never happen without modification of the game's coding to include it. What this means is that SOMEONE put it there during development. And since the unused feature included full voice-overs, animation, and apparent functionality, it probably wasn't some single, random, renegade programmer in Rockstar.

[@amazeblaze]

Nice speech. It's really inspiring. If I heard this when i was in high school I might have switched my career to game design.

[@gvi341984]

that was a great presentation

[@Ekenssj]

so much win , thank you

[@HawkSupport]

Making a game about a topic that is really researched is just the same as making a movie about the same topic. They probably wouldn't hate the movie on the exact same topic.

[@JKOT05]

What do you think about it kirithem?

[@ashleythomas5420]

How about interactive narrative?

[@Kigoheart]

Wonderful insight and commentary.

[@EmoYaoiFangirl]

The game creator had a good about informing the audience about the battle. I'm young, and, until now, I'd never heard of the battle of Fellujah. And, althought I'm not much for war games, it seems like a genuinely good game.

[@josephmccolley]

wonderful as always

[@NintendoDude360]

Whats thr name of the credits song?

[@fauxman]

I'm surprised this episode has the least amount of views. On the escapist, it has one of the most.

[@nazdun]

Its art in the same way that something like photography is art. Its capturing the essence of whatever is being presented. Only, in a more interactive way. However, the main point I'm trying to make with my proposed label is that officially labeling it as "art" will do a great deal to free it from the social stigmas associated with video games whenever they try to tackle any idea or concept really worth tackling.

[@SeansShowStudios]

I think another obstacle that we face in getting games recognised as a mature medium is the "Console Wars". This whole "YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE!!!!1!!" mentality makes it look like 3 competing toys, rather than 3 competing entertainment systems. If you want to play EVERY game that comes out in a year, you need all 3, not like if you wanted to watch EVERY movie that comes out in a year, you'd just need a DVD player. I'd be interested in your thoughts, kirithem. Oh, and spectacular work as always!

[@tsetsoooo]

Awesome i love your work Daniel Floyd keep it up !

[@Plasmaspaz101]

I hope ur words reach alot more than just youtube. I cant wait to see the day that games could be considered art

[@qermont]

i like that you stand up to the videogame medium i got a epic expirience out of playing bioshoc, it's a piece of art

[@AliTheBrit19]

Awesome, a new video, do more!

[@ZalgoCometh]

OMG i feel such an overwhelming sense of pride from watching this video and being a Gamer.

[@RannorKiki]

Is that the Fiery Joker at 1:48?

[@HotKakez]

Great stuff once again. In a way, this presentation got me to thinking about possibly joining an organization that would stand up for such games and help develop the integrity of the games industry. I'm sure there are such organizations such as Games Politics but I wonder if there are other such organizations. Once again, thanks for preaching the good word.

[@Spineraker4]

Wow...I 100% agree on this and am very glad someone has finally put to words what I have felt for the last decade. The gaming community and game development society, need to actually start treating this passion as something more than a toy or hobby; it's neither and hasn't been for at least the last decade. What I would like to see is someone bring up history in relation to art and contrast against gaming. Google/Wiki "Bird in Space" and the history behind it. "What is art?" "What is a game?"

[@lugaxs]

awesome, thanks!

[@MegCherry25]

Another great lecture on a solid topic. Perosnally, I was peeved with Six Days got the axe from Konami. It was trying to do real good - tell an important story of war to our generation, in the medium most fitting. But simple controversy was able to kill it.

[@Brickman274]

This was veeeeerrrry ggoooooood!! Im planning on being a video game developer, this could be very useful for the future I've chosen. For a new video game name could be Interactive Film, or Interactive Simulator!