Comments on: Grain Power!

Grain Power!

NotMyselfRightNow — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:28:56 -0800

Why should the UN spend money to feed the hungry when they can simply pay a software company to create a video game about feeding the hungry? "In an exciting and dynamic form, Food Force will generate kids' interest and understanding about hunger, which kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined," says Neil Gallagher, the World Food Programme's Director of Communications.

By: NotMyselfRightNow

NotMyselfRightNow — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:30:33 -0800

And on a side note: Worse. Software. Company. Website. EVER.

By: docgonzo

docgonzo — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:31:44 -0800

"AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis..." Gee, I wonder why he chose those three maladies...

By: pieisexactlythree

pieisexactlythree — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:35:51 -0800

This is about as likely to motivate kids to acts of selfless altruism as the GTA franchise is likely to motivate them to sensless violence. *tawk amongst yourselves*

By: Jart

Jart — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:38:42 -0800

It's an innovative way to raise awareness, but I doubt it will have much of an impact. Kids don't like video games, they like good video games. TThis game will probably be as successful as a Transformer robot that turns into a building.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:40:07 -0800

How is this so different (actually, it's better, i think) than when we trick-or-treated for UNICEF each year? It taught us young that there were people starving in the world, and cost them millions to distribute those orange paper boxes. Why not use any means at their disposal to raise awareness and stuff?

By: pieisexactlythree

pieisexactlythree — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:40:44 -0800

On second thought, why not just have the experts do the game design in-house?

By: soyjoy

soyjoy — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:43:06 -0800

Eh. My bloviation meter always goes off when I hear the question "why are you doing this instead of feeding the hungry?" When applied to someone who is actually busy feeding the hungry, it seems even more silly. Still, the game also looks silly.

By: furtive

furtive — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:51:34 -0800

Bah, products are so passé, it's all about brand recognition these days!

By: pieisexactlythree

pieisexactlythree — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 10:52:02 -0800

If done right, a game can have a powerfull impact on peoples' outlook on issues. I'm loath to admit it, but my career was heavily influenced by a computer game.

By: ChrisTN

ChrisTN — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 11:03:03 -0800

I remember a game for the Atari 2600 called "Tooth Protectors" (or some such nonsense) that was supposed to promote better dental hygiene among kids. I don't remember ever brushing my teeth more, but damn, did I get some high scores repelling those evil plaque particles! Even if games aren't the answer to the problem, I also fall on the side of doing creative PR to let people (including kids) know about the problem and how the UN is addressing it.

By: The Infamous Jay

The Infamous Jay — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 11:31:59 -0800

How about a UN Sim. You have to keep all the nations talking and not fighting. With bonus points for not losing face. (or letting your kids do it for you)

By: iamck

iamck — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 12:13:41 -0800

A video game to influence kids? I think kids already understand concepts like helping others and sharing - go into any elementary school classroom. Now a game for adults, that's a challenge...

By: NickDouglas

NickDouglas — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 15:25:03 -0800

My bloviation meter always goes off when I hear the question "why are you doing this instead of feeding the hungry?" Ditto. My mom calls it playing Judas: When Mary poured perfume on Jesus' feet, Judas asked, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." The apostle John notes that Judas said this not because he cared for the poor but because he was Jesus' treasurer and embezzled. Sometimes I'm glad I used to be a Christian.

By: eustacescrubb

eustacescrubb — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 17:49:29 -0800

Because, the UN thinks ahead. If the game can influence young people, when those young people grow up to vote, perhaps they will not vote for robber barons who campaign using anti-UN paranoia.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 18:27:06 -0800

fun game..if i was a little kid, this would make me want to work for them. the Food Drop is hard. (very big download tho) now to do taxes--ugh