BAFTA wants to make video games mainstream, joining with UK retailers to offer BAFTA-nominated games in an effort to combat anti-industry sentiment.
Head of awards at BAFTA Anne-Marie Flynn told MCV:
“The acknowledgement and acceptance by the media of games as ‘mainstream’ entertainment is happening relatively slowly. I think if anyone can change the perception of games it is BAFTA.
“If we can encourage more and more developers to join the Academy, take part in events and support the Awards, in time we believe that BAFTA can play a major part in attracting that kind of interest to video games.”
My initial reaction to “mainstream” + “video games” was akin to my reaction to the Wii stick. It conjures up thoughts of video games becoming the new television, and losing the ability to escape The Bachelor and Rock of Love XVII.
With that out of my system, I can absorb the move with more rational sensibility and concede that it’s a wise one. It may well be in the nature of “sub-cultures” to cling to their cult status, and I’m sure we gamers will have plenty of opportunity to prove how much more hardcore we are than all those n00bs drawn into the circle should it expand to include Tyra B’s ilk.
Until that dark day comes, the industry could surely benefit from wider acceptance as a worthy art form. Take heart, there are still painters that scorn photographers; artificial superiority is integral to art. Guess that puts us ahead of the game.
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