I haven't seen the game yet, but I've read this article. I'm wondering why suits in the entertainment business always feel the need to "make" roller derby more exciting. Isn't it exciting enough as it is? Why then does Nintendo Wii thinks it needs to make our beloved sport look like Mario Kart with its Oh "secret shortcuts and power-ups all included to liven things up."?
Oh and it's WFTDA approved.
Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but would Major League Baseball allow the video game of their sport be "livened up" with trapped doors in the outfield or fastballs that explode when the video game batter connects?
I think we should pause and ask ourselves this: if WFTDA is willing to compromise the integrity of the sport to get a video game on the market, what are they willing to compromise to get TV coverage on ESPN or Fox Sports?
I realize that many will think this is great because it gets recognition for the sport, but if this is the end result, as a fan, I'll pass.
Going Mental, or Deciding Not to
9 years ago
During regional tournaments they showed footage of the game a lot on DNN. I could tell it was a bit kitschy and unrealistic but it looked fun. (always a big fan of mario kart). I feel like expecting a real to life roller derby game right now is unrealistic. The greater public knows hardly anything of roller derby so why would they want to play a game they don't get?
ReplyDeleteThe creators actually spent a lot of time doing research and talking with WFTDA certified derby girls about the game. They even voted (the WFTDA democratic way) on which real life skaters would be featured in the game.
It may not be a super fantastic game or a real to derby game but it's something and it will get the word of derby out and get more people interested in the real sport.
-Deadwards
I have heard several interviews with the creators of this game, as well as seen it grow from beta testing stages while watching DNN and they honestly have a vested interest in roller derby--it's current incarnation--and only want the best for the women who play as well as have a great respect for WFTDA.
ReplyDeleteRoller derby is an exciting sport, sure, but if you want to play it, you play it, if you want to watch it, you watch it, and if you like to play video games, you play video games. There are ramps and flashing lights and cows exploding into hamburgers because it's kitchy and fun--just like roller derby.
I believe strongly that the WFTDA is a lot smarter and more savvy than you are giving them credit for here--because by implying that WFTDA 'compromised their integrity' for this video game, you might as well be implying that we are weak-willed women who submit to a majority voice. And that is the opposite of what roller derby stands for. And if you don't get that, then you just don't get it.
@Anonymous. I hope nobody gets the impression that I am suggesting women are weak willed. And maybe I am overreacting about the video game. It just makes me squeamish when people talk "livening up" something because often times it makes it worse. We will see how it goes.
ReplyDelete