Great Court Cases in Video Game History
Thursday, 04/29/10

While most gamers are all too familiar with the Super Mario Bros., few remember the enigmatic Fantastic Steve Cousins. Accompanied by his cousin, Ralph, Fantastic Steve led players on a magical journey through the Sausage Fiefdom. When the Mario Bros. soared to fame a few years later, Fantastic Steve sued the plumber for stealing his act. Unfortunately, Fantastic Steve was found dead before the trial began, leading to further speculation on Mario’s involvement with La Cosa Nostra.

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Fan Petitions For More Innovative Games He Won’t Buy

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

game-petition1

Scott Berkman, a temporary office clerk at Anderson & Gould, a local traffic law firm, spent yesterday’s lunch break on his favorite video game message boards petitioning for the development of more creative and challenging titles—the type he never plays.

The petition, titled “Games are Art: Death to Big Business,” asks for the major studios to spend at least $2.3 billion a year on games by conceptual artists and inebriated college students. The petition goes on to demand lower game prices, free DLC, and enforced sodomy for game company CEOs.

Berkman, known on forums as MztrBiglzWrth, has developed a reputation amongst fellow commenters as an advocate for video games as fine art.

“He’s so eloquent. And well read. You should see him reference The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” said commenter TheShiaaaaaat007.

When asked for comment, EA PR rep Jared Powell said, “We at EA 100% support new and innovative games along with tried and true IPs. We admire Scott’s grit, but let’s not forget his last petition: ‘Come on FOX: Green Light More Nathan Fillion Shows.”

“Look, I’m not perfect. I won’t even say I play every innovative game, but I did pirate World of Goo,” Berkman said. “I just hope those guys don’t make a sequel; that’d be a total money grab.”

Berkman’s home theatre centerpiece is his game collection, made up of first-person shooter franchises and WiiFit, which he claims belongs to his girlfriend. The stack of wares is cozily nested between his mini-fridge and vibrating massage chair. “This is my home. Sure, it looks good now,” continued Berkman, “but imagine it with more dusty games I borrowed from friends.”