T.I.
So if you were wondering what that previous post was all about…here we go!
Done a dozen or so interviews in the past 24 hours, so I’ll update with more coverage. Not surprisingly, the reaction is mixed. I can’t blame the MMO crowd for being skeptical, as the topic may not be core to an existing segment of the audience, and of course, the poor delivery of so many online games. That said, the proof will be in the puddin’! Lots more news coming down the pipe, with additional artists and labels. As well, more products from Heatwave unrelated to Platinum.
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Anthony,
I just read about your game on Kotaku. There you’re quoted as saying:
“Usually when people do projects around hip-hop, they focus on shooting people and doing drugs”
Yet, according to the article, your game is about somebody who “happens to be spending a year in jail.”
If that’s true, then man, I guess I just don’t see the difference?
Sorry. I made my living as a hip hop DJ for a number of years, and over the course of my life I have known many, many MC’s. Since none of them have spent any time in jail, I question your intent with this game.
Anyway, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that if your game is to really represent a life in hip hop it should also feature DJs, producers, dancers, gaffiti writers, etc..
I wish you the best of luck with the game. In your heart you know why you’re doing it, and the effect it will have on hip hop, and the the kids who will want to play it.
“Do the right thing.”
- Jason
Jason, I appreciate you taking the time to find my backwater blog to make a valid point.
First, absolutely, the game will include the gamut of people involved in both what makes the music business work, and what makes Hip-hop its own culture. That’s part of the reason why we spend a lot of time not just with the artists, but everyone else on the scene. We have an advisory board that consists of artists (rappers, singers, dj’s), producers, as well as label people that we’re always adding to. Later on, we’ll actually be announcing a sister-product to PL that’s geared towards people who really are trying to make it. Anyway, that part out of the way, I have a few thoughts regarding your comment about T.I.
First, we spent the time to understand his story and why he is where he is now (prison). After meeting Tip and the rest of the crew at Grand Hustle, and listening to his message about how he’s handle his mistakes and how he intends to move on from them, we felt that his is an important story and a valid part of the Hip-hop mythos. I’m not defending his actions. What I am saying is that his story is an oft repeated one in Hip-hop and doesn’t invalidate his participation.
Second, when I made the comment about not doing a project focused on violence and drugs, I wasn’t saying we were going to make a game that never referenced any of these things or dealt with the issues. I was emphasizing that Platinum Life isn’t about running around and shooting people in the head. It’s nothing like “50 Cent’s Blood on the Sand” or the “Grand Theft Auto” series in that regard. The typical core mechanics of games that involve or use Hip-hop music are either A) Violence or B) Sports. Platinum Life’s core mechanic is Performance. Are sex, violence and material things part of Hip-hop culture? Yes. Can they be dealt with in a way that gives context and meaning? Absolutely. Will you run around Platinum Life crashing cars, soliciting hookers and shooting people with wild abandon? No. But if you’re a gamer you’re going to have a blast, and if you appreciate Hip-hop music you may never need another game.
Anyway, I hope I’ve answered your question directly and my intentions are clear. Feel free to comment any time.
-Anthony