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'Videogames are a luxury' says Katamari creator photo

I'll be the first to admit that it's easy to lose perspective when you spend days writing about, talking about, and finally playing video games. Katamari Damacy's creator Keita Takahashi hasn't lost sight of anything, and he used his keynote speech at GameCity to remind his audience that there is more to life than videogames.

"It would be impossible for us to be here... if the world was not peaceful. If there was heavy fighting or pollution in the cities could we talk about video games like this? If you're suffering from poverty and disease could you worry about collecting coins? I don't think so," he said.

"I might be being idealistic but I truly think so. Video gaming is good but it's also a luxury. You can't play videogames unless you are financially well off," he added.

I get the guy's point, but really, if video games were a luxury, then someone needs to send over Robin Leach to my house.  

The Gamesindustry.biz post says that Takahashi spent the rest of his time on stage bashing his old game, Katamari Damacy (apparently he's "sick of Katamari Damacy"), and showing off his new one, Nobi Nobi Boy


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17 comments | showing # 1 to 17

Sueng's Avatar
Sueng at 10/29/2007 11:19
He is right pretty much. All this time I wasted playing videogames I could be doing something else that could improve my life. But then again, I'll stay here playing NBA 2k8 to waste my precious study time.
Spilt Milk's Avatar
Spilt Milk at 10/29/2007 11:25
I guess he never studied what happened to the entertainment industry during the major wars. People will flock to escapism entertainment during times of strife.
Web Slinger's Avatar
Web Slinger at 10/29/2007 11:30
I think he's right. A lot of kids don't have access, or really can't afford to play games. We're all very lucky

(and on top of that, Katamari is getting a bit played out)
Zarathustra's Avatar
Zarathustra at 10/29/2007 11:34
He is absolutely right. We should all appreciate how good we have it.
blehman's Avatar
blehman at 10/29/2007 11:40
"If you're suffering from poverty and disease could you worry about collecting coins? I don't think so."

If you're suffering from poverty, isn't all you think about collecting coins? Just saying.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 10/29/2007 11:41
Could be applied to most things we have. I see his point, but I don't think it needed making.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 10/29/2007 11:45
For what it's worth, toys are also a luxury in times of war. Where is he going with this?
B-Radicate's Avatar
B-Radicate at 10/29/2007 11:57
Thanks, Katamari man. You make me feel better about myself for leading a (seemingly) much more illustrious life than I ever knew. Oh joyous day.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 10/29/2007 12:16
Awesome, apparently I'm one of the affluent!
Myrmidon16's Avatar
Myrmidon16 at 10/29/2007 12:45
really? you mean, if im not financially well off, i cant hav a $600 video game console?
Tiff's Avatar
Tiff at 10/29/2007 13:03
I admire the man for bringing up this point. Sure it's an 'obvious' observation, but not nearly obvious enough for the mass majority to really think about it on a daily basis.

As much as we all whine and bitch about games and gaming industry, I think it's also important to remember what the larger picture is like. Video games are a luxury, and we as a demographic should be appreciative that we have the luxury to even complain about them!
Holiday's Avatar
Holiday at 10/29/2007 13:22
It's true home video game consoles are a luxury, duh. They are also a necessary distraction to the general populous (like TV) so that the Illuminati can forward their evil agenda of a one government world empire with totalitarian control without anyone noticing.
Velt's Avatar
Velt at 10/29/2007 13:29
Comunist...
Variable Gear's Avatar
Variable Gear at 10/29/2007 13:41
He is right. Now why doesn't he do something useful and explain what the hell Nobi Nobi Boy is about?
MechaMonkey's Avatar
MechaMonkey at 10/29/2007 13:52
Champagne wishes and caviar dreams, all around.
Knives's Avatar
Knives at 10/29/2007 16:15
I somewhat disagree.

I agree that current video games are a luxury, no denying that, but i have to disagree with the generalization that ALL videogames are luxury, what about those handhelds with like 30 games all in tetris block like graphics for less than 5 bucks? what about people that buy things like the Vii or other pirated things that Nintendo wants to stop so much because that's the only thing they can afford? What about those that are just getting a NES or a SNES? What about arcades?

It's hard for me to believe all videogames are a luxury when I've seen kids take their meal out of a taco stand trashcan, clean some car windows to get some money and then head to the store in the corner that has a Street Fighter II cabinet and play.
Im OK's Avatar
Im OK at 10/29/2007 18:18
'Videogames are a luxury' says Katamari creator

Also, the sky is blue.
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