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The Podcastle episode 11 records tomorrow:  Sterling versus Thompson photo

What happens when two of the biggest egos in games media lock horns in a head-on debate over Grand Theft Auto? Two of the most outspoken men in the games violence hysteria will draw their lines and discuss the mother of all interactive hot potatoes -- Grand Theft Auto IV.

This week's episode is, as you guessed, all about the Grand Theft Auto series and its controversial history. The usual crew of myself (Jim Sterling), Wardrox and Atheistium will be joined by community member Insomnia to share the years of Hari Krishna roadkill and prostitute savagery that we have come to know and love.

And yes folks, you read that right -- in a special one-on-one confrontation, Jack Thompson has agreed to step foot inside The Podcastle and share his views on the Grand Theft Auto series. I intend to ask Jack exactly why he is so tenacious on the issue of game violence and what, exactly, he wants to change. The debate has never been anything more than one-sided, whichever side of the fence reports. Now, for the first time, both sides will have their chance to speak and discuss. 

It's Sterling. It's Thompson. It's only on The Podcastle -- Live (except pre-recorded actually) on Destructoid.com!








More gaming stories around the web. Got news? Submit yours to tips@destructoid.com

Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize. Likes PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3 Meet the rest of the team



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100 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

wardrox's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:15
wardrox
I'll be honest, I'm scared.
Geoff Henao's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:16
Geoff Henao
Oooh...now this sounds good.
Pangloss's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:16
Pangloss
@wardrox: scared nobody will bother with Podcastle again after this, because it's all downhill?
Jonathan Kerr's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:16
Jonathan Kerr
Holy shit.
njsykora's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:16
njsykora
This is going to be epic.
vitus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:17
vitus
$100 on sterling
MechaMonkey's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:17
MechaMonkey
Seriously? He agreed to have a debate with you?

Who do you have impersonating him? This can't be correct.
Face's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:17
Face
He must have more free time than I thought. Still pretty cool though.
Cheeburga's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:19
Cheeburga
He won't ever give in.
razerangel's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:19
razerangel
what are your thoughts about Matt Damon has said he is fine with film violence but against video game violence? Does this echo the so-called ignorant masses or does he actually have a valid point.

Also what is JT's favourite colour?
DJDuffy 's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:19
DJDuffy
I just wet myself.
Jaren Face's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:20
Jaren Face
...this will be like that episode of 'Attack of the Show', when Sessler debated with GT on 'The Loop' or whatever.
...although I expect it not to be fucked up and condensed into 7 minutes or so.

I am looking forward to this so much. Oh, and please no GTAIV spoilers.
Leviticus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:20
Leviticus
The one thing I've always wanted to ask Jack Thompson: Wouldn't it make more sense to say that people with violent tendencies are attracted to games like Grand Theft Auto, as opposed to saying that Grand Theft Auto is the cause of those violent tendencies?

Anyways, I really hope this doesn't end badly... Either way, it'll make for a great podcast. ^_^
Darren Nakamura's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:23
Darren Nakamura
Please please please go about this in a professional manner. We gamers so rarely get a chance to tell him how wrong he is, and too often it's through email death threats, which are counterproductive, if anything.
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:24
Wedge
If he's out of his "job", I'm sure he has plenty of time. Maybe the "legitimate" media outlets are bored of him now too.
Eschatos's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:26
Eschatos
Fuck debate, we need a battle royale.
Silverhertz's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:28
Silverhertz
Holy crap...ITS ON
Wexx's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:31
Wexx
GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE
godkow's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:32
godkow
The Podcastle to end all Podcastles.
Vlambo's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:35
Vlambo
This will be the most listened to Podcast in the history of the internet
Blommen's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:36
Blommen
Holy shit this is going to be awesome!
niacin's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:37
niacin
I just wonder who started shouting first Sterling or Thompson
Visc's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:38
Visc
Wait, Wait. Shit.

Say what now?
liquidninja's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:40
liquidninja
This sounds like prank.
I'll believe it when I hear it.
Ocified-Xboxer's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:41
Ocified-Xboxer
Hey Jim, how much olive oil did you have to put on your wrist to get that 'Livestrong" bracelet on? I'm kidding...kind of.
Rider Chop's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:44
Rider Chop
nooo! the troll! it has been fed!!
aborto thefetus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:53
aborto thefetus
I have a question: How come the only games Jackie Boy seems to attack are from Rockstar and Take Two? I've seen some incredibly violent games come and go without a peep from Thompson.

He attacks Bully but Gears of War, probably the most violent game I have ever played, was completely ignored. I think Jack just has some vendetta against Take Two.

You should definitely say my name to see how he reacts.

Actually now that I think about it that would probably be a bad idea because he would most likely stalk me.
Scape's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:54
Scape
....
It really doesn't matter how professional this debate is held. It will go nowhere. Thompson could probably be diagnosed as being clinically insane...no joke. No matter what you say to him his opinions won't change. Like Chop said, it's essentially just feeding a Troll because the guy keeps getting the attention he wants.
Anus Mcphanus's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:56
Anus Mcphanus
GOURANGA!!

Now gents lets keep it clean, above the waist and for the love of god wear some underwear.
Evil Cheese's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:56
Evil Cheese
You've got my interest piqued. I really want to hear how this debate plays out. Hopefully it'll actually be a good debate, not just JT calling us all e-tards again.
moocow21's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 18:57
moocow21
O_O

I'll definitely be tuning in, even though I hardly ever listen to podcasts.
Dennen's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:06
Dennen
I definitely hope that this podcast is taken in a professional manner on all sides of the conversation. I hope it isn't going to be some retarded debate that ends up along the lines of "You don't agree with me, so screw you"..

Ah well, I shall see how it plays out - hopefully it goes maturely and professionally. And I hope that it ends up as a great debate over the topics and that I can actually hear Jack's thoughts on the matter without having "e-tard" or some childish BS tossed in..

A side note. If Jack starts with all that e-tard crap - then I will have officially lost all respect I ever had for the man attempting to give his word. If he does that, then do feel free to call him a douchebag imo... On the opposite side. If you are acting like a prick - I think he also has equal right to call you a douchebag. I hope it doesn't come to that. All i'm saying is keep it professional on both ends =)
Joe Burling's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:08
Joe Burling
Jim, I know we've talked about this, but I'll be surprised if he shows up. The Jack Thompson I know only tends to show up for debates where the environment is controlled or in his favor. I really hope he shows up. I'd love to hear a conversation with Jack Thompson where Fox or some other source isn't cutting it to make him look like a saint. I've actually heard he's a pretty decent guy when the cameras aren't on.

Also...

Resonance's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:17
Resonance
Please Jim, be oh so careful what you say! Whatever you do, don't yell at him, it makes you look bad. Be very polite, refrain from using your trademark c word, and hear him out. Otherwise he is going to use this entirely for his own devious means!
Hollie Bennett's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:23
Hollie Bennett
Im jealous that i will not be taking part in this show. ive got all these super awsome thougts and opinions on GTA and nobody wants to listen, i weep. alone.
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:43
Sharpless
This could either be a huge trainwreck, or the best thing ever. Be respectful, you guuuys! Prove to him that we can haz brains too! Combine your powers to form CommonSenseTron!

Just curious, but why isn't this happening on Podtoid? I would've thought that Rev, Tiff, Linde, and Jim would be the more logical, powerful line-up to take on Jack - no offense to atheistium or wardrox.
Dr Milkdad's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:44
Dr Milkdad
If you call him a cunt, I will die laughing. But you won't, because you are a pro.

Still... I can dream
The Bez's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:47
The Bez
FUCKIN EPIC
Neonie's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:47
Neonie
This episode is going to fucking rock, so. hard.
dephect's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:52
dephect
Man, make sure he gets a pat down.. he may bring in porn and gun.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 19:55
Samit Sarkar
Goddammit, Jim...I still think you should’ve gone with my idea for promoting this sure-to-be-awesome episode...

DESTRUCTOID.COM & THE PODCASTLE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT:
An epic battle royale featuring two of the video game industry's most passionate, outspoken individuals, and moderated by...some guy.

SIR JIM STERLING vs. JACK THOMPSON, ESQ.

SPARKS WILL FLY!!!
Qraze's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:02
Qraze
this will be epic.
naia-the-gamer's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:10
naia-the-gamer
Woah, wait... what?!

I will echo what Dexter and a few others have said to please be careful what you say. I would say this to anybody speaking with him because we need to look our best. This isn't anything personal against you guys specifically ^_^

Has Mr. Thompson thought about looking at "good" games, ones that are family or teen friendly that could put a positive image on the video game industry? Games like Super Mario Galaxy, or Guitar Hero, for example. Ones that gamers love but aren't super bloody. Even puzzle games or games that bring people together, like Uno on Live Arcade or Wii Sports. There are some gamers like myself who are adults but don't always enjoy ultra violent games (I do have some M rated titles, but many more E and T in my library).
Red TheHaze Veron's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:13
Red TheHaze Veron
When all else fails, you can always go Lu Bu on his ass.
JK.
Go Team Sterling!
Faceless's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:15
Faceless
This should be very interesting.
RAB's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:32
RAB
oh snap



he wasn't lying
Elitechief27's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:40
Elitechief27
RACE WAR! RACE WAR! SHIT IS GOING DOWN ON PODCASTLE!!!!



In all seriousness though, try to get him to say what games he does like and think is acceptable. He is probably going to say some Barbie horse adventure crap.


Crush 'Em Sterling
MaxVest's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:40
MaxVest
When (not if) Jack Thompson says something ridiculous, I want to hear that monocle pop out of Jim's eye and into his glass of sherry.
WDot's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/29/2008 20:46
WDot
Just keep your cool and I think this debate will go swimmingly. I can't wait!
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