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UPDATE
 
The Podcastle episode 11 records tomorrow: Sterling versus Thompson
The Podcastle episode 11 records tomorrow:  Sterling versus Thompson screenshot
Jim Sterling
\\ 04.29.2008
101 comments

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!



101 COMMENTS, LATEST BY Major Mustard
I don't believe it. -    view discussion




There are 101 comments about this post:
wardrox's Avatar
I'll be honest, I'm scared.
Video_Cognito's Avatar
Oooh...now this sounds good.
Pangloss's Avatar
@wardrox: scared nobody will bother with Podcastle again after this, because it's all downhill?
Jonathan Kerr's Avatar
Holy shit.
njsykora's Avatar
This is going to be epic.
vitus's Avatar
$100 on sterling
MechaMonkey's Avatar
Seriously? He agreed to have a debate with you?

Who do you have impersonating him? This can't be correct.
Face's Avatar
He must have more free time than I thought. Still pretty cool though.
Cheeburga's Avatar
He won't ever give in.
razerangel's Avatar
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
I just wet myself.
Jaren Face's Avatar
...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
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. ^_^
Dexter345's Avatar
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
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
Fuck debate, we need a battle royale.
Silverhertz's Avatar
Holy crap...ITS ON
Wexx's Avatar
GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLLLLLLLLE
godkow's Avatar
The Podcastle to end all Podcastles.
Vlambo's Avatar
This will be the most listened to Podcast in the history of the internet
Blommen's Avatar
Holy shit this is going to be awesome!
niacin's Avatar
I just wonder who started shouting first Sterling or Thompson
Visc's Avatar
Wait, Wait. Shit.

Say what now?
liquidninja's Avatar
This sounds like prank.
I'll believe it when I hear it.
Ocified-Xboxer's Avatar
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
nooo! the troll! it has been fed!!
aborto thefetus's Avatar
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
....
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
GOURANGA!!

Now gents lets keep it clean, above the waist and for the love of god wear some underwear.
Evil Cheese's Avatar
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
O_O

I'll definitely be tuning in, even though I hardly ever listen to podcasts.
Dennen's Avatar
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 =)
BuckF1tches's Avatar
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
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!
Zero Iscariot's Avatar
epic!
pheonix-blood's Avatar
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
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
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
FUCKIN EPIC
Neonie's Avatar
This episode is going to fucking rock, so. hard.
dephect's Avatar
Man, make sure he gets a pat down.. he may bring in porn and gun.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
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
this will be epic.
naia-the-gamer's Avatar
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).
Redzie's Avatar
When all else fails, you can always go Lu Bu on his ass.
JK.
Go Team Sterling!
Faceless's Avatar
This should be very interesting.
RAB's Avatar
oh snap



he wasn't lying
Elitechief27's Avatar
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
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
Just keep your cool and I think this debate will go swimmingly. I can't wait!
niacin's Avatar
How would you feel if for some reason, i don't know say the collapse of civilisation, dave jones and Real time worlds were going to make GTA 5.

And could you try and explain all the legal shite that happened over who owned the GTA name.
Demios's Avatar
This im looking forward to...
ironmanrules1333's Avatar
western style show down, in Europe

PS remember my name please
king3vbo's Avatar
Call him a cunt! CALL HIM A CUNT!
Kapkomi's Avatar
Something I'd like to being up, for what ever reason. The ethic of reciprocity (The Golden Rule). "Do onto others as you want others to do onto you.", simple, catchy, and thought provoking. It's one of the first things my parents thought me when I was young, and I believe that it's a very valuable lesson to be taught.

also

I agree with Leviticus' theory, it makes more scene that people with violent urges would search for an outlet to vent on before acting out their aggression for real.

@Jack Thompson
(probably been asked before), what was your first encounter with video games and when did you decide to start you campaign agents them?

@Sharpless
My money is on that it's going to be the best trainwreck ever
The-Excel's Avatar
Place yo bets place yo bets!
TheToiletDuck's Avatar
Fox news his ass.
PrinceofCannedPeaches's Avatar
Cata-fucking-clysmic. Be fair, Jim. However hard it is.
Velt's Avatar
Really Jim, please, dont loose your temper people (of the podcast), the guy is insane, I deal with insane people almost in daily bases, so stay calm and on topíc. Dont interrupt him, let him crave his own grave.

But like wardox, to be honest, Iam a little bit scared.
BS3 Owner's Avatar
ZOMG!
Luigi takes over's Avatar
Good fucking god. This is going to be either the most awesome podcast ever, or the MOST EPIC RICK ROLL IN HISTORY.


My bet is on the rickroll.
Pepillou2's Avatar
Thompson? in MY D-toid?
Are you 4 realz?
SubOrbital's Avatar
Well if it does go down, I hope you at least have a civilized discussion and don't just yell at each other and get nothing actually addressed except who can piss higher than the other.
Velt's Avatar
if this happens the podcast will deserve to have a digg
FreedomToast's Avatar
Where do you think the video game industry would be without the influence of the GTA 3 "sandbox" approch also do you think the industy would have this much "negative" attention without the game ever being created
Mandril's Avatar
There are a few existential questions that are in dire need of answers. Here they are:

What is Jack Thompson's favorite Pokemon?

Is WiiFit a horrible invention that will corrupt the minds of our young ones and make children anorexic?

Can Jack lick his elbow?

Is judgement day near?

If I intend to murder a group of innocent children, what weapon would you advise me to use?
hpv's Avatar
Ask Jack if he's so worked up over GTA because you get to beat and kill prostitutes and those are the only women who will have sex with him so he takes it personally.
atheistium's Avatar
:o no wai
JohnThEReaper617's Avatar
Jim,

Rip this hypocritical douche a new asshole.

that is all
Fronz's Avatar
i HATE listening to podcasts. for some reason i just can't listen to audio that's not music -- i can't do the whole audiobooks thing either. but i will definitely make an exception for this episode, i can't wait to hear how things turn out.
BlackSunEmpire's Avatar
Is this 'the' Jack Thompson, or 'a' Jack Thompson?? You cant debate someone who is unreasonable.
Trevor McGee's Avatar
GTA IV, so good even Jack Thompson loves it!

Trevor McGee's Avatar
Damn, I didn't see BS3 Owner's post....and his is bigger... *hangs head in shame*
Projectexodus's Avatar
Question to Jack:

Whats the point in blaming videogames for violence, when there's obviously some deeper causes that makes people do criminal acts?

Most European countries, Canada and Australia is exposed to just as much violent content as in the US. But our crime rates are far lower! Now why is that?
- Low poverty levels?
- Top notch FREE psychiatric (and also medical) healthcare?
- Good (also free) education?
- Far more humane treatment of prisoners?

Your call...
Trevor McGee's Avatar
To make up for my mistake, I present this!:

DarkTetsuya's Avatar
So how much did you guys pay him to do it? (There's no way in hell he would ever do it otherwise, unless you provide cash up front.)
episodic's Avatar
Waow, you're braver than I am. I hope he will just talk with you and not preach and turn it into something crap.

I also hope he turns up/picks up the phone.

Nice one Jim :D
TheToiletDuck's Avatar
The question has to be asked... what will happen if you two fall in love?
Seth338's Avatar
Ask him to post with his destructoid account more often
Visc's Avatar
This may be one of those hilarious pranks where they talk to a Jack Thompson soundboard for an hour, with ol' Jacky boy admitting his love for boy-on-boy action and if he ever got the whole line of Hari Krishnas in GTA1.

Then just scream GOURANGA!! at the top of your lungs for the rest of the show.

I'm so excited.
riomccarthy's Avatar
I'm so excited. I can't wait to hear this! Just one word.. AMAZING!
dephect's Avatar
Man, I dont know... looking at Jacks face there, you may end up getting slaughtered and raped.
Murumasa123's Avatar
YEah Jim be reasonable (at first at least) make sure you argue your points well and remember you can never win a arguement with someone to stupid to lose.

Question for Jack:
"if games were only sold to over 18s and it was VERY restricted. Then it would be in their own home the parent had control but they couldnt buy a game for them, (i dunno how it would work...) would you let us play?
(If not fuck off and die to put it bluntly)

Qs:
"Have we any hope in the UK now the Minster of Prime is involved?"
"Why can't we see sex in games, i dont particuallary find it sexual just funny and if we can have graphic violence why cant we have graphic sex?"
Dead Movie Star's Avatar
This is gonna be a train wreck... Sweet.
ScottyG's Avatar
I'd bet a cookie that it's Wardrox impersonating JT. :p

---

I do have a question though, especially after the talk of Rock Band after last week's show. What in general do Europeans (or at least people in the UK) pay for games, and what do you you realistically think you should be paying?

It kind of sounds like I'm having a go at you, but I swear I'm not. I've just heard some different messages about it and want a clearer picture. :)
arcadias's Avatar
This should be amazing. I just hope it doesn't degrade into a infantile argument.

I have no questions that wont be covered in the general course of the conversation, although I propose that Jim conducts the whole podcast as Liquid Snake for pure comedic effect.
ScreamingScarab's Avatar
I wish Phoenix Blood was on this one...she actually talked when she had a guest spot!
Aertyr's Avatar
Can they please both debate drunk in a hot tub. Pleeeasseeeee.
foxhound009's Avatar
hhehehe this will be great... xDxD ..

w8 I need some popcorn.. :D

amusement time :)
DanGale's Avatar
Ooh, Jack Thompson actually agreed to be on Podcastle. I wonder if it's just a pre-recorded discussion with Jim or if he'll be going against Wardrox and Atheistium too. Oh and Insomniac/ainmosni.
Holyetheline's Avatar
I'm really excited to listen to this.
Demtor's Avatar
I'm a bit mixed about this news. On the one hand I don't want this walking, talking, breathing douche bag to get any air time or attention at all. On the other hand I can't wait to hear Jim Sterling's brilliant point and counter point arguments.
Cowboy TTop's Avatar
Should prove interesting. Unfortunately, Podtoid isn't available on iTunes (sort it out Dtoid) , so I'll have to slum it on the site feed.

I can understand JT wanting to keep certain games out of the hands of kids (this needs to be tightened up in America, like it has been in U.K/europe), its just the way he goes about it, by painting all games black which is wrong. Its not that simple.

I can hardly wait, go get him Jim. Just don't mention the hentai games, otherwise he'll try going after them too.

What I'd like Jim to ask him is:

Does he understand games are for all ages, not just the kids?

Is he capable of thinking without such a 'fire and brimstone' view, because I think its this old school church thinking clouds his judgement, as much as it also spurs him?

Wouldn't it be better for him to educate parents, in a fair and just way about games, if he wants them to not buy adult games for their kids, instead of what he's actually doing?

Why does he hate Rockstar so much, when they create games for mainly an adult audience of aging gamers?

The consumption of games is now larger than films, but does he agree that sex and violence sells to the masses, regardless of media?

If so, why does he not rag on other violent media, like books and films, besides games?

Why does he think sex in games is a probl to em, when films and books have also been free to depict such themes, and a freely available to all?

Does he think adults should give up their rights for the sake children?

Does he think the church is out of step with modern society in general, games included?

If a child walks into a retail store to buy a game like GTA4 and is rightly refused by the staff, what does he suggest a sales person do, besides warning the parent, when the parent of said child returns to buy the game for them? (I really want to know his answer, as its parents and their attitudes that are the problem, the very people he should be criticising but neglects to.

Has he played Brain Training etc, and does he acknowledge some games are positive? (Trauma Center included there too.

Hope they'll be of some help to you, Jim.
Nogarda's Avatar
oh this is a must listen. But from my understanding is the original premise was jack wanted videogames banned unless they were barbie games or something. But from what I can tell if the world could enforce something on retailers selling to underaged kids. everyone would be happy... besides the kids that shouldnt be playing it.

but then personal opinion aside, can jim keep those see you next tuesdays under control XD.
tornotlukin's Avatar
I wonder if its going to be a scream fest to get their point of view out over the other [master]debater.
Vigor's Avatar
Can you please get jack to sign some mousepads,T-shirts,lawyer papers for lawyer stuff? Omg I LOVE U JACK!!!
Ocified-Xboxer's Avatar
In all seriousness, take the man down a peg, but don't be crass. I'm sure you will be as you are a reasonably professional guy. I would echo some of the comments here and ask that you ask Jack why he feels that parents don't play a larger role in this, and why it is the video game industry that is failing kids instead of their parents.

The tools for understanding the ratings are readily available. And they aren't nearly as ambiguous as MPAA ratings...M games are like R rated movies, so would GTA:SA really been for the kids in spite of the 'Hot Coffee' incident?

Thanks Jim.
tornotlukin's Avatar
Jack seems to be a bit of a hot head, even with some decorum he could easily flip his lid. The problem is that Jack believes his own hype. That's dangerous when getting into a conversation cause he already thinks you an idiot for the position you hold. Kid gloves when handling and don't, don't, don't... don't believe the hype!
Remo's Avatar
seriously Jim try to be nice.
imagine beating him by rational debate.
then you can rub it in his face for all eternity.
wardrox's Avatar
100. I win.
Major Mustard's Avatar
I don't believe it.

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