As a relative outsider, I see Notch as an almost-mythical figure. Here is a being who created a system of divine rules upon which millions have built their own worlds. Maybe that's a bit dramatic, but it seems fair to say that Notch has a sizable following of people who are very invested in the game as well as his public image as a lawyer-trolling, Facebook-hating advocate for independent games. But what happens when a figure like this becomes the public face of a controversial decision, such as the recent move to crack down on the selling of in-game stat and equipment boosts? This week we use Richard Cobbett's
column as a starting point to talk about celebrity culture, games as platforms, and kids these days.
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Show notes:
- Runtime: 31 mins 33 secs
- "
Ending the Minecraft Fantasy," by Richard Cobbett, via Eurogamer
- Music by
Brad Sucks
I think it is funny you guys brought up the idea of your listeners thinking they know you personally. This is something my wife and I have reflected on as well. There must be something particularly peculiar about meeting people who know something about you, but you know nothing about them. People create relationships over the internet all the time now, but I guess it must be weird from your perspective as mostly engaging with each other and other people (like myself) just kinda sitting in and listening. But then again, I guess this is just the price of fame ;)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had a negative encounter with a listener of the show as a result of this?
Ian
Personally, I never really understood the whole getting star struck thing, and I think that works the other way around too. I'm a generally sociable guy, so I love meeting listeners. I just go into those conversations presuming we have something in common and so far it's worked out pretty well. I have no doubt that we could sit and chat and have plenty in common, so I tend to skip the formalities and go right into the jabs at your noob mario kart skills.
ReplyDeleteAs for negative encounters, none yet, but I've always secretly hoped I could build a cult on my personality along.
Never really a bad experience, just kind of surreal. Of course the trench coat and fake mustache may have had something to do with it...
ReplyDelete