The Arcade Wire: Airport Security

By: Brandon McCartin (BMcC)

On: September 20th, 2006

Perhaps we need a new category for “newsgames.”

Ian Bogost of Persuasive Games has announced Airport Security, the first in a series of satirical Flash games commissioned by Shockwave.com and Addicting Games called The Arcade Wire.

The game has you managing (of course) an airport security line, removing prohibited items from potential passengers and their luggage, while keeping up with the constantly-changing security regulations.

Hooray for games with a message! According to Persuasive Games’ site, it’s their bread and butter:

“Persuasive Games is the natural choice of leading advocacy groups and lifestyle brands who want to communicate effectively through electronic games.”

On one hand, it’s exciting to see games that move beyond mere amusement, that have a message and real-world impact. On the other hand, as Ian himself admits, the vast majority of topical games are no more than passing novelties.

What do you, the loyal TIGSource readers, think? Play the game and judge for yourselves!

(Source: GameSetWatch)

Posted in Browser Games, Freeware, Social Impact

http://www.tscreative.net BMcC

POLITICALLY-CHARGED BONUS QUESTION: What do you think about Persuasive Games propagandizing for profit?
TIGSauce

cool
Ryan A

Great game idea, it’s nice to see world events show up in games. The snake in luggage was a made me smile, but it didn’t really hold my interest.
null

This game is actually pretty funny (especially some of the lines you hear over the PA system). It’s a good parody of how ridiculous and arbitrary government bureaucracy is.

That said, as a GAME, it didn’t hold my attention for more than a few minutes. In that sense, it’s like a lot of Flash games — just a diversion.

Re: propagandizing for profit, most political campaigns are run by marketing firms that do just that. So it’s not unexpected that interactive media would become a part of their toolset.

Personally, I had no problem with games as just “mere amusement.” Everything nowadays is so politicized, and video games were one medium that, during my childhood, provided an escape from it all.

Oh well, things change.
http://www.tscreative.net BMcC

Yeah, I got bored with it pretty quick, too. And after all that talk from Ian about how “skin-deep” most topical games are. Eh.

Regarding the “mere amusement” comment: I agree. I guess what I meant to say was I think it’s cool to see games branch out farther. But I certainly wouldn’t want _all_ games to be topical.
http://www.tscreative.net BMcC

Super Monkey Ball: DON’T FORGET TO SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS!
null

Well, I should add that not ALL old games were apolitical, either.

Remember all the games that propagandized (in a way) for the war on drugs? NARC, Wrath of the Black Manta, etc. (Remember the “Winners Don’t Use Drugs” message on every arcade game during the late 80s and 90s?) And there was also the Cold War stuff, like Rush ‘n’ Attack, Strider, etc.

The arcade/NES game we westerners know as Guerrilla War was, in Japan, called Guevara. That’s right, you played Che and Fidel trying to overthrow the Batista regime.

It’s just that the political message in those games was about as sophisticated as what you might find in a Schwarzenneger B-flick like Commando. More amusing than affecting.
mushu

McKids.

mmm, burger politics.
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