Yeah, we continue to see studies concerning the dangerous effects of video games. The mainstream press continues to use the industry as a scapegoat at every turn. Many still believe gaming is highly addictive and still just a “kid’s toy.”
All those stereotypes exist in abundance, unfortunately. However, news like this should be embraced by gamers everywhere, because it directly combats those bad vibes.
Quantic Dream founder and artistic visionary David Cage will receive France’s highest honor: The Legion of Honour.
He’s the first video game developer to earn the prestigious award. It will be presented by Fleur Pellerin, French Minister Delegate with responsibility for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Innovation and the Digital Economy.
Cage is known for creating narrative-driven games, which he often dubs “interactive dramas.” Heavy Rain was a critical and sales success, and although last year’s Beyond: Two Souls fell a little shy of the mark (according to most critics), it was still a top-tier achievement.
France has paid tribute to other industry greats, such as Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Ubisoft’s Michel Ancel; each received the Order of Arts and Letters. Cage is the first game designer to receive the Legion of Honour, though, and that’s pretty darn special. Here’s hoping this is the kind of press that gets mainstream attention, even though I’m willing to bet most news outlets still want “kid kills grandmother after playing GTA” headlines.
