An Interview with John Johnson.
I, being the journalistic stallion that I am, organized an interview with John Johnson C.E.O of Large Game Company. What follows is a word for word transcript of the interview.
I:Hello Mr. Johnson, thank you for taking the time to talk to me today.
JJ: No problem at all, I have loads of spare time that I spend sitting in my office while my code monke- I mean employee?s handle most everything.
I: What exactly do you do?
JJ: I make sure everything runs smoothly and uhh? Well, C.E.O means Chief Executive Officer doesn?t it? I?executify.
I: . . .
JJ: . . . Things.
I: Your game company is known for releasing a few gems that have earned your loyal fanbase, but some say you also seem to be rehashing old concepts such as sports games, sometimes essentially changing numbers and charging full price. Do you have any comments on that?
JJ: I can assure you, no game we release is ever the same.
I: . . . I was referring to the idea that you rip people off.
JJ: I can assure you, our intention is never to rip people off. We are a company, and we do what comapanies do.
I: Which is?
JJ: Make money.
I: . . . So your goal is primarily to make money off of cheap poorly made games that appeal to a wide demographic?
JJ: Yes. NO! I meant no. Can you erase that yes?
I: Sure, it won't end up on the final transcript.
I: You've been CEO for 6 years. How did you first get into the electronic entertainment industry?
JJ: Well, I realized the market potential for video games and decided that being the CEO would let me try my hand at that.
I: . . . Okay . . . How did you become the CEO?
JJ: I was a CEO of a shoe company prior to this.
I: . . . You came from the shoe industry?
JJ: Yes. Same thing really.
I: Do you care to elaborate on that?
JJ: Well, with shoes, you sell a product that is stylish and practical. With games, you sell a product that is stylish and practical.
I: I guess I can understand that.
I: Video Games such as Braid have added some weight to the argument that Video Games are as equal an art form as Movies or Music. How do you feel on the subject?
JJ: Well, Movies make money. Right?
I: Yes.
JJ: Music makes money. Right?
I: Yes, bu-
JJ: Games make as much money. Right?
I: Yeah, but I think yo-
JJ: So it's all the same. As long as you're making money who really cares?
I: Apparently a lot of people. That says a lot about the way you view your fanbase. How do you feel about your target demographic?
JJ: Well, I was an industry giant at Large Shoe Company. The reason is I did not view our target demographic as humans. I viewed them as dollar signs. Cards to be cashed.
I: Are you saying you willfully and intentionally exploit the loyalness of your audience to make money?
JJ: Yes.
I: You don't feel like that makes you kind of a loser?
JJ: I?m the CEO of Large Game Company. You are a journalist. You?re calling me a loser?
I: . . . How do you sleep at night?
JJ: Pills and Women.
I: Thanks again for taking the time.
