In an effort to set a standard for the development and sale of videogames, Stardock -– developer of Galactic Civilization and Sins of a Solar Empire –- has enumerated a Gamer's Bill of Rights. The proposed bill isn't an actual law or anything like that: It's a set of guidelines that game developers could follow to improve the quality of life for beleaguered gamers.
Gamasutra has posted an interview with Stardock's Brad Wardell, in which the bill's 10 "rules" are enumerated and discussed. The list is rather PC-centric, covering system requirements and patch-release and update protocols, and admonishing developers for generally treating PC gamers like a pack of software pirates. While it is a noble suggestion, the list accomplishes little more than outlining Stardock's own corporate philosophy.
There's a stark, pie-in-the-sky mentality behind it. In the
Gamasutra interview, Wardell states: "Certainly, publishers are going to say, 'Who the hell is Stardock?' But depending on how gamers react to it, it will affect the publisher." Right. Forgive me for being cynical, but I don't see hordes of developers finally jumping on the digital distribution wagon, or delaying Alien-Killing Super Marine 4 past the lucrative holiday season because they haven't ironed out all the bugs yet.
Don't get me wrong: I would love to see some body of developers get together and decide that churning out quality games is more important than perpetual servitude to the almighty dollar. But that will take a concerted effort from many (if not all) members of the industry.
The Gamer's Bill of Rights: Stardock's Wardell Explains [Gamasutra]
Image courtesy The National Archives
