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That’s the question Hollywood big wigs are asking as two entertainment juggernauts are poised to square off next week.
Grand Theft Auto IV, likely the biggest game of the year, is hitting stores across the country April 29. Iron Man, the blockbuster comic book film that marks the official kickoff of the summer movie season is coming May 2. Some movie industry experts are afraid that since both target the same demographic of males aged 18-24, Iron Man may suffer. They cite a dip in TV viewership last year in that age group when 2007′s most anticipated game, Halo 3, hit shelves.
Stuff and nonsense, says this geek who logs in at 33 but still plays video games and watches comic book movies. I plan to buy Grand Theft Auto IV and see Iron Man. If it’s good, I will probably see it more than once. Rest assured, entertainment industry, we can handle both. I have had both April 29 and May 2 marked on my calendar for a long time and wouldn’t miss either product launch.
There are more and more entertainment options today, which absolutely should scare TV and movie brass. But if Iron Man stands on its own merits, it will make money. Lots of it. Movies and games scratch different entertainment itches, especially mature-rated games like the GTA series. I can’t play GTA IV with my two sons, or my nephews. I can and will take them to see Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk and other such films.
Blaming video games is the rage these days, whether you’re a politician trying to earn a job or a movie exec trying to keep one. Just make good movies and the rest will take care of itself. If the movie industry really wants to understand what’s happening, slow down on the subpar sequels and make more original films. Challenge us the way the video game industry has managed to.
It’s true the movie industry is in something of a doldrums while games have never been bigger. That’s simple economics. You can see a movie for $10 or less, while a good game now costs $60. Many look at me and shake their head, not seeing the difference. The movie will entertain me (hopefully) for about 90 minutes. I’ll spend 50 or more hours playing GTA IV. I’m willing to pay $60 for something that will keep me occupied for much of the next month.
I’m going to take about 30 or more hours out of my summer schedule to see all your blockbusters, Hollywood. All I ask in return is that you don’t make me regret it.
Images from Paramount Pictures, 2008
I’m going to the midnight launch for GTA and will likely catch Iron Man at least twice.
Tough call. I have co-workers and friends out here with the same dilmena. The will do both watch the movie friday night and play GTA for the rest of the year only to leave it for work, some food and maybe for their significant other.