So, this story about how Jimmy Fallon, who recently took over for Conan's old time slot on NBC, is going to quote "treat game debuts like movie premiers" has really piqued my interest. There was some talk about it on last week's ListenUP podcast, and their big question was who were they going to have on the show to talk about these games? Are they going to show a trailer for the game? Demo the game for a few minutes on the show? There are so many possibilities here. Everybody on ListenUP seemed very skeptical to the idea of having some of the people from the development side of things on the show simply because there aren't many big name developers out there who you could put on a show like that.
You know what though? I think that's something the gaming industry is missing, and something that this Jimmy Fallon show could help fill in. First off, I think there are plenty of compelling developers to have on the show to talk about their games...guys like Cliff Blezinski, David Jaffe, Dylan Cuthbert, and so on, not to mention all the amazing Japanese developers who I've seen have fascinating discussions about their games. I mean, could you imagine how awesome it would be have Hideo Kojima on a US talk show talking about Metal Gear? Suda 51? The arrogant and lecherous Itagaki? This isn't even mentioning having people on who we could then start hearing more from because they were on the show, because they got exposure. I just hope they don't take the easy way out, as one of the guys on the podcast suggested, and have like the cover athlete from the new Madden on the show, or something like that...that's a total cop-out. If they're going to have this guy on and other geeky types, which it sounds like they're going to and I think is fantastic, then why not some of the men and women behind these games that millions of people love?
It's time for the gaming industry to have the luminaries who work behind the scenes recognized for their achievements and creative visions, just like directors of movies have been enjoying for decades.
(Also, um...the Jimmy Fallon Show house band is...The Roots!?!? What!? That's awesome! Questlove in the house! Is that going to be a permanent thing?)
Mar 11, 2009
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Hurm. *in Rorschach voice* I guess, this depends on how Fallon treats the segment. I'd hate for him to just poke fun of the game or something. Or just so crappy new games.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Fallon has never been funny to mean, but I might check out YouTune clips of this segment if it proves fruitful.
Man, I need to learn to type with my thoughts... lol
ReplyDeleteWow, that clip was really cool. I knew Jimmy Fallon was into technology, but I didn't know how well he could infuse it into his show. About a month ago he was a guest (the first and only) on Diggnation with Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, two of the biggest internet celebrities. And tonight, in fact, they will be guests on the Jimmy Fallon show. Talking about internet stuff I guess. Watching that Hulu clip and seeing him on Diggnation gives me a lot on confidence, where I had none before, in his love for the techno-culture.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Jimmy Fallon ruined every skit he was in for SNL because he can't keep a straight face, but it is actually perfect for a show host. He knows he can't keep a straight face, so he doesn't try. As long as he has the freedom to make fun of himself, it's actually funny. His interview with Michael Stipe last night was pretty funny and plus, he made fun of his cameo in Band of Brothers.
ReplyDeleteYeah Gareth, I was also encouraged when I heard he was having the guys from Diggnation on there. I really do think he's somewhat serious about integrating more internet and modern media culture into his show, and I think we're going to see some interesting moments from him as his show evolves and finds its stride.
ReplyDeleteAs for Fallon, I do think he's going to be a good host eventually. Drew's point about keeping a straight face is good...it's good that he can't keep a straight face on a late night talk show, because it's supposed to be silly and fun, and a goofy grin encourages fun, engaging dialog. It usually works for me anyway.