Destroy All Humans started as a joke, launched a "dance" career
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Dec 24th 2006 at 3:55PM }
Matt Harding was designing Xbox games for Pandemic Studios Australia when a family-friendly game he had been working on was cancelled. Piqued, he pitched a game to management about "blowing up everything and killing everyone" as a comment on the games industry's obsession with violent games like Grand Theft Auto and Halo.
When publishers saw the proposal, they responded enthusiastically, "Yeah! That is exactly what we want, we want a game about killing everyone!" And so Destroy All Humans was given the green light, despite the fact that it had been conceived as a joke.
Matt wasn't too thrilled with the idea of making that sort of game, so he emptied his savings account and embarked on a 17-country, six-month trip around the world. At some point during the trip, he got the idea of filming himself dancing in each location. Many of you have seen the results, but just in case you h'ain't, you can watch the videos here and here.
Who said violent games do nothing positive for the world? Without GTA, Matt might have never have embarked on his magical dance journey, and we'd all be the poorer for it.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Easy_G @ Dec 24th 2006 4:01PM
I love watching those videos. I had no idea the man behind it was the one who came up with Destroy All Humans. Very cool. Is he back making games again or has he ditched that all together?
Justafan @ Dec 24th 2006 4:07PM
Awesome. Started out as quite insane, then became strangely inspiring towards the end!
csc @ Dec 24th 2006 4:15PM
ditto to #2 concept was a bit silly but as it went on it just became great.
vc @ Dec 24th 2006 4:15PM
Easy_G: He's still working in games. He lives in Seattle currently. Check out his site for more info. http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/
Twist @ Dec 24th 2006 4:49PM
I have heard an electronica version of the song from the video but I don't know what it is. Anybody know?
William @ Dec 24th 2006 4:53PM
Is he like homeless now? lol
Sletje @ Dec 24th 2006 5:12PM
#5: Mauro Picotto - Komodo.
tack @ Dec 24th 2006 7:15PM
Wow, thank you.
That video made my day. It's been a really tough holiday for me and my family this year and I for what ever reason found joy in that.
Jack @ Dec 24th 2006 8:05PM
I saw this video like 4 months ago, but anyways I really think it is one of the best videos on the web. Really, really good. I didn't know how it started though... so did he sell his game idea?
rockintom99 @ Dec 25th 2006 7:20AM
Damn, that was beyond cool. Strange dance, of course, but I don't know, that was just awesome.
GTgamer @ Dec 24th 2006 7:26PM
That video requires the backstory.
"A man tasked with virtually killing everything and everyone cracks under the challenge. This is a chronicle of his descent into madness..."
Paul Gale @ Dec 24th 2006 8:28PM
I love this video; it's so peaceful and entertaining. It must be one incredible experience getting to go to all of those unique places in the world. Nice song, nice dance. It's just great.
Paul Gale
1up.com
neobanzia @ Dec 24th 2006 8:49PM
Wow he can't dance for shit.
Otherwise cool!
Allen @ Dec 24th 2006 10:06PM
So, he felt terrible after making Destroy All Humans?
Karttikeya @ Dec 24th 2006 10:25PM
I find it amazing that he doesn't go to one country of the Indian subcontinent, or India itself.
I'm sure he regretted this after forgetting to dance in front of the Taj Mahal.
vc @ Dec 24th 2006 11:42PM
Kartti - he does dance in front of the Taj Mahal. Did you check both videos?
Theragon @ Dec 25th 2006 3:40AM
He swam with jelly-fish.
Interesting, i beleive they sting.
Galley @ Dec 26th 2006 2:06AM
I agree; a very wacky dance. It's right up there with the "Elaine Benes".
Tommy Mang @ Dec 25th 2006 5:08PM
How something simple can make you feel good ;-) Nice ! Well done !
Brian @ Dec 26th 2006 11:49PM
Great video! Made my holiday.
Matt @ Jan 26th 2007 1:40PM
I'm sorry, did that say "Easter Island, Chile"?? Easter Island is no where near Chile. I'm very confused.