Gallery exhibit looks to teach parents about video games
Brenda Brathwaite is a vocal advocate within the industry known for frank discussions on sex, censorship and ESRB issues. Recently she was awarded the 2007 Presidential Fellowship at the SavannahCollege of Art and Design to create a lecture and gallery exhibit titled, "What You Don't Know About Video Games..." The installation is aimed at parents and others unfamiliar with video games and the industry. The lecture is designed to cover all kinds of topics like ratings, game content, career options and the good video games are doing in all kinds of fields.
The portion that Brathwaite is most excited about is the exhibit. It'll be in an actual gallery space and will give parents a hands-on guided tour of video games at every rating level from E to AO. The latter, of course, will not be readily viewable, and not at all viewable by those under 18. Brathwaite says, "For me, the motivation comes from both being a parent, a game designer and an acquaintance of many parents who know little about our industry, or believe that video games 'are just for kids,' or some great violence-filled, blood-soaked evil ... Hopefully, they'll come away more knowledgeable about our industry, excited about the games we make and better able to make informed choices at retail."
For those who have seen Brathwaite speak, she knows how to keep an audience's attention. She explains large concepts in a clear and entertaining manner. If there is anyone we think can explain the industry to parents evenly by showing the good and the bad -- it's Brathwaite. We'll learn more about exhibit details and look forward to some preview photos as the opening draws near. What we're really hoping for is a good internet video of the lecture and exhibit for those who can't get to Savannah but want to see it -- or show it to someone who should.











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Kingston @ Apr 14th 2007 8:05AM
about time
Grey Acumen @ Apr 14th 2007 8:33AM
Wow, she's like the antithesis of Jack Thompson... I totally want to see a comic done with a parent of a video gamer and you have Jack Thompson as the shoulder devil thing trying to spout various ignorances, and have her as the little shoulder angel that is giving the parent a reasonably accurate assessment.
dvdguy @ Apr 14th 2007 10:08AM
Once the sex stops (and it will stop)... he's gonna wish he still had his games.
BobbyBob @ Apr 14th 2007 11:15AM
Hahahahaha! Wrong topic, dvdguy.
Anonymous @ Apr 14th 2007 1:44PM
I'm sick of this woman and people like her. Talking about sex in the industry is absolutely hurting the industry. Parent groups and politicians are mostly docile when it comes to violent video games, but add in sexual content (ala Hot Coffee) and suddenly there is a national shitstorm. I wish people like her would keep their big mouths shut. The last thing we need is a woman like her (or a man for that matter) who is not an obvious nutjob (like Jack Thompson) telling parents and politicians that sex in video games does occur. Argh.
Bluebreaker @ Apr 14th 2007 4:57PM
But sex in games does happen now. So best to get it out in the open and have it rated or (shock!) stop putting sexual content in games.
Purple Haze @ Apr 14th 2007 6:43PM
@Bluebreaker
Exactly what i was gonna say.
Anonymous @ Apr 15th 2007 4:43AM
How do you rate a sex game? Include "BJ" "TF" "AS" "INT" and "FACL" to the ratings? Give me a break
Gene @ Apr 17th 2007 9:58AM
You rate it AO and keep it moving...