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The Top 20 Video Game Moments In The 2008 Presidential Election
November 04, 2008
Video games have played a role in politics for decades. But this year the industry seems to have transitioned from the perennial target of Grand Theft Auto witch hunts to political force in the 2008 presidential election. Game players, game developers, publishers and even the politicians have used the medium to express their views, recruit voters, raise money and generally stir some shit up. Hit the jump and take a look at a year of milestone moments in games and politics. Remember, it doesn’t matter whether you’re for, Barack Obama-Joe Biden, John McCain-Sara Palin, or Bob Barr-Wayne Root (note to the Libertarians, Pirate-Ninja has a better chance), get out today and vote.
January 2, 2008
World of Warcraft gamers stage a pro-Ron Paul march at 8:30 in the morning. Other gamers accused the march of causing the server to lag and at least one detractor of the demonstrator used the emote /spit to hawk a virtual loogie on an avatar named Ronpaulidan. I’m not even making this shit up.
March 6, 2008
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee throws in the towel and closes out his campaign with a final party with his staffers that included tins of lasagna and gathering in the basement for a final team meeting and chance to play Rock Band, which coincidentally sounds a lot like a line you’d hear on To Catch A Predator.
April 22, 2008
THQ puts Obama and Hilly in the ring for some wrasslin’ following both Democratic candidates and John McCain’s video addresses to WWE fans during Monday Night Raw.
May 6, 2008
Barack Gelbov and Barack Playboy X mash ups of Grand Theft Hope start popping up in Los Angeles. It has to be the first time that Grand Theft Auto and politics were combined to try and spread a popular message. Of course, it could have been the local chapter of the Young Republicans trying to start some shit.
June 20, 2008
The McCain campaign launches Pork Invaders, first ever flash game on Facebook by a presidential candidate. I’m sure the idea of a flash game with political overtones seemed like a great idea right up until the first Sarah Palin game hit the ‘Net.
