Vivendi

George Rose, Chief Public Policy Officer, Activision Blizzard (ASDR 2009)

Our video games contribute to cultural diversity

« Video games provide a medium that allows people from different cultures and walks of life to engage in a shared entertainment experience. Players from different countries, economic backgrounds, ethnicities and ages are able to connect with each other in a fun, meaningful and relevant manner as they play and discuss their favourite video games.
Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft is available in several languages and includes local cultural references familiar to players in different regions of the world. Individuals see their own culture and history refl ected in the way the game is presented to them. And because a great deal of dialogue occurs within player communities across borders, these cultural touchstones promote dialogue and raise cultural awareness among players everywhere. Additionally, games like Activision Publishing’s Guitar Hero 5 are bridging the cultural divide through interactivity and music. The game exposes consumers to music from around the world, and the game’s music studio allows them to compose songs using sound sets from instruments that are unique to various regions of the world.
And lastly, our games are developed at studios all over the world including the US, Canada, UK, China, Romania and others. Each studio’s work often reflects their unique perspectives and cultural sensibilities. As we enter countries like China, Canada or Romania, we are creating jobs and opportunities in the region that otherwise would not exist. »