Just launched a puzzle on our iOS crossword game, Crickler. The “Worst Tech Predictions EVER” puzzle features Blackberry’s CEO’s Thorsten Heins’ claim that “In five years I don’t think there’ll be a reason to have a tablet anymore” and other infamous tech predictions from the past. Notable examples include Michael Dell’s 1997 suggestion that Apple Computer shut down and return their money to shareholders, Sir. Alan Sugar’s claim that the iPod would be dead by 2005. Link: http://appmodo.com/76534/blackberry-ceos-prediction-inspires-new-puzzle-in-ios-game-crickler/

Don't remember John. The computer game division didn't get to meet with the board game folks that much.

Cut out of the interview, I mentioned: Thrill Kill. Game was finished, never released. That's right, EA decided it was too violent. Finished PS1 game.

Sadly, I did not create Beserk :-( Only the exploding pigs genre of games, of which I am quite proud of. Oink.

It was lead in gasoline I was referring to...

Gene Krupa was a heck of a drummer though ...

I'm saddened that children live such restricted lives, for the most part not free to explore on their own outdoors. I'm lucky to have enjoyed that as a child.

Considering my degrees are in Physics, Astronomy and Computer Engineering ... I am clearly NOT a subject matter expert on violence (ok I did play Lacrosse a bit in HS). I have worked in both the video game and educational game space for a while, so this is really just a designer's opinion. I do have a grasp of the industry's history so consider this some historical perspective on this topic and just my opinion, No offense taken.

I worked on their first computer game titles. I loved working there. My first published game was Conflict 2500, followed by Voyager 1 ... Which COULD be considered a wireframe FPS.

I was at Activision from 1988 to 1994, eventually as the VP of Technology. So why I didn't design violent games, I was involved in the production of them. For whatever that's worth.

Part of what got edited out was a discussion of video game use and violence in Japan etc.