Gamers will die young says UK government
MCV report that the UK government have put together a new print advertising campaign, which is set to appear in many womens’ weekly mags – such as Star, Reveal and Heat – in the coming weeks.
The British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Cancer Research are apparently all behind the message the advert sends out, which is part of the recent Change4Life TV campaign.
The advert shows a rather unhappy child sitting on the sofa ‘playing’ a PlayStation 3. To accompany the image, there are words that imply such actions will result in an increased risk of contracting heart disease and dying at a young age.
Of course, the advert really just means you should always try and keep active, and exercise – which is of course the correct message to send out - but the way they presented it here could not be more idiotic and scapegoating in nature if it tried.
I supposed I should be happy I got through writing this item before I kicked the bucket.
3 comments ↓
Nogert
March 6th, 2009
WTF how can they get away with that, obviously some idiots just going to see DEATH and then games have a bad name.
Lloytron
March 6th, 2009
It is interesting that these ads will be in print based magazines. Why? Well, reading a magazine is hardly an enegertic activity, is it?
Health wise, what is the difference sitting playing video games for a few hours, or reading a book? Or watching TV?
I don’t disagree with the underlying message, of getting off your arse and running about a bit, but FFS, such a bad way of saying it.
M. Bison
March 6th, 2009
I like how you pointed out the “correct” message to send out, and it’s absolutely true. Saying what “not” to do won’t help anyone unless you tell them what to do instead.