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Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's full DICE speech, Jack Thompson says 'Gotcha!'
[Elisabeth Caren] Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's speech at DICE was certainly a highlight of this year's convention. The polarizing figure took the stage and spoke his mind -- whether it was for better or worse was a topic of debate for the rest of the show. Some saw it as humanizing the demonized executive, who makes no apologies for running an efficient and profitable company (especially in this economy), while others couldn't believe that PR ever let him take the stage with what seemed like a fairly off-the-cuff speech. Disbarred attorney Jack Thompson took the opportunity to send California State Senator Leland Yee (and the entire press) a letter declaring "Gotcha!" to a section of Kotick's speech. Using a piece he read on GamePolitics as a springboard, Thompson writes that Kotick's admission that the executive would still be really into video games if it didn't run the risk of interfering with his life and running a major publisher is an "admission [that] flies in the face of video game industry spokespersons' false, sometimes perjured assertions, that video games do not affect the behavior of minors. Here is a full-grown adult (at least in chronological terms) admitting just the opposite." In context, though, Kotick's admission is more in line with many adults, who have responsibilities to balance along with enjoying video games. Kotick recognizes he has an addictive personality -- noting as much about enjoying food -- so he keeps his gaming in check. Watch the full Kotick speech, and read Jack Thompson's letter, after the break. Kotick mentioning why he doesn't play games at the level he did in his youth begins at the 11:30 mark.
Thompson Lower East Side hotel getting HDTV
We're sure it'll come as no surprise to anyone who has been keeping an eye on the progress of Thompson Hotels' forthcoming Lower East Side, but nevertheless, the five-star facility will indeed boast HDTV. Announced today, RCN has signed a multi-year deal to provide digital cable TV and high-definition services to all 140 guest rooms of the new hotel, which is set to open in Manhattan, New York in early 2008. Notably, we're not told whether any sort of HD VOD will be included, but the tricky part will be affording a single night stay to personally find out.
