The French nanny-state is going to offer yet more subsidies for yet another non-competitive industry.
The French government has set aside €4 million this year to fund the development of video games in a move to boost its standing in the world gaming industry.French companies have until September 1 to submit proposals for games under development, which will be judged for innovation, commercial viability, and other criteria. Those selected will receive up to 40 per cent of the cost of developing their games and bringing them to market, the French Ministry of Culture said in a statement.
The goal is to support an industry that France believes has talent, but which is struggling under tough economic conditions, the ministry said.
via Digit Magazine (UK)
Pondering this, James Lileks muses on possible "French versions of some popular games:"
Half-Life. An interdimensional gateway opens up, and thousands of murderous creatures from another world spill through. Your mission: help them establish their own parallel society in your country.Posted by Alan at July 26, 2003 10:21 AMDoom: An interdimensional gateway opens up, and the minions of Hell itself enter a Martian moonbase. Your mission: nothing! Lucky you, they invaded in August, and that’s your month at the beach.
Grand Theft Auto: You steal Deux Cheveaux and attempt to escape from the police at speeds up to 30 MPH
Medal of Honor: WW2. This was a massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the Resistance. At its peak it had 400,000 members who logged on and did nothing. Then someone named “Yank44” signed on, and the system crashed when all 400,000 members attempted to remove the picture of Marshal Petain from the wall of their cottage.
via Lileks's Daily Bleat