Epic Says Fox News “Probably” Helped Bulletstorm Sales, Thanks Other Journalists

Posted 03/09/2011 at 1:10am | by Nathan Grayson

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Rare is the man who can look on the bright side after a major media outlet accuses his game of – among other things – causing rape. In fact, until now, we didn't think such a person existed. Enter Epic Games president Mike Capps. With Bulletstorm selling at a steady clip in spite of its status as a risky, unproven new IP, Capps is on top of the world. And who does he have to thank for the newfound spring in his step? Er, well, Fox News, actually.

"There are two ways to answer the question. The first is what it does for Bulletstorm and the second is what it does for the industry. For what it did for Bulletstorm... yes, there were people who were very excited about any attention at all. For a game that's over-the-top, they probably helped sell more units than they convinced people to pick at us," he said.  

"What was most exciting about it for me [was the reaction from the media in the industry defending us]. Every journalist said this Fox report is junk... It's wonderful to see a media that's defending free speech."

So then, should every developer with an even vaguely suggestive game line up outside Fox News, kick back, and wait for the cash to roll in? Hell no, says Capps.

"As for what it does for the industry as a whole I think it's terrible,” he added. “There are people who really respect Fox News' opinions and look at that and are [convinced that video games are bad]."

Sad to say, he's right. Worse still, a quick Google of “Bulletstorm” shows that Fox's “report” is still among the first results. We – that is, gamers – may slowly be winning a number of battles, but we've yet to win the war.