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The Life of Ted!: "Morally Ambiguous"
Posted: Friday January 14th, 2005
by
I was reading through Evil Avatar yesterday, and saw a news blurb concerning developers yanking advertising dollars based on poor reviews of their games. - Game Drool [ more info ]
Now this is an issue that has come up a few times in the past, and I've even gone so far as to insinuate that IGN and Gamespy have sold out the integrity of their game reviews in order to secure the highest possible yield from their ad space. I've also wrestled with those who believe there are instances where I've done the same thing. And, the simplest, most straight forward way I can defend myself is to say "that's innacurate".
I pride myself on adhering to my business principles. But it occured to me as I read the article, and re-examined my own feelings on the situation, that there's NO WAY Ted would see things the same way. Sure he'll say exactly what's on his mind and throw all social grace and tact out the window, but if it came right down to it... he'd definately give a game a good review if it meant lining his pockets.
And so you get Today's Comic.
I'm sure a healthy number of you could care less about the underlying message in the comic and choose instead to enjoy it for the fact that I've finally given Ted a last name. Now, along with that, I'm going to give you guys a little...
History of Ted
When I did the first Woody and Ted strip, it was intended to just be two college guys that played EQ. But, as I was drawing the strip, I turned one of those guys into me. The other guy was just there to be the game obsessed comedic relief to my straight man routine. He was made up to fill the roll of the addicted gamer, basically so that I wouldn't be saddled with that role myself.
Ted made his first appearance in the comic September 1st of 2000. He wasn't actually given a name until June 26th, 2002. At the time I was referring to everyone as Ted, much the same way I refer to all mobs and NPCs as Bob or Frank. Why? Well, I was explaining a table alignment anomaly. His response was "No Way" to which I responded "Yes way, Ted" and that just kinda stuck. Now, I'm not really a "Bill and Ted" fan, but for some unknown reason quotes from that movie still linger in my subconcious and come out at odd unexpected moments.
And now, after 4 years, Ted finally gets his last name. And I figured, given the origin of his first name, it was kind of appropriate to return to Bill & Ted to inspire his last name. So, he uses Bill's last name as a departure point and there you have it, Prescott.
I love drawing Ted. I love writing Ted. And, I'm honestly amazed at the connection the GU fans have made with this ficticious extension of our inner most gaming urges and addictions. The games and other characters may come and go, but Ted is here to stay.
____________________
Today's Pimpage: Ted is wearing "the Red Staplers" t-shirt from Split Reason.
[ discuss ]
Now this is an issue that has come up a few times in the past, and I've even gone so far as to insinuate that IGN and Gamespy have sold out the integrity of their game reviews in order to secure the highest possible yield from their ad space. I've also wrestled with those who believe there are instances where I've done the same thing. And, the simplest, most straight forward way I can defend myself is to say "that's innacurate".
I pride myself on adhering to my business principles. But it occured to me as I read the article, and re-examined my own feelings on the situation, that there's NO WAY Ted would see things the same way. Sure he'll say exactly what's on his mind and throw all social grace and tact out the window, but if it came right down to it... he'd definately give a game a good review if it meant lining his pockets.
And so you get Today's Comic.
I'm sure a healthy number of you could care less about the underlying message in the comic and choose instead to enjoy it for the fact that I've finally given Ted a last name. Now, along with that, I'm going to give you guys a little...
History of Ted
When I did the first Woody and Ted strip, it was intended to just be two college guys that played EQ. But, as I was drawing the strip, I turned one of those guys into me. The other guy was just there to be the game obsessed comedic relief to my straight man routine. He was made up to fill the roll of the addicted gamer, basically so that I wouldn't be saddled with that role myself.
Ted made his first appearance in the comic September 1st of 2000. He wasn't actually given a name until June 26th, 2002. At the time I was referring to everyone as Ted, much the same way I refer to all mobs and NPCs as Bob or Frank. Why? Well, I was explaining a table alignment anomaly. His response was "No Way" to which I responded "Yes way, Ted" and that just kinda stuck. Now, I'm not really a "Bill and Ted" fan, but for some unknown reason quotes from that movie still linger in my subconcious and come out at odd unexpected moments.
And now, after 4 years, Ted finally gets his last name. And I figured, given the origin of his first name, it was kind of appropriate to return to Bill & Ted to inspire his last name. So, he uses Bill's last name as a departure point and there you have it, Prescott.
I love drawing Ted. I love writing Ted. And, I'm honestly amazed at the connection the GU fans have made with this ficticious extension of our inner most gaming urges and addictions. The games and other characters may come and go, but Ted is here to stay.
____________________
Today's Pimpage: Ted is wearing "the Red Staplers" t-shirt from Split Reason.
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