Why All Gamers Should Love D. Jaffe

So by now every one who has any interest or knowledge of the gaming industry knows a few of the big names around. There’s Miyamoto, Kojima, Cliffy B., Phil Harrison, Shane Kim and so on and so on. I could go on for a while on all the big names in the industry but that’s not why I’m writing this. Why I’m writing this is because of what I’ve seen from one specific person in the gaming industry. While you big talkers like Cliffy B and Shane, there is one person in the industry who is still down to Earth.

David Jaffe isn’t a new face to the industry, and don’t get me wrong David Jaffe has said a thing or two that has drawn him some negative attention, but he’s still (in my book at least) one of the most respected men in the industry. Of course I have some reasons why and that’s why I’m here to share them with you.

So, hopefully, by now you’ve read or watched one of Jaffe’s infamous rants. And whether you agree or not you have to respect him for it. Here is a guy who has created some of the greatest games that the PlayStation has and he’s willing to tell any one what he sees and how he feels about the industry. He doesn’t sugar coat things, he is as blatant as they come. Like I said you don’t have to agree with him, but just having some one with any influence that is willing to speak his or her mind makes a big difference and a huge contribution to getting things heading in a better direction. He takes the time to film blips and blogs letting us “common folk” know whats going on, and he does it not as a game designer, but as just another guy (one who has just established himself in the industry to make valid points). So whether you like his rants or despise them, they are here and they give us a good view of whats happening that we might not always see.

Ok so the man speaks his mind, he’s not the only one that does that, we know that for sure. But a huge reason gamers should love Jaffe is that he is a gamer. Like I said, he has created some of the greatest Playstation titles we know, but he still buys 360 games. He buys games because they are good, not because of the system they are on. Recently he revealed he purchased Left 4 Dead, a 360 exclusive made by Valve. At no time does he mention any controversy about Valve and their relations with Sony’s Playstation 3, but displays genuine interest in playing and enjoying the acclaimed game. He buys and plays the games we do, not thinking he’s above us or better than us, but more like one of us. (But I will state he bought them at GameStop…enter many Gamestop hate comments here…) While he will tell you how he feels about games, he’s honest and fair.

So what else puts Jaffe above others. God of War. I love Twisted Metal, Calling All Cars was enjoyable, but I Love God of War. The way the games played out was just amazing, battles against God’s and massively lovable attacks make this series a true gem in gaming. Who doesn’t love destroying God’s and their most armies. I, just like any other PS3 owner, can’t wait for God of War III. I’m mildly disappointed that Jaffe isn’t the man in charge of 3, knowing he supports it and enjoys what he has seen thus far keeps me satisfied. Which is another reason to give him props.

Any person who lets some one else take the reigns of one of the greatest IP’s of recent memory and doesn’t bash the living snot out of the game deserves some credit. While I eagerly await a full release from Eat. Sleep. Play., knowing that Jaffe supports and ist on the next God of War makes him a man of value to us gamers. While many people who buy the game won’t know the difference, those of us who do will know.I know Jaffe worked with Barlog on 2 and that they have similar views on the series, and so on and so on, but this is going to come out as Barlog’s game with minor influence from Jaffe- major recognition for that Jaffe.

Ok, so before I get some crazy comments about me sucking up to Jaffe or anything idiotic like that let me say. One I don’t know Jaffe, and I’m pretty sure he won’t read this, so I’m not sucking up to the man. Two, the man’s not perfect, he’s said some thing he probably shouldn’t have, and we’ve all read the stories. And three regardless of your views on him, he’s done some good things for the industry, alot more good than harm.

Lastly, if by any chance David Jaffe does read this, I got to ask. Can we get some info on what to expect out of Eat. Sleep. Play. Surely Twisted Metal is being developed- any details? Got some new IP’s lined up for us? What can we expect from you guys in ‘09?

For those who haven’t had a chance to check out his blog- David Jaffe Blog