From: "YOUNG.S.A"
To: randy@justadventure.com
Subject: Letter
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2002

Dear JA,

A couple of years ago, (When I was about 12) I saw a game on the shelves of my local software store. It promised great graphics, beautiful music, quality voice overs, a huge fantasy world of good and evil mixed with a futuristic earth, and gameplay to boot. And the box convinced me of this. Guess the name yet? It was The Longest Journey - a classic, say adventure gamers, representing all that is right with the industry today. However, one thing made me hold back from snapping it up there and then - on the side of the box, a very peculiar notice - not suitable for under 18's. Curious? Did that mean difficulty level? Nope - It was an ELSPA rating. But why? The game looked totally non violent, very politically correct and hey - alternate magical dimensions is hardly the most gritty of subject matter.

When I got home, I did a little research. All the websites did little to help; merely confirming my impressions of the game. Until I hit the main reason - this game, in some attempt to be seen as "mature" delighted the player with choice obsenities every thirty seconds.

I haven't actually played the game, so fans will forgive me if I've missed something, and nor do I say swearing has no place in games - but I think adventure gaming would be far more accessible if it cleaned up it's act a bit. I'm passionate about adventures - but they don't need swearing added in just so immature kids can giggle when they hear a "naughty word" or a poorly disguised innuendo. Look at Monkey Island. Look at Fate of Atlantis. Look at HHGG. Look at Myst. Gratuitous swearing, sex, and violence alone does not equal a good game. Too many designers forget about what really matters.