TOJammer David Gallant FIRED
When? Today (Jan. 29, 2013)Why? He made a game.
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I Get This Call Every Day you work at a call center. (spoiler) you try to verify a caller's details. My Review "the funniest, most depressing game ever - Buy!" Another Review "admittedly not fun" |
Clarification
The original article was not removed as I originally believed. Instead, the Star changed the original title which likely led to the URL changing. Unsure if anything else changed, will update shortly.
This Toronto Star article had everything to do with it.The original article was not removed as I originally believed. Instead, the Star changed the original title which likely led to the URL changing. Unsure if anything else changed, will update shortly.
The reporter added a taxpayer angle that doesn't exist in the game:
"Tax department employee creates online game to vent his frustration with taxpayers"
"The job involves answering calls from taxpayers"
"... [taxpayers] can be annoying and stupid."
"... [taxpayer] comes across as dense and snippy"
The reporter then contacted National Revenue Minister Gail Shea for comment:
"offensive and completely unacceptable"
"investigate urgently to ensure no confidential taxpayer information was compromised"
Unlike everyone involved, I played the game.
No confidential taxpayer information was compromised.
Wondering why the ministry even thought that was the case.
Then again, I'm not a reporter.
If memory serves, the original article omitted "There is no specific mention of government" and other details that clarified how harmless the game actually was. One wonders what details were omitted when the reporter spoke with Gail Shea.
The original article appears to be found here.
Which means I did remember incorrectly and there is no bonus scandal. Apologies. Of course, this story doesn't need a bonus scandal.
If David had written a short story, directed a movie, or did some stand-up about his boring job he'd still be employed.
In fact, he'd be celebrated. i.e. Dilbert, The Office, Office Space
In another medium, David would appear in the Star's arts section and be defended from "necessary corrective action." In fact, the threat from the government would BE the story. Did I just say censorship? Whoops!
In another medium, the writer would have played the game before doing the interview.
David was fired because he expressed himself using a game.
What can you do?
1. Let the Toronto Star, the reporter and the minister know how you feel.
2. Buy David's Game (it's good)
3. Vote for IGTCED on Steam (seriously, it's good!)
- Jim McG
In another medium, David would appear in the Star's arts section and be defended from "necessary corrective action." In fact, the threat from the government would BE the story. Did I just say censorship? Whoops!
In another medium, the writer would have played the game before doing the interview.
David was fired because he expressed himself using a game.
What can you do?
1. Let the Toronto Star, the reporter and the minister know how you feel.
2. Buy David's Game (it's good)
3. Vote for IGTCED on Steam (seriously, it's good!)
- Jim McG
Feelings Expressed Elsewhere
the sixth axis - No More Calls Today
Indie Statik - I Used To Get This Call Every Day
NOW Gamer - Tax Department Employee Fired For Making Game About His Job
Robby Duguay - He doesn’t get that call anymore
Untold Entertainment - Indie Game Dev Goes Down in a Blaze of Glory
Kotaku - He Made An Honest Game About His Work, And It Cost Him His Job
Pixels or Death - Indie Developer Makes Game About His Job; Loses It
Indie Statik - I Used To Get This Call Every Day
NOW Gamer - Tax Department Employee Fired For Making Game About His Job
Robby Duguay - He doesn’t get that call anymore
Untold Entertainment - Indie Game Dev Goes Down in a Blaze of Glory
Kotaku - He Made An Honest Game About His Work, And It Cost Him His Job
Pixels or Death - Indie Developer Makes Game About His Job; Loses It