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Dan's Dad Plays Games He'll Hate: 2013 Edition

Ever since I moved to Minneapolis, my father Paul has made an annual tradition of visiting me on Super Bowl weekend. I've started my own tradition to go along with his, and that's bringing him in to the Game Informer office to play games (watch the 2011 and 2012 games here). Dad hates games, and frequently describes the entire industry as "stupid and weird." Despite his aversion to my favorite hobby, he's been a good sport once again this year. Here are his predictably prickly observations on this year's selection of titles.

Minecraft – Just about everyone loves Mojang's phenomenon, from jaded hardcore gamers to casual fans. I figured there'd be at least one guy that didn't like it. I was right.

Tokyo Jungle – I had never played this quirky PSN title, but I knew of its reputation. Based on his aversion to anything he deems "weird," I assumed this would be a good choice.

Journey – Considering that this fantastic downloadable title is frequently called out in the "games as art" debate, I knew it would be a prime candidate for my father's derision.

Scribblenauts Unlimited – I was curious to see what would come out of my dad's mind if he could create anything. Turns out he just hated everything about it.

Kinect Party – My dad hates moving around, and he also hates goofy stuff. I was sure he'd love this.

Yoga – I wanted to end this year's videos with a little curveball. Paul Ryckert hasn't exercised in a quarter of a century, and he's constantly made fun of me ever since I mentioned that I've been doing yoga. I wanted to see how he'd do in a class, so we brought cameras to Yoga Sol in Minneapolis.

Thanks to Jason Oestreicher for the awesome work on the game videos and Ben Hanson for dealing with my dad's dumb ass during yoga. He'll be back next year for more stupid fun.

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Comments
  • I can't even imagine what I'm about to watch.
  • Oh my god, a flood of awesomeness!
  • Oh man, been looking forward to this. Can't wait to watch these!

    Also, I'm glad you worked in video of you guys playing too. It's great watching your dad brimming with enthusiasm for these games.
  • Crappy day at work,come home to this? well call it even GOD

  • Yes! It's finally here!

  • In all fairness Dan, your frustration watching your dad play was similar to watching you play Half-Life and fight Tyson...
  • Yes! They're here! I love these videos.

  • "Are we making or delivering here?" I lost it. God these are great.
  • Why not give him games he might like?
  • I'm pretty sure Paul enjoyed the yoga instructor's ass more than the actual yoga.

  • Ah, glad to see these are back. This man is just comedy gold, the Heavy Rain video still being his best one. And good to see you being physically active, Dan. We don't want you to drop dead, lol.
  • Why must you torture your father? I mean, it's hysterical, but why?
  • Best thing to come home to. LET IT BEGIN.

  • This is great! Can't wait to watch all of them! :)

  • Like father like son :p  Seriously, it's kinda scary.  And grand.

  • Yes! Just looking at the games you've chosen, and the yoga bit, this is gonna be hilarious.

  • Dan I know you get a ton of crap around the GI office but after seeing your father in these videos I have to say you are way more normal than you should be. I vow to never judge you for your "DANishess" ever again!

  • Dan, your Dad is halarious! I am deffinently looking forward to more of these videos in the future!

  • The Yoga video was GOLD. Couldn't stop laughing. These great videos made my day.
  • Oh man these are always so good. I was lucky, I have a mother that plays games like Borderlands and Skyrim, so I don't have a lot of trouble introducing her to new games that she may enjoy.

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