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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 said it last year, too, but I'll say it again: this is my very favorite thing GI has ever done. Every year I look forward to it. Absolute brilliance from an utterly earnest participant and an ever-patient host. Keep it up, Dan!
  • "Don't open Bonertown."
    "You just threw your wood."

    Ok, this is off to a good start.
  • The yoga video was priceless. Nice finishing touch Dan. Can't wait to see what the next-gen will do to your Dad's gaming patience.

  • After a tough day of writing/turning in a participatory research paper to my instructor, I have to say I'm glad that I can wind down and watch these awesome videos.

    Thanks~
  • I love the top picture - he's like "Why do I have to do this"

  • LOL love it when Dan makes his dad play games; can't believe he liked tokyo jungle the best out of all those games hahaha. I remember watching the 2011 or 2012 one with Heavy Rain and God of War; but the first vid that I saw on GI that made me want to comeback for more was a super replay I think of some weird game that was pretty hilarious to watch. The game was about some cafe man and the sun and he would fall asleep while walking all of a sudden; does anybody know the name of the game i'm talking about?
  • Quite possibly the greatest thing since bread spread with butter, hell its way better than bread!

  • This is now my favorite thing to watch other than Replay. Pure genius, it reminds me of my father.

  • these vids are always the best

  • I really wish these videos were done more often than just once a year.

  • this inspired me to pack up my ps3 and go visit my dad. gaming is one of the few things we have in common

  • I could was Dan and his dad do yoga for hours and still not be bored.

  • ahahaha always hilarious.

  • Driving me crazy...the music from the Yoga clip.  What game is that from?!

  • holy crap more Yoga please that was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time

  • You should try him out on Little Inferno next.

  • Journey: A Crazy Monk in the Desert takes place in the Chicago, Illinois desert circa 1987 after the great Ticket Stub War. In it, you play as a monk and his imaginary horse who go around the desert following the sun while collecting ticket stubs that will ultimately lead you to your destination, the pancake factory. You will get to meet interesting characters such as that obelisk thing, the lead singer of the bangles and a giant bottle of Mrs. Butterworth Syrup. Journey: Stupid, sandy & boring!

  • As always, absolutely brilliant.

    I hope your father knows how much people love these videos.

    Also, he made me want to buy Tokyo Jungle.

  • This is so funny.

  • The videos are so funny.

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