The stupidest thing I’ve ever said?

Posted by on October 23, 2012 in Games

While recording an interview with an actual non-gaming broadcasting network about XCOM, the host introduced me as the guy who didn’t like Deus Ex. I confessed that was baggage I carry around, at which point he asked me how long it had been. I noted that was back in 2001 and then, while casting about for something to say — I thought we were going to talk about XCOM — I said something to the effect of, “well, a lot of bad stuff happened back in 2001″.

As the words were leaving my mouth, it was like that moment when you’re swinging the car door shut just as you realize the keys are still in the ignition. “A lot of bad stuff happened back in 2001″? What the…?

I later asked him to edit that out. In case he didn’t, I would like to preemptively apologize for being the sort of dillhole who compares a game he didn’t like to 9/11.

  • tgb

    Apology accepted. What network?

  • tomchick

    The BBC. I feel it’s important to share one’s gaffes with the entire world rather than just locally.

  • Nightgaunt

    When does the “apology tour” start, Tom?

  • Jacob Heid

    I understand getting into the election season Tom…but a 9/11 gaffe? That’s taking it too far, hahaha.

    Hopefully he’ll edit it out, no reason to make you look bad, unless he really liked Deus Ex.

  • Mark L
  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andrew-Pelletier/1121503235 Andrew Pelletier

    Oh my that’s just classic

  • KeysE2S

    “Chick’s reviews are no stranger to controversy as he has been an
    outspoken critic of what he calls the “7–9 rating scale” at some game
    review sites,[10]
    and due to occasional game reviews which were widely considered to be
    different from the main, such as his harshly critical review of Deus Ex of which he said “I’d say it’s only 90% bad.” in a June 2000 review.”

    So what you meant to say is that you knew Bush would win in November, and being the dangerous tit that he is, would botch any attempt at preventing 9/11, and you were preemptively bummed out about the impending disaster.

    Timeline aside, one of your main tenets is that reviews are subjective. Which means that is perfectly plausible for you to write highly negative review of something under the influence of historically pivotal events. I’d hold up all the negative reviews of Fight Club as an example. You’re just going to have to come out as the quisach haderack in order to explain how an event 16 months in the future could create pretext for a video game review.

  • krayzkrok

    “Is that Tom Chick?” asked my wife. I looked across from the kitchen to the TV screen, where a hard-hitting news report on the life of a US actor and game critic was being dissected by a panel of experts.
    “Sure, that’s Tom” I said. “What’s the story about?”
    “Oh, something about him not liking Deus Ex and linking it to 9/11″
    “Is there anything else on?” I muttered, turning back to chop more onions.

  • seb

    You did a very good Shoot Club about it too, though, so it all balances out.

  • tgb

    So when can we ‘Murricans watch this piece of history?

  • KellyWand

    Him sandbagging you with that question was worse than the Holocaust.

  • Mygaffer

    I know some people get really ruffled about this kind of thing but I could care less, even if you meant to make the comparison. At what point do you say enough of this sacred cow? Some people will make 9/11 references in poor taste but what subject is immune? 9/11 is something that happened, it affected this country greatly, but at some point we need to let go of some of the emotions it caused.

  • MKeil

    Don’t get too down on yourself about it. I know better than just about anyone here how easy it is to say something insane while the cameras are on you.

    Trust me, people, until you’ve sat staring into that black hole of an iris, you don’t know how eager your brain is to make you look like an idiot to the entire world.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000528746399 Brian Miller

    Maybe I’m just tragically insensitive but I found the comment mildly humorous (and I liked Deus Ex!).

  • Pod

    What programme was this for? Who was interviewing you?

  • http://www.pdchq.com Kent Bardo

    Only two people in the history of humanity would do what you did. You and Hitler. Tom Chick is worse than Hitler. At interviews, anyway.

  • http://www.pdchq.com Kent Bardo

    Oh, and your career as the Aflack duck might be over.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527475087 Sarah Butterworth

    You know, fair statement. 2001 just wasn’t a good year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001

  • Matt

    You are an idiot.

  • tomchick

    Wait, so I got the date wrong? Not only was I an insensitive jerk, but I was wrong? Ugh.

  • tomchick

    Actually, I should point out that it was a radio thing. But your point is well taken. I’ve worked in front of a camera before, but always with the rule that I should pretend the camera isn’t there. You people who have to actually look into the camera have it much harder. :)

  • tomchick

    It’s actually a radio piece, so I have to say it won’t be much to look at. Basically, not much different than staring at your browser while listening to me on a podcast.

  • KeysE2S

    Why do you hate America/Deus Ex?

  • KeysE2S

    And can’t a guy drop a Frank Herbert reference without copping a downvote. Sheesh!

  • http://www.facebook.com/Cfolliot Dan Sorenson

    Not when you butcher the reference.

  • Mygaffer

    Thanks for your input Matt.

  • Nixxter

    You sir are an insensitive lout. However, you have also called a few shots right in the last decade, so I’m letting you off the hook.

  • KellyWand

    No I haven’t.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Scienceisacandleinthedark Rendle Bosworth

    Am I alone in thinking that anyone who would be offended by that comment is overly sensitive? The line between disrespect and comedy isn’t that fine.

  • Anonymous

    Fair question.
    In 1912 the Titanic happened. In the early 80s I saw a cheap theme park water ride named after it. So should be fair game in less than 70 years.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527475087 Sarah Butterworth

    Does the ride hit an iceberg? Does everyone die? Also, I’ve noticed you are comparing this to a terrorist attack. Was the Titanic sinking a terrorist attack? If so, please let me know and I will update Wikipedia accordingly.

  • ItsFunnyMmk

    lolumbine

  • thebigJ_A

    Don’t be so insensitive! Titanic is no laughing matter.

    My ex-girlfriend made me see that movie. I still have nightmares.