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is a bigger industry than film making. In fact, it's such a big industry it can't get enough employees. How many employment sectors can say they are starved of talent at this time of economic gloom?

Going back to Gears briefly, it is probably one of the best examples of the convergence between film and gaming. With it's sweeping panoramas, involving storyline and immense orchestral soundtrack, it is probably as close to a film on a console that you are likely to get right now. It is impressive and a credit to the huge team that worked on it if you ever want to get an idea of how many man-hours go into games these days simply check out the end credits on something like Gears or Call of Duty. I have to say, I envy every one of them!

Before I post this I want to just take issue with the so-called 'anti-social' nature of today's consoles. Sure, there are some folks who do spend hour after hour in front of the TV playing video games, and I would say that some of these guys probably need some addiction counseling. On the other hand, there are people like me who very much see their Xbox 360s as a gateway to the world. In the same way that online communities like Helium can offer insights on the rest of the world, Xbox Live offers real-time contact with real people in other parts of the world. Just by playing the occasional round of FIFA online I have had one-on-one contact with Frenchmen, Italians, Americans, Brazilians, even Iraqis.

So am I too old for my console? Not until I lose all interest in creativity and the rest of the world.

Get out there an game, then form an opinion.

Enjoy responsibly.

Learn more about this author, Alex Samson.
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