Bill Gates was also growing frustrated at the same time. They had almost dominated the software industry with ease. If they go all-in, what would others have left to do?
Whenever there's a hot topic, someone always steps forward to express their opinions.
In the United States, it's easy to casually claim that the current authorities are excessive, firmly believing that game consoles, while not impossible, must have educational significance.
Some even suggested that the education department should oversee game reviews, ensuring that unhealthy games don't infiltrate campuses.
William White doesn't favor excessively violent or explicit games. Why doesn't he develop shooting games? Mainly because he wants to avoid controversy.
Violent video games, like Lao Mei's guns flooding the market, have reached an alarming level. If someone uses them to kill zombies or worse, we can't predict the consequences.
As for Street Fighter and similar games, they primarily involve hand-to-hand combat with a cartoonish portrayal, and the gameplay doesn't lead to death.
Regarding your mention of the Three Kingdoms and Thunderbolt, these are historical and science fiction themes, respectively. There's no need for deliberate interpretation. Thunderbolt, in particular, involves battling alien monsters.
It's unfortunate that the U.S. government now seeks to regulate everything, and education departments in all states share similar opinions.
Unlike other countries, Lao Mei (referring to the U.S.) has strong industry associations that typically resist external audits.
The film industry faced challenges in the past. The so-called review agencies are often third-party organizations.
The Comic Code Authority (CCA) for reviewing comics is unique. It was established by a group opposing comics, leading to tension with comic companies. Despite William White's comics selling well, it's a compromise.
If a review team led by education experts were formed, it would present challenges for William White unless he diversifies his portfolio.
"It's the teachers and schools that educate children. Game companies aren't responsible for education. If a child can succeed academically through gaming, why do we need schools? Please understand your roles. Society has a division of labor, and we're here for entertainment, not education. Don't use us as an excuse for educational shortcomings," William White bluntly emphasized, hitting a nerve.
Intellectuals tend to be verbose, but this straightforward approach was novel. Instead of endless debate, they bundled their arguments in vain.
"Listen closely, this is a game console, not an educational device. Current technology can't bridge that gap, so teachers must continue to play their vital role, focusing on educational topics."
The heated debate eventually simmered down as a few elderly participants persisted in advocating government supervision.
Atari's resilience was remarkable. Regardless of the future, they remained an industry giant and stayed relatively silent.
Since they didn't perceive themselves as giants, William White took the lead in advocating for the review agency.
Society's current fascination?
Anti-mainstream culture.
Without William White's prompting, some criticized the old establishment.
While William White had his share of controversy, he avoided using profanity, maintaining a rogue-like demeanor, but not to the extent of appearing foolish.
This time, they even targeted the wrong opponent. Seeing the commotion, William White chose to quietly observe, frustrating the group of old-timers.
The premature Software Audit Association was quite a curiosity for William White, who recalled it being established only in the 1990s. Before that, everyone grew up without such constraints. How had things changed so drastically?
He neglected one significant aspect: his global influence. Others didn't have this reach, but he did. Gaming was now a worldwide phenomenon.
Claiming that games didn't affect children's learning was a stretch, but there was no easy solution. Children who enjoyed learning would continue to do so, even if placed in a game hall.
This wasn't about online games for future generations. If arcade gaming was on the brink of extinction, trying out gaming was the best path for these individuals. Other careers didn't quite fit.
A commotion in Lao Mei rapidly sparked global discussions. The education sector opposed it strongly, but not to the extent of complete condemnation.
Existence serves a purpose; this was evident. Game consoles had been around for years. Why act now?
Compared to other countries, the U.S. had the strictest regulations.
William White found it amusing how some portrayed U.S. students. In such an environment, expecting them to live like Puritans was unrealistic and amusing.
Most people with a balanced perspective remained calm, seeing no issues or significant harm. The only regret was not capitalizing on the opportunity.