Do we live in parallel worlds? Yes, we live in parallel worlds. Who? Everyone, quite a lot, and I'm not just talking in political terms. The technology that was supposed to bring us closer to anyone we wanted, from one end of the planet to the other, has opened a door for us to try it, but also, for those who want it, it has given us the option to isolate ourselves like never before. Through technology, you can be hyperconnected with a bubble and you can live on the sidelines of a lot of other worlds, even if their "inhabitants" are close to you. It has happened to me with gamers.
I don't think I've played more than one or two video games in my life, and on very few occasions. It's a world that has never said anything to me. And the fact is that I am surrounded by loved ones who live it completely in reverse. But most of the time, for me, that front is as if it didn't exist. Or maybe I should write it in the past tense?
A few days ago, I started preparing one of the Moments Estel·lars that I host for The New Barcelona Post, this time about Barcelona, capital of gaming, and it must be said that with Montse Puig and Pasqual Batalla, even then, in a conversation prior to the interview at CASA SEAT, I began to understand, in its full dimension, a world that is not only important in the daily lives of many people who "live" there, but also for my city and its economy.
An industry that moves more business volume than cinema and music combined cannot be ignored. You may not participate, but you must be aware of the implications that being part of it, in terms of city and country, can entail, positively, for the progress of the economy and the promotion of talent. Puig is dedicated to the latter, from Barcelona & Partners, and Batalla has been aware of all of this for years.
Furthermore, laugh at the mythical "galaxies" that La Vanguardia has classically elaborated to explain political spaces and their protagonists. The typologies of games are multiple according to platform, game mechanics or type of business, among other distinction options. It cannot be ruled out that some of these micro-worlds may end up hooking us. Or not.
But, from there, in addition, that some of the most famous video games, such as Candy Crush or Dragon City, have been made totally or partially in Barcelona, whether you are on its playful side or not, as a Barcelonian and as a Catalan, it must surely appeal to you, and in terms of pride.
Here are the links to recover the conversation on Spotify or Youtube.