I read a press release today that disturbed me.
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 20, 2013– Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) today announced that Grand Theft Auto V, the critically acclaimed latest release from the iconic interactive entertainment series, has achieved worldwide retail sales of more than $1 billion during its first three days on sale, according to Company estimates.
We believe this marks the fastest that any entertainment property, including video games* and feature films**, has reached this significant milestone.
(http://ir.take2games.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86428&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1856686&highlight)
Now, I don’t mind people playing video games, but when I think of how that $1B could have been spent it makes me cringe.
Just think of how many people that money could feed!! Even in North America if you figure that you can eat out for $20/day that would feed 50,000,000 people! 50 Million!!!
If I look at Compassion Canada’s Gifts of Compassion website, I see some interesting fact.
How many wells could be drilled to provide clean water for a village in Africa? Well, a water well in Tanzania would cost $1,500. That $1B could drill 666,666 wells! If that well supplied 25 people, that would be 16,666,650 people who would be given clean water!!!
You could buy 125 Million malaria nets! You could supply medicine for 18 Million moms giving birth to their babies! You could even sponsor 220,000 kids for 10 years and change their lives!!!
Instead 12.5Million people will sit around and play Grand Theft Auto V.
In the struggling, sun-soaked metropolis of Los Santos, Grand Theft Auto V follows three criminals on a series of daring heists where they must risk everything. Franklin, a former street gangster, is searching for serious money. Michael, a professional ex-con, is unhappy with his “retirement.” And Trevor, an aggressive addict, is always on the lookout for the next big score.
How sad 🙁
So before you go shell out $60 to $80 for a copy, consider the alternative uses for that money.
TTFN