I’m a guy. I love video games–and I’m not alone. I don’t know if it’s something that’s worked its way into the genome or simply a crime of convenience, but I know a lot of guys who love video games. Advertisers must have picked this up somewhere along the way, because it’s not uncommon to see ads for the 21st century male’s dream job: video game tester.

Define "New"

It seems to me, however, that this advertiser has spent a little too much time in his hot tub time machine.  Yes, there was a time when the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was cutting-edge, must-have gaming technology.  That time was 1985.

I have nothing but the fondest feelings for the NES, and a newfound appreciation for its heavyweight historical impact.  Apparently, some credit Nintendo for saving future generations of bored guys by revitalising the video game industry after the horrific North American video game crash of 1983 (some historians prefer to call this the “Atari Debacle” or the “video game crash of 1983 and 1984;” but those guys are hacks).  That’s great.  But Nintendo discontinued the NES in 1995.  I’m not sure how many “new” games they’re cranking out for a console they haven’t sold in this country for 15 years.

Perhaps this advertiser has a very generous interpretation of what a “new” video game is.  Possible.  Maybe this facebook ad was supposed to run in 1985.  Unlikely.  Mark Zuckerberg was only one year old in 1985.  It would be nearly two decades before MZ changed the face[book] of social networking forever.  Maybe this 1985 advertiser was sent FORWARD in time to distribute this ad to future generations and ensure the continued success of the NES.  I bet that’s what that new documentary, Hot Tub Time Machine, is all about.  If that’s the case, however, I’m going to ask for more money when I apply for this job.  After all, $67/hr in 1985 translates to $137.40/hr in 2010.  A dream job indeed!