Gaming Target - Notability

Notability

In its seven years of operation, Gaming Target has created a database of over 1500 reviews. It is currently ranked as the 27th largest review archive by Gamerankings.

Gaming Target has won acclaim for its "Video Game Librarian" series of articles. The series details a pilot program of how video games and gaming-related media enhance library collections while serving people's tastes. Both the initiative and the articles have been recognized by professionals in the library community, including the Library Journal.

In addition to reviewing current games, Gaming Target also publishes a series of articles that delve into the history of games and gaming. Some of the more popular articles include a history of the Contra series, a history of the Tomb Raider series, an overview of Star Wars games, a history of Sonic the Hedgehog titles, and a look at wrestling games.

Gaming Target has been involved in controversy in the video game community on two separate occasions. First, it tried to decode the release date of the Wii from a cryptic Nintendo press release. While their guess of an October 2 Wii release was ultimately wrong, it spurred much discussion, with some enthusiasts responding with supporting evidence and others responding with release date theories of their own. However, some analysts scoffed at the idea that the press release actually contained any coded information at all.

Later, in October 2006, the site published a satirical article showcasing how to use the Kreate a Fighter option in the newest Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. The article includes instructions on how to insert noted anti-video game attorney Jack Thompson into the game. Citing a contempt charge the lawyer received from a Florida judge, the article calls him “the most violent man in America, ergo, perfect for Mortal Kombat.” Thompson responded by sending a letter to Midway Games demanding they cease and desist selling Mortal Kombat: Armageddon based on his claim that the game was illegally profiting from his likeness. The incident was widely reported in the mainstream and gaming press and was picked up by journalists at sites like GameSpot, The Inquirer, Slashdot and many more. Midway chose not to respond to Thompson's allegation.