I’m going to deviate from games to talk about my favorite sport for just a moment. Don’t worry; I’ll tie it in at the end.
I’ve been watching a LOT of MMA lately. After every MMA event, I’ve been jumping onto YouTube to see the post fight interviews. In addition, I’ve been trying to keep up with the other shows, like Dream, Strikeforce, and BAMMA.
I’ve been frustrated that some of my favorite fighters have suffered a string of losses. As of July, Fedor has lost 3 fights in a row with Strikeforce. Sakuraba (who today’s image is based on) has lost his last 4 fights, and his head was beat on several times before he could cinch the knee-bar in on his last victory.
These guys are real heroes of mine, but I wonder if it is time for some of them to retire. To be fair, I think these guys are still amazing fighters, are putting on some great fights, and may still have more great fights in them. I just prefer to see someone step out while their on top, rather than get beaten into retirement.
I suppose that’s one of the things that I like about games, films, and books: I don’t have to worry about my favorite contributors getting beaten out of their careers. They are able to continue producing for us, even late into their careers. Guys like Ron Gilbert, Mark Rosewater, Reiner Knizia, and Richard Garfield can continue to create for as long as they want.
And I hope they do!