Game Invasion's Head Games

You might think the world is picking on Uwe Boll at the moment. The director of the video game related films BLOODRAYNE, ALONE IN THE DARK and HOUSE OF THE DEAD has garnered the ire of the gaming community for his lackluster portrayal of those properties. Recently Boll received so many pans for his latest movie, POSTAL, that a PETITION was put online pleading him to stop making movies.

Boll responded with a video diatribe, lashing out at the movie going audience in general and fellow director Michael Bay specifically. Bay brushed Boll off, prompting the jilted director to challenge Bay to a boxing match.

Now, the makers of STRIDE gum have joined the fray -- offering a free pack of gum everyone who supports the petition if they reach one million signatures.

For years, Boll has piqued the ire of the gaming community by adapting many of their favorite games into universally panned films (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/uwe_boll/). On April 4, 2008, Boll remarked to legendary horror site FEARNET that he'd consider acquiescing to his critics and abandoning making films in this genre if an online petition reached one million signatures. As of press time, the petition is just about 234,000 names, which is why Stride has decided to jump in.

"Since gamers are one of our most supportive groups, we have been looking for ways to return the favor," said Gary Osifchin, Stride North American Marketing Director. "And what better way is there to get gamers' backs than by helping them rescue their cherished videogames from the clutches of Uwe Boll?"

In an effort to help boost signings, the makers of Stride have put out a special bounty. If the petition reaches the required 1 million signatures by May 14 at 5pm EDT, each signer will receive a digital coupon* for a pack of gum, downloadable on May 23, 2008, a day that could really use some long-lasting refreshment, particularly as it will see the debut of his latest videogame-based film.

"Look, it's nothing personal against the guy. Maybe his non videogame-based films are unbelievable! But we have seen such intense passion for this cause that we couldn't help but get involved," said Osifchin. "Let the signing continue."

* Stride will provide a downloadable coupon (good for one pack of gum) to each petition signer that will be downloadable on May 23, 2008, if the target of one million signatures is reached between May 7 and 14, 2008. Additional details will be forthcoming.

The petition currently has about three-quarters of the way to go before May 14th. Ambitious, yes. Shameless promotional initiative, yes. But if it takes a pack of gum to help stop the madness, chew until your teeth rot.