When I saw highly impressive “The Bourne Conspiracy” a few weeks back at Sierra’s spring media gathering, I came away with a lingering question: where was the star of the films, Matt Damon?
During my demo, a representative from the developer, High Moon Studios, described how the author of the Bourne books collaborated on the storyline and the game’s cinematography was modeled after the shaky cam featured in the movies.
So, where was, Bourne himself, Mr. Damon? He turned down an offer to be involved with “The Bourne Conspiracy,” High Moon director of business relations Meelad Sadat told me. Damon was in negotiations to lend his voice and likeness when development was getting off the ground, but he took issue with the game’s level of violence and pulled out.
MTV Multiplayer reached out to Damon’s publicist for comment, but our phone call was not returned.
Damon’s decision could be linked to feelings shared by his mother, Carlsson-Paige. Earlier this month, Paige participated in an online chat with newspaper The Boston Globe, where she shared strong feelings about violent games. “I am very wary of violent video games,” she said. “Research shows they desensitize kids to violence, even more because they engage kids in committing violence.”
When asked if she approves of her son’s violent films, she admitted they always agree on media issues. “Matt and I don’t share the same views about violence in adult films, but we do see eye-to-eye on the importance of protecting children,” she said. “We both support regulations to stop the marketing of violence in films to children through violent toys, products, and video games.”
In hindsight, Meelad wasn’t upset with Damon’s decision, as it allowed them to form a new Jason Bourne for players to assume the identity of. There’s no celebrity association with their version of the character, Meelad argued.
Readers, would you have preferred Damon to be involved in “The Bourne Conspiracy”? And what do you think of his reasons for not becoming involved?
April 28th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Im disappointed that Matt Damon’s not involved with the game. It was one of the first things that entered my mind when I saw the game for the first time as well. Matt Damon is the face I associate with the Bourne character now, he as the perfect look for the part, pretty average looks (for a movie star anyway), but he proved he had enough grit/intensity for it as well. I dont agree with his stance on games, if that was in fact the reason he dropped out, but he has as much of a right to stay away from the medium as we have to enjoy it.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
This is actually a case of the media getting it right. I know a few of the developers at High Moon that confirmed before this story even broke that it was indeed his Mom’s disdain for video game violence that caused him to pull out. To bad he didn’t take the time to read the book Grand Theft Childhood that shows the exact same temporary effect of violent video games as to watching violent movies like Mr Damon has been known to make.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
You know, before reading this article I was a little disappointed that Damon wasn’t involved with the Bourne game. But I did find something really cool about being able to play as a Jason Bourne that wasn’t attached to anything else. And after reading this article, I’m 100% glad that Damon wasn’t involved. As much as I like the guy, I don’t see any difference between the violence in the movies compared to the game. From trailers I’ve seen, there looks to be a good bit of scenes that are the same with the movie i.e. the US Embassy fight near the beginning of Bourne Identity.
Yes, there is probably more violence then there was in the movies but that has something to do with the fact that it is a video game. Video games are a more active hobby than movie watching, so maybe Damon and his mom should realize that fact and then past judgment on the game.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Me personaly, do not care if Matt Damon is part of the video game. What differance would it make if Damon put his two sence into it? The game wouldn’t change much, the only thing would be that Damon was part of the game just to get the hipe. As far as with him agreeing with his mother about violence, I think everyone is raised differantly and we all see things from another direction. Everyone should respect else’s views weather they are famous or not.
I beileve that Damon did not want to have his reputation be turned into someone that is more envolved into violent movies or in this case, video games. If your career falls into a situation that if the media says one negitive thing about you then it is impossible to gain that back even if the media appoligises. That rumor will always float and just get worse. So more power to your decision Damon.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:57 am
I really enjoy Matt in the Bourne movies and wish that he was in the game but I believe if Matt’s face was part of this game, it would have made the game even a better sale because some people might link this as “The official game” when we’re hoping it is a new franchise.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Why does everyone associate video games with children? That’s what I don’t get… it’s OK to make a violent movie but not a violent video game? More adults play games than children do. Children are kept from violent movies with ratings, so are games. Why the double standard? Why does the GTA get so much bad press when there’s worse things on primetime TV every evening. America needs to wake up and realize that game developers are making games for adults like themselves. The era of cute Nintendo games for children passed long ago, just like family friendly primetime tv has passed (Leave it to Beaver has been replaced by Desperate Housewives, etc.)
-Tim
April 29th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
@ Tim:
Because people are stupid.
Matt’s just proving that he’s an idiot. You’d think he’d let them take some pictures do a few days of voice work and collect a check. Unless his stance on game violence is only because the check wasn’t big enough, people tend to let principles slide when they see enough zeros.
This though is a prime example of why actors shouldn’t be allowed to choose whether their likeness can be used in other mediums dealing with characters they portray in films. The people that own the rights to the character should be the ones to decide how it’s likeness is to be portrayed, I say make it look like him, use audio from the movies, and send him a check.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
@HollywoodBob
Are you slamming Matt Damon for proving that he’s not willing to collect the quick paycheck? If the man doesn’t agree, he’s doing what he believes is the right thing. I think to presume either way whether or not there were enough zeros on the offer is rather silly.
That being said, I actually wish Damon would have lent his likeness to the game. I have already associated him with Jason Bourne and it’s harder for me to re-imagine what I’ve already attached to the Bourne movie trilogy. First impressions are hard to shake for me.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I’m not bashing Matt at all. He did a great job in the films and they were excellent. But to say that he shouldnt do this is just moronic. They’re already wanting to do a sequel with a back storyline, this game is going to rule. If he gets in it now he would be smart, because this game will be a hit.
Although i agree with the morals stand point. Good for him to step up and say that he doesnt agree with violent games. I have respect for someone that can do that. It’ll just suck without him because Damon is Bourne now to everyone.
May 31st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Poor Little mama’s boy (Mat Damon)thinks he’s doing something in favor for the children. I agree with Tim, who ever said that video games were made solely for kids. I got hooked on gaming in my 20’s with nintendo, and now at 40 i’m a hardcore XBOX 360 gamer that just wont quit. There are more adults playing games now then there were children playing back then. Anf if anyone’s worried about the morality in video game violence, my advise to all Mat Damon’s is to stay away, go to church and let us adults who live in the real world have some entertainment.
PS: who cares if Mat wanted nothing to do with the game, it’ll be way better without him.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Most popular games are first person shooters, but I am a fan of puzzlers. The Bourne BOOKS are amazing, but the movies are garbage. If I were to choose a game style for the movie, I would definitely choose action/shooter. A game based completely on the books might be good as a puzzle game like Myst. It would not make money, though. Gamers like constant action and total immersion into the virtual world. A Myst game would sell to the readers, but get low sales from gamers/movie-addicts. A point-and-click puzzle game based on the amnesia of the character could do well as a free online game. A small Flash game developer would do a great job.
I guess it’s a matter of perspective: developers try to make money, gamers like to blow ??%? up, and readers enjoy a quiet puzzle that reminds them of their favorite book.