You know when I started this fan site to cover 38 Studios I never in a million years thought I would end up commenting on U.S. politics or that my first Twitter follower would be Lincoln Chafee, a former U.S. senator who is running for governor of Rhode Island as an independent. As crazy at it seems this is exactly what has happened.
Maybe because of this Chafee will see that 38 Studios is not just another start up gaming company. Maybe he will learn that Curt Schilling has invested millions of his own money in this company, something rare if not unheard of in the industry. Maybe he will learn that good experienced people have left profitable well established gaming companies to come work at 38 Studios.
Maybe he will learn that Big Huge Games with a proven track record in the industry was purchased by 38 Studios and is now part of the team. Maybe he will learn that with Big Huge Games comes Ken Rolston former lead designer of the critically acclaimed hits, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Maybe he will learn how EA has invested millions in 38 Studios to publish their first game. Maybe he will learn how 38 Studios did not have to move to Rhode Island to accomplish their goals.
Maybe he will realize how graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design will now have an opportunity to stay in the state instead of leaving. Maybe he will learn that educated and successful business leaders on the RIEDC Board looked at all the details and determined this was a good sound business to risk investing in. Maybe he will learn that not all the money is being handed over in one lump sum with no strings attached. Maybe he will learn that there are miles stones required to get more money as well as penalties if job creation targets are not met.
Maybe, but I doubt it since he already had all this information from the EDC prior to today. Today was an example of political theatre and thus why Gov. Don Carcieri stood by the corporations decision and added “It is inappropriate for EDC to become engaged in this political campaign.”
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Lincoln Chafee was rebuffed Monday in his effort to address a Rhode Island agency about his opposition to a $75 million loan guarantee approved for Curt Schilling’s video game development company.
Chafee, a former U.S. senator who is running for governor as an independent, had hoped to speak at the board meeting of the state Economic Development Corporation, which last month approved the loan guarantee to bring 38 Studios from Massachusetts to Rhode Island.
The company, founded by Schilling, the former All-Star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, promises to bring 450 jobs to the state by the end of 2012. Proponents, including Gov. Don Carcieri, say the company’s relocation could help revitalize Rhode Island’s foundering economy, tap into the brainpower of technology-minded local college graduates and give the state an investment in an emerging growth industry.
The candidate’s appearance at the meeting, albeit an example of political theater, underscored how the loan guarantee has emerged as a hot-button issue in the governor’s race. Chafee and other critics see the deal as too risky, especially since 38 Studios does not have a proven track record, and say it would leave taxpayers on the hook if the company fails.