Alan Hansen interview: 'Never do a promo without eating your breakfast!'
Den of Wii had the opportunity to ask BBC Sports television pundit and journalist Alan Hansen a few things about his experiences starring in his own game on the Wii, Alan Hansen's Sports Challenge. And no, we didn't mention Liverpool not winning a certain trophy or a quote entitled "You'll never win anything with kids". We reckoned he'd heard these enough. So, let's talk about the game instead!
Kim Kaze: Video games - some love em', some hate 'em. Has this experience affected the way you see video games at all, either for better or worse?
AH: Only inasmuch as I have a better insight into the work that goes into making a game. Not just from the technical point of view but also from a publicity standpoint.
Kim Kaze: If you pictured a type of person sitting at home and playing your game on their Wii console, what sort of person would that be?
AH: Wow, that's a tough one! OK, without wishing to generalise in any way, I'd imagine that a likely scenario would be a group of young(ish) mates, all trying to prove they have the best sporting knowledge! Another might be a family group...although I'm not convinced that Granny would get as much mileage out of it as perhaps her male relatives!
Kim Kaze: Do you think video games are stereotyped for geeks and kids?
AH: I think they used to be but I hope that we've moved on from that now and become a little more grown up about games. Of course there will always be titles that are aimed mostly at the 'gamer-geek' and kiddie audiences - and why shouldn't there be? - but these days, the world, his wife and their dog seems to be playing! You've only got to look at the way games are marketed now to see this.
AH: It's been great working with Oxygen - everyone is very professional but still has fun. Shooting the promo ad was a lot of fun too. Glowing moments? I'm not sure I could pick just one - it has all been such a positive experience. Pitfalls to avoid? Yes, I'd make sure I had a good breakfast before shooting next time! Luckily for me, someone was on hand with a banana and a cuppa!
Kim Kaze: If the company asked you to come back and do another game or a sequel to this one, would you be interested?
AH: Possibly - it would really depend on what my schedule was looking like and what the project was.
Kim Kaze: What had you heard about the Nintendo Wii before you were approached to do this game (if anything)?
AH: Probably the same that everyone else has - good family fun, with highly interactive and energetic entertainment.
Kim Kaze: You're probably aware that Oxygen are also publishing a game starring Keith Chegwin at the moment. He seems to think you could beat him at his own game and that he wouldn't do too well on yours ... do you agree?
AH: Since I am a gentleman, I couldn't possibly contradict him, could I?
AH: Like most homes, we have a PS2 in the house. Are there any that catch my eye? In all honesty, I can't say there are...but only because I'm not into videogaming as a rule. Yes, I like quizzes but I'd much rather be spending my leisure time doing something more active.
Kim Kaze: Some people have argued that 'Alan Hanson is too serious'. Do you think that you come across that way in your game, or is the virtual Alan a 'chipper chappie'?
AH: I've heard this and can only say in my defence that yes, I have always taken my job very seriously. However, watch some of the TV ads that I've made, listen to my commentaries and play this game! Then I think you'll see that like most people, I do have a sense of humour!
Kim Kaze: If you could change one, single thing about the game at any stage, what would that be?
AH: My caricature's hands are enormous! I'd have liked them to have been a little smaller!
Kim Kaze: Many, many thanks!
AH: You're welcome!
Someone ... buy Alan Hansen a Wii already! It's your civic duty and you know it.
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