FROM LAST WEEK:
A lot of people are wondering why I haven't commented on this. I don't have much to say except that GamerDad is more than a name to me. It's a mission and it's my identity. I do a lot of work with radio, television, and newspapers ﾖ where I'm quoted as GamerDad - helping parents understand videogames and children. There's more but the point is, this is my life's work! I'd hate to see the name diluted or reduced to become part of the Microsoft Xbox marketing arm. Stick around and we'll see how things turn out. For now, keep on Gaming with Children. ﾖ GamerDad


UPDATE
As of yesterday, Monday, Xbox.com has removed all mention and links to "Bryce's" Gamer Dad column! Mid-afternoon on Monday the original column reappeared, words and graphics intact, except now it's been renamed: Xbox Dad.

I'm glad to see this resolved quickly and without legal involvement, I was prepared to defend my trademark and reputation and I'm glad to see Xbox.com come to their senses and realize that their job is to promote Xbox to gamers and families. My job is to promote great games to families. Those goals aren't mutually exclusive.

I'd appreciate some sort of explanation from Xbox.com, but won't hold my breath. Instead I'll reaffirm my pledge to cover Microsoft, Xbox, and their games with the same sort of unbiased integrity I've displayed for over 10 years as a videogame reviewer. GamerDad is me, I am GamerDad, and we're all about getting the best games possible into the hands of parents and kids. That mission cannot be narrowed and used as PR for any game developer.

This was never about competition. I welcome "Xbox Dad" to the Internet and while I understand he's in marketing, I hope he's going to do his very best to, in good faith, recommend the best Xbox content for kids and families. "Xbox Dad," my point is this, you think you work for Microsoft. You do, but you also work for parents, kids, and families now. Earn it. Make the name mean something. Like I did. I honestly mean this: good luck!

We, Linda the kids and I, would like to thank our contributors, our readers, and friends in the business like Penny Arcade, Gamers With Jobs, and many, many more for defending us.

We'll do our best to keep earning your trust and keep earning the name, GamerDad.

Another Update: I received a voice mail apology from Jon Porcaro, the Microsoft employee voice for their employee blog, Gamerscoreblog. It was gracious and I accept it. Hearing from the Xbox.com people would have meant more because I'm still very concerned over how it happened, but the matter is at rest now.

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