Previously unbeknownst to me, Guinness has been working on a Gamer's Edition of their World Record book.  The prospect of such an annual publication excited me, particularly because I assumed this announcement would mean the end of their relationship with Twin Galaxies.  Guinness had previously relied on Twin Galaxies to provide data on videogame high scores for annual submission.

To clarify, Twin Galaxies is "the world authority on player rankings, gaming statistics and championship tournaments, with pinball statistics dating from the 1930s and video game statistics from the early 1970s."

The self-proclaimed electronic gaming industry's premiere statistician, it is supposed to be Twin Galaxies self-appointed "job" to process player rankings by validating high score attempts and submissions.

To me, Twin Galaxies represents a corrupt organization comprised of a crazed old man and his followers.  Twin Galaxies and its "referees" play favorites, and Guinness' association with such an organization only reduces their credibility.

So, as I said, when I saw Guinness was publishing the 2008 Guinness World Record Gamer’s Edition, I was excited.  As I looked over the sample pages, I was thrilled to see stats from a slew of different categories, genres, and a section devoted to high scores.  Thrilled, until I read this on the back cover:

"Guinness World Records and Twin Galaxies present the ultimate annual guide to the greatest computer and video game facts and feats."

I was crestfallen as I slowly re-read the sentence.

My disenchantment with Twin Galaxies began after I saw The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.  The movie chronicles the plight of middle school teacher, Steve Weibe as he tries to beat the world record high score for Donkey Kong then held by Billy Mitchell.  Mr. Weibe submits a videotape of his record run which is accepted and then later determined to be invalid.  He is told he will have to achieve the score in the presence of a Twin Galaxies referee, which he does.  What transpires next is nothing less than outright favoritism and possibly insider cheating.

Simply put, Twin Galaxies is a "good ole boy club" that rejects outsiders. It may not be obvious from the clip, but for the full story, I recommend seeing the film in its entirety, which is now available on DVD.

Needless to say, I will not be buying Guinness newest publication.

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