Well, not quite. We’re to get a year-long exhibit as part of the science museum, according to the Metro this morning. It covers all the technology from Pong, to the as-yet-to-be-released PS3. I’m sure it’ll bring in the crowds, help open gaming up some parents who still think of it in purely negative terms, and give an industry that generates more revenue (and pays more tax dollars) than most of the entertainment industry a highly visible platform.

However, I’m cynical. And I’ve been in the games industry for 12 years. So I’m using those unimportant, unconnected facts to highlight the current unknowns. Perhaps in the sense of the China-Google fiasco it will at least tempt someone to tell us what we’re not being told; as opposed to just hiding it.

Firstly, why is a history of games being sponsored? And by Nintendo. Granted they were quite big, but they are now a bit player in the industry. The Revolution is essentially a retro console, allowing people to play the games that were great in the past. The cynical might ask why are they sponsoring a review of games history.

The second question is the timing. Again, the Revolution is due to be released around the same time as the exhibition, so it’s probably cheaper advertising than the TV and Nintendo won’t get outclassed by Sony at shows such as the (now-defunct) ECTS. Again.

And finally, Nintendo might even make money from this. Most of the big Science Museum exhibits cost money. The museum itself is free. You also had to pay for the James Bond thing they had in exhibition area during 2004 (or was it 2005, it was neatly timed with the film featuring the invisible car). Nor was the exhibit before that. It’s like an affiliate program, or advertising. “See these great Nintendo games – play the Revolution now – see the PS3 still in box and unavailable – then see which console you beg your parents for.”

Just to clarify, I’m not a Nintendo hater (I worked with them a few years while working on a Gamecube game), nor am I a fan boy. Of Microsoft, Nintendo, or Sony. I am completely neutral. I’ve just become a little bit cynical with this announcement.

But the ultimate question is ultimately, will people go? Yes. And without reserve. Myself, included. While I’m disappointed that it’s not an independent exhibit (so my email was either lost or ignored!) I view that any news is good news. Even if business is hijacking science I’ll let it slide providing it’s not evil.

I just hope the Science Museum don’t loose their reputation by blinding accepting the truths of Nintendo.

Expect a blog entry on how independent Nintendo managed to make it when it opens at the end of the year.