By DOMINIQUE WALD
dwald@dnews.com
PULLMAN — With a national award under its belt, Washington State University Cable 8 Productions’ TV show “The 8 Bit” proves that video games aren’t just for children.
“The 8 Bit” was recently named the country’s Best Video General Entertainment Program by College Broadcasters Incorporated. The show airs weekdays at 10:30 p.m. and is filmed on the WSU campus by a team of 10 WSU students.
Producer Seth Hansen of Medical Lake, Wash., said “The 8 Bit” starts with reviews and news in the gaming world and then reaches out to get people on campus involved.
“We have an episode where we get professors to play video games,” Hansen said. “The show is kind of everything video game, and the culture around it as well.”
Hansen, who is a junior studying communications with an emphasis in broadcasting, believes the stigma that gaming is primarily for a younger audience is a thing of the past.
“The people making and creating the video games that we talk about aren’t children, they’re adults,” Hansen said. “It shows that all people play video games and it’s entertaining to talk about.”
“The 8 Bit” director Matt Hadow, who is also studying broadcasting, came up with the idea last fall, Hansen said, while the two were at a CBI convention in Seattle. After pitching it to Cable 8 Productions and getting the green light, Hansen and Hadow assembled a team to begin production.
Hansen said he keeps the script informative, yet conversational.
“I don’t want it to be boring with just news tips and facts,” Hansen said. “I want it to be a mix between a discussion with your best friend that also has substance and is engaging.”
“Matt and I put in a lot of work, but we honestly could not do it without everyone else.” Hansen said. “We don’t need the recognition, but this award is really great.”
Episodes of “The 8 Bit” can be viewed on Cable 8 Productions’ YouTube channel.
