argument13

hellogtUID: 2763670

TOPIC: ARGUMENT13 - The following appeared in a memo from the chief executive of a video game company.

"We have recently been offered the opportunity to buy the rights to produce a video game based on the soon-to-be-published children's book "Squirrel Power," by Peter Wood. While the cost of the rights is substantial and will place economic constraints on our company in the short-term, there are two reasons that the purchase of these rights will undoubtedly be a wise investment. First, Wood's last three books have been best sellers and the movie based on his first book was highly profitable. Second, the popular characters and story line in "Squirrel Power" will save us time in developing our video game, thereby reducing our costs."

Before suggesting that the company should buy the rights to produce a video game based on this soon-to--be-published children book, the speaker ought to think about his two reasons carefully. The speaker seems to make such an assertion without examining several other factors.

First of all, in this argument, the speaker mentioned the last three books written by Peter Wood, the author of the "Squirrel Power". Does it mean that this children's book will be as popular as his last three books? Have the three books been popular recently? Perhaps ten or more years ago, they are praised by people at that time. However, when it comes to now, these books may be no longer appreciated. On the other hand, does this book have the same or similar content with the last three books? It is possible that love or war is the major topic of the last three books. Without knowing the details, we can't draw a conclusion that this children's book will be as popular as the last three.

Second, we may also ask: can we make such a predication that this children’s book will become popular for the popularity of the movie based on his first book? At what time did the author's first book publish? Twenty years ago? At what time could the movie be seen in the cinema? And also what is the topic of the movie? If the movie may fit for the adults' taste merely, how could the company ensure the success of this book, let alone the video game, for the obvious reason that children are the major consumers. Having further information unknown, the speaker also fails to support his assumption.


Further, even if the soon-to-be-published children's book will become popular finally, this will unnecessarily lead to the popularity of the video game. There isn't natural correlation between both aspects. Doubtlessly, there are a lot of people that prefer to read books and see movies rather than playing video games, due to the personal reason that the video games don't for their taste, even though the video games are based on them. As far as I'm concerned, I don't like play video game at all. Maybe I'm the extreme one. In addition, whether the book is applicable to produce a video game is unknown. For example, does the book consist of two many figures? If so, it is extremely difficult for the producers to complete. Meanwhile, producers should also ensure that models produced must conform to the figures in people's mind. If failed, the company may have a great deficit.

Another point I want to cast great discretion on is that the speaker's assertion is based on the book unpublished. It is rash to conclude that the soon-to-be-published book can bring the success of the video game based on it, even though the book turns out to be tremendously successful. To make the right decision, the speaker should weigh the cost and make sure that the cost is not beyond the degree the company can bear.

In conclusion, wishing to make a profit from this book, the speaker should undergo a deep market research to analyze the possibility to produce a video game, as well as considering the wealth of the company. Any decision made rashly will lead to the final failure.