In states where it's now legal for recreational use, marijuana and video games go together like hamburgers and bacon. You can thoroughly enjoy one without the other, but man do they go well together (or so we're told).
With the help of the new "End Game Arcade" initiative, Colorado's Department of Transportation is capitalizing on this magical pairing to educate pot users about the dangers of driving under the influence.
The state agency has installed specially designed coin-op arcade machines in 10 dispensaries around Denver. Bearing the title "End Game" and artwork reminiscent of old-school racing games such as Sega's OutRun, the machine is meant to catch the eye of games-loving patrons. It's only upon closer inspection that the real message becomes clear:
"CDOT reminds you ... Playing video games while high is legal. Driving is not."
It's not a total fake-out for bleary-eyed dispensary visitors, at least. Just below the official warning is a list of popular arcade games that can be played free of charge. The lineup is a selection of legitimate classics, including BurgerTime (munchies, bro), Dig Dug, Frogger, Galaxian, Mappy (no, really!) and one more that's not visible in CBS Denver's report.
The CDOT obviously takes the dangers of driving while high seriously, but whoever cooked up this campaign clearly has great taste in games. Check out this neat-o public-service arcade machine in the news package, below:
The "End Game Arcade" machines are part of a larger CDOT campaign called "Drive High, Get a DUI," which is aimed at educating the public on the dangers of being baked behind the wheel. Over the weekend, leading into 4/20 -- the widely acknowledged stoner holiday on April 20 --the state agency is parking special "Smoking Cars" around Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins. These cars fill with smoke that, as it dissipates, reveals a sign promoting the campaign.
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