Microsoft is the Ogrethulu

Brother Dana writes a post that uses Steve Jackson Games' Ogre as a metaphor for the difficulties that Microsoft has in dealing with viruses and bugs (Moore's Lore: Ogre). For those who aren't wargamers, Ogre is an extremely cool game that pits one giant cybernetic super tank (the titular Ogre, with tactical nukes) against hordes of regular army units (except they have tactical nukes too). Think Godzilla vs. the Japanese Army (except, because the game is exceedingly well-balanced, the Japanese Army actually stands a chance). Dana says,

In the real world, of course, the Ogre can't win.

With every turn of time, the other side gains more allies. The Ogre remains the Ogre. Even if the Ogre grows, he's not going to out-grow his opponents. The bigger he gets, in fact, the more opponents he draws.

Yes, but what of the Ogrethulu scenario? Ogrethulu is a variant of Ogre that mixes it up with H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu Mythos. For an image of an Ogrethulu, click here and scroll about 2/3 down. Also note that Lovecraft's works are now in the public domain.

In any case, in Ogrethulu, the Ogre can regenerate its damage by eating the other units. If you're not careful, an attack by smaller units might only make the Ogrethulu more powerful.

What does this have to do with Dana's metaphor? Well, there might be a point in there or there might not. I'm not really sure. I just think Ogrethulu is a way cool metaphor for Microsoft. Also, I've been playing Steve Jackson's games since he worked for Metagaming. Bonus: SJ Games' most excellent GURPS is getting a brand new, tweaked and revised edition this August.