In the race to determine Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, readers rank Penny Arcade's Gabe and Tycho just above President Barack Obama, but they've got a ways to go before catching up to Lady Gaga.
Every year, Time polls its readers on the artists, leaders, and innovators they believe are the most influential people in the world, and every year, watching the standings fluctuate is more entertaining than anything you'll find on television.
This year gamers are represented by two different nominees. We have Fable creator Peter Molyneux, currently languishing in 104th place, with Jerry Seinfeld, Meghan McCain, Mitt Romney, and Marc Jacobs standing in the way of his spot on the top 100.
Don't worry though. Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade fame are representing, sitting pretty at number 13, beating the President of the United States, Barack Obama, John Stewart, and Beyoncé.
What's depressing about the poll is the people beating our PA pals. Sure, they're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the top 100 at this point, but to lose to Robert Pattinson, the guy who plays that sick-looking kid in the Twilight movies, or worse, Lady Gaga, crouched atop the number 3 position like some sort of feral bird, swiping her powerful foreclaws at anyone who comes close.
I can deal with Conan O'Brien in the number one position, but we need to get Gabe and Tycho higher on that list. To do your part, visit Jerry and Mike's entry and crank that influence meter up to 100. They've shown us gamers can be a force for good in the world; let's show them we value them more than Lady Gaga.
Ack! Her powerful foreclaws! Run!
Note: To see the current rankings, use this link.
The 2010 Time 100 Poll [Time Magazine]