The firing of some of the most well-known adventure game producers from LucasArts should present some new opportunities. These producers can either start their own companies, or be hired by existing adventure game developers or publishers. LucasArts' loss is someone else's gain. Just you wait... Although they won't be allowed to make sequels to games that have rights belonging to LucasArts (or Sierra), I don't think some fresh gaming ideas and stories would hurt the industry (take Syberia for example). Let's stay positive... just think of this whole LucasArts and Sierra saga as corporate reshuffling and industry reshuffling. These talented individuals will find good work. They will continue to produce games that they love and be proud of.
It would be interesting to speculate the rationale behind turning a paper-based media to an electronic media. For me personally, I certainly haven't heard of the magazine (forgive me for being ignorant!). But honestly, I haven't seen an issue in any stores in my area. Certainly, by putting the magazine electronically, they are expanding their market share by exposing to more potential readers. Who knows, maybe I will be hooked onto their columns. However, I see a shortcoming. Although it would be easy to convert paper media to PDF, it would be much more appealing to turn to HTML. Instead of downloading the entire magazine, I only need to download what columns I want to read. It would also be easier to search for content before deciding to download. I hope they consider HTML in the future.
Of course, this will only work if your girlfriend likes to play video games. A girlfriend that loves to play video games -- *sigh* every geek's dream. Most women would think... you are spending waaay too much time playing games! Needless to say, my wife fits in the latter category most of the time, although you will find her playing yetisports from time to time.:-)
I couldn't agree with you more. To this day, I still refuse to turn off the music/sound when playing Super Mario Bros. It is also interesting how players react to certain musical queues. In games such as Super Mario Bros, Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble (and probably thousands of other examples), when little time is left to complete a stage, the music increases in tempo, which causes the player to panic and subtly affects their gameplay.
This subject reminds me of the weird plot twist near the ending of Monkey Island 2. It is truly strange to say the least, where LeChuck who tormented you with a voodoo doll is really your brother in a theme park. I remember my first reaction was like 'wtf...' this is totally weird.
If we are talking about brainless hobby, watching TV is much more brainless than playing games. How many people have fallen asleep playing a computer game (we are not talking about extreme circumstances where gamers have stayed up 72 consecutive hours playing an RPG). I have countless times falling asleep casually in front of the TV -- I must have not used the brain very much to achieve that. Afterall, slightly more intellectual games (adventure games, puzzle games, and even flight simulators) requires sound judgment and quick thinking.
Does anyone see the irony of this in regards to the RIAA? Back in those days, people distribute their computer software via audio cassette tapes and vinyl records, a distribution medium monopolized by the RIAA. Now, we distribute nearly everything digitialized via the Internet, a medium that cannot be controlled by the RIAA.
I think the only way LucasArts is willing to revive Sam and Max is to turn it into a first-person shooter. Just imagine Max with two assault rifles gunning down the bad guys, and to add insult to injury, bounces on top of the dude who just got gunned down.
Let LucasArts have their way with their FPS. We should focus on supporting the companies who specializes on adventure games. Those are the ones that truly understands the essence of Adventure Gaming.
If you read the story carefully, it is the Ontario Film Board that is rating video games. As I watched the CBC TV on this news story, the representative from the Ontario Film Board mentioned that Manhunt has every element that contributes to the R-rating, as in film: excessive foul language, grotesque violence, etc. If we were to rate video games the same way as film, then a lot of other games should have gotten the R-rating as well, yet this is the first video game that has received such a rating. This implies that they are looking for a quick and easy way to regulate the sale of violent game to minors, and the ESRB rating is not as effective as they like.
It is easy to provide examples of modern games that are too easy compared to older games, but let me provide an example otherwise. Take some first-person shooters for example: Wolfenstein 3D vs. Return to Castle Wolfenstein. People may argue that the newer game requires a bit more strategic thinking and better skill at aiming players. Granted, players nowadays have much better video games skill than players 10 years ago. The game itself may be harder, but the improved skill level of players more than compensate the relative difficulty of the game. (Super Mario Bros. vs Super Mario Bros 3, where SMB3 is so much harder)
As with any kind of evaluation, it is very difficult to come up with a 'formula' in analyzing video games. There is some element of subjectivism when critiquing video games -- just look at thousands of game reviews sites. I think scholars have given up trying to analyze movies and press a long time ago. It would be interesting to see how long would the novelty of video games in academics stay before it wears off.
On the surface, it seemed like their reason for terminating NeoGeo is that the technology is becoming obsolete. Now the MAME developers would have to play catch-up -- emulating a completely new hardware (historically this would be several years after the hardware is in the arcades) instead of improving on the NeoGeo drivers. If I was working for SNK, I would be concerned about the risk of having the newer games emulated. Now they can buy more time...
One thing good about EA is that they have good experience in producing games. In the background, they have a lot of experienced people working behind the games, including sound, well-defined project management qualities. Although they would be seen as an assembly line factory (low innovation, repetitive carbon copy products), it means that we will continue to enjoy mediocre games in relatively on-time delivery. After all, EA will not produce something like 'Duke Nukem Forever'. EA is after volume and mass market -- every popular console + PC and they will never be like Blizzard.
It's one of the few times where Microsoft could not say they dominated the market. Mind you, because it's Microsoft, people tend to be a bit more critical about their accomplishments. This is partially attributed to their marketing hype at the initial launch of the X-Box. I think from this point forward, Microsoft really needs a series of "Killer Games" (in parallel to the Killer Apps). Consumers need to be convinced that in order to play THAT game, they HAVE to buy the X-Box (just like how Gran Turismo or Final Fantasy did to the Playstation). We'll just wait and see...
It's interesting that he mentions in the article that in order to keep his reflexes up, he exercises and plays sports. This has two implications. First, this breaks somewhat the stereotype where professional gamers spends 20 hours a day sitting in front of the computer and practise, not getting much exercise. Second, professional gaming might argubly be categorised as sports. You'll never know. One day you might see a Quakefest on ESPN2.
I remembered watching a TV program a couple of years back when they interviewed an EA representative. They mentioned that EA used to have to PAY the companies to include their brand names in the games (namely NHL 2000 and earlier). Now the tides have turned due to increase in video game exposure. As for anything else, it's all about perception -- which company has a better advantage and higher bargaining power.
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The firing of some of the most well-known adventure game producers from LucasArts should present some new opportunities. These producers can either start their own companies, or be hired by existing adventure game developers or publishers. LucasArts' loss is someone else's gain. Just you wait... Although they won't be allowed to make sequels to games that have rights belonging to LucasArts (or Sierra), I don't think some fresh gaming ideas and stories would hurt the industry (take Syberia for example). Let's stay positive... just think of this whole LucasArts and Sierra saga as corporate reshuffling and industry reshuffling. These talented individuals will find good work. They will continue to produce games that they love and be proud of.
It would be interesting to speculate the rationale behind turning a paper-based media to an electronic media. For me personally, I certainly haven't heard of the magazine (forgive me for being ignorant!). But honestly, I haven't seen an issue in any stores in my area. Certainly, by putting the magazine electronically, they are expanding their market share by exposing to more potential readers. Who knows, maybe I will be hooked onto their columns. However, I see a shortcoming. Although it would be easy to convert paper media to PDF, it would be much more appealing to turn to HTML. Instead of downloading the entire magazine, I only need to download what columns I want to read. It would also be easier to search for content before deciding to download. I hope they consider HTML in the future.
Of course, this will only work if your girlfriend likes to play video games. A girlfriend that loves to play video games -- *sigh* every geek's dream. Most women would think... you are spending waaay too much time playing games! Needless to say, my wife fits in the latter category most of the time, although you will find her playing yetisports from time to time. :-)
I couldn't agree with you more. To this day, I still refuse to turn off the music/sound when playing Super Mario Bros. It is also interesting how players react to certain musical queues. In games such as Super Mario Bros, Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble (and probably thousands of other examples), when little time is left to complete a stage, the music increases in tempo, which causes the player to panic and subtly affects their gameplay.
This subject reminds me of the weird plot twist near the ending of Monkey Island 2. It is truly strange to say the least, where LeChuck who tormented you with a voodoo doll is really your brother in a theme park. I remember my first reaction was like 'wtf...' this is totally weird.
If we are talking about brainless hobby, watching TV is much more brainless than playing games. How many people have fallen asleep playing a computer game (we are not talking about extreme circumstances where gamers have stayed up 72 consecutive hours playing an RPG). I have countless times falling asleep casually in front of the TV -- I must have not used the brain very much to achieve that. Afterall, slightly more intellectual games (adventure games, puzzle games, and even flight simulators) requires sound judgment and quick thinking.
Does anyone see the irony of this in regards to the RIAA? Back in those days, people distribute their computer software via audio cassette tapes and vinyl records, a distribution medium monopolized by the RIAA. Now, we distribute nearly everything digitialized via the Internet, a medium that cannot be controlled by the RIAA.
I think the only way LucasArts is willing to revive Sam and Max is to turn it into a first-person shooter. Just imagine Max with two assault rifles gunning down the bad guys, and to add insult to injury, bounces on top of the dude who just got gunned down.
Let LucasArts have their way with their FPS. We should focus on supporting the companies who specializes on adventure games. Those are the ones that truly understands the essence of Adventure Gaming.
If you read the story carefully, it is the Ontario Film Board that is rating video games. As I watched the CBC TV on this news story, the representative from the Ontario Film Board mentioned that Manhunt has every element that contributes to the R-rating, as in film: excessive foul language, grotesque violence, etc. If we were to rate video games the same way as film, then a lot of other games should have gotten the R-rating as well, yet this is the first video game that has received such a rating. This implies that they are looking for a quick and easy way to regulate the sale of violent game to minors, and the ESRB rating is not as effective as they like.
It is easy to provide examples of modern games that are too easy compared to older games, but let me provide an example otherwise. Take some first-person shooters for example: Wolfenstein 3D vs. Return to Castle Wolfenstein. People may argue that the newer game requires a bit more strategic thinking and better skill at aiming players. Granted, players nowadays have much better video games skill than players 10 years ago. The game itself may be harder, but the improved skill level of players more than compensate the relative difficulty of the game. (Super Mario Bros. vs Super Mario Bros 3, where SMB3 is so much harder)
As with any kind of evaluation, it is very difficult to come up with a 'formula' in analyzing video games. There is some element of subjectivism when critiquing video games -- just look at thousands of game reviews sites. I think scholars have given up trying to analyze movies and press a long time ago. It would be interesting to see how long would the novelty of video games in academics stay before it wears off.
On the surface, it seemed like their reason for terminating NeoGeo is that the technology is becoming obsolete. Now the MAME developers would have to play catch-up -- emulating a completely new hardware (historically this would be several years after the hardware is in the arcades) instead of improving on the NeoGeo drivers. If I was working for SNK, I would be concerned about the risk of having the newer games emulated. Now they can buy more time...
One thing good about EA is that they have good experience in producing games. In the background, they have a lot of experienced people working behind the games, including sound, well-defined project management qualities. Although they would be seen as an assembly line factory (low innovation, repetitive carbon copy products), it means that we will continue to enjoy mediocre games in relatively on-time delivery. After all, EA will not produce something like 'Duke Nukem Forever'. EA is after volume and mass market -- every popular console + PC and they will never be like Blizzard.
If the animal activists are so concerned about animal cruelty in video games, maybe they should take a look at this game as well: Hit_the_Penguin
It's one of the few times where Microsoft could not say they dominated the market. Mind you, because it's Microsoft, people tend to be a bit more critical about their accomplishments. This is partially attributed to their marketing hype at the initial launch of the X-Box. I think from this point forward, Microsoft really needs a series of "Killer Games" (in parallel to the Killer Apps). Consumers need to be convinced that in order to play THAT game, they HAVE to buy the X-Box (just like how Gran Turismo or Final Fantasy did to the Playstation). We'll just wait and see...
It's interesting that he mentions in the article that in order to keep his reflexes up, he exercises and plays sports. This has two implications. First, this breaks somewhat the stereotype where professional gamers spends 20 hours a day sitting in front of the computer and practise, not getting much exercise. Second, professional gaming might argubly be categorised as sports. You'll never know. One day you might see a Quakefest on ESPN2.
I remembered watching a TV program a couple of years back when they interviewed an EA representative. They mentioned that EA used to have to PAY the companies to include their brand names in the games (namely NHL 2000 and earlier). Now the tides have turned due to increase in video game exposure. As for anything else, it's all about perception -- which company has a better advantage and higher bargaining power.