The Escapist Issue #34:Wanna Be My Friendster
This week's issue of the Escapist focuses on communities, both real life and internet. Read abstracts on the Escapist Blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Police Encourage Boycotting Violent Video Game
Eyewitness News 3 Everywhere accessed 2/28/06
"...One plot of the game called "25 To Life" is to shoot and kill police officers. Now police officers nationwide are going on-line in a petition to boycott the game..."
Scientists think video games may provide therapeutic breakthroughs
by Ed Beeson North Jersey Herald News
"...Engineers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark recently began a five-year study of video games that can be applied to the treatment and rehabilitation of cerebral palsy patients..."
Are Games Addictive? The State of the Science
by Neils Clark Gamasutra 2/28/06
“…Italk about research that attempts to connect addiction to gaming, and some
clear problems in that research…”http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Video Game News, February 28, 2006
D&D Goes Online
by NY Times, 02/27/2006
"Traditional D&D is still around but these days, aspiring wizards, druids and paladins are more likely to click and type their way through the evil necromancer's tower. . ."
by NY Times, 02/27/2006
"Traditional D&D is still around but these days, aspiring wizards, druids and paladins are more likely to click and type their way through the evil necromancer's tower. . ."
Monday, February 27, 2006
Video Game News, February 27, 2006
Video Games 'Helping Kids Learn'
by Reuben Schwarz, stuff 2/27/06
"...games can help kids learn how to make decisions under pressure, deal with large amounts of data, think strategically, and manage goals and people..."
Utah's Violent Video Games Legislation Moves Forward
by Doug Osborne, Geek.com 2/27/06
"...In a 56-8 vote in the Utah House, State Representative David Hogue saw his violent games legislation move one more step closer to becoming law..."
Video Game Offers Health Benefits
by Rhiannon Ally, WIBW Channel 13 News accessed 2/27/06
"...ance Revolution units are already in 157 of [West Virginia's] middle schools and the state plans to add more in another 753 of all of the state's public schools in the next few years..."
Microsoft's Handheld to be Revealed on March 2?
by thorsen-ink, GamSpot News 2/27/06
"...an anonymous source inside [Xbox developemnt reported that they were]"working on plans to develop its own portable digital media device to rival the iPod." Speaking hypothetically, Xbox marketing chief Peter Moore said any such device would also have gaming functionality. "It can't just be our version of the iPod,"..."
by Reuben Schwarz, stuff 2/27/06
"...games can help kids learn how to make decisions under pressure, deal with large amounts of data, think strategically, and manage goals and people..."
Utah's Violent Video Games Legislation Moves Forward
by Doug Osborne, Geek.com 2/27/06
"...In a 56-8 vote in the Utah House, State Representative David Hogue saw his violent games legislation move one more step closer to becoming law..."
Video Game Offers Health Benefits
by Rhiannon Ally, WIBW Channel 13 News accessed 2/27/06
"...ance Revolution units are already in 157 of [West Virginia's] middle schools and the state plans to add more in another 753 of all of the state's public schools in the next few years..."
Microsoft's Handheld to be Revealed on March 2?
by thorsen-ink, GamSpot News 2/27/06
"...an anonymous source inside [Xbox developemnt reported that they were]"working on plans to develop its own portable digital media device to rival the iPod." Speaking hypothetically, Xbox marketing chief Peter Moore said any such device would also have gaming functionality. "It can't just be our version of the iPod,"..."
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Video Game News, February 26, 2006
by HipHop Gaming League, 2/18/06
HHGL launched its highly-anticipated season one during one of NBA All-Star Weekend's biggest galas.
HHGL launched its highly-anticipated season one during one of NBA All-Star Weekend's biggest galas.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Video Game News, February 25, 2006
Generation Xboxers Computer game developers are targeting an older slice of the market.
By Patrick J. Kiger AARP Bulletin Online 2/25/06
'Baby boomers "are more technologically savvy than previous generations," says Carolyn Rauch, a senior vice president of the trade group. "They're more inclined to try the games and take gaming with them as they age."'
City of London goes WIFI
The Cloud 2/20/06
"The City of London Corporation today announced plans to install a dense and comprehensive WiFi internet network throughout London’s Square Mile..."
Video games gaining new respect as legitimate art form
by Geoff Martin canada.com 2/24/06
"...a Toronto art gallery is turning some heads by showcasing production paintings and concept drawings from Xbox 360..."
The big business of selling video games to the military
by David Shipley candaeast.com 2/24/06
"...For the army and for IT firms from New Brunswick, indeed throughout North America, video games and advanced simulations are serious business..."
Nintendo gives out 1,000 Revolution Dev Kits
GameSHOUT.com 2/24/06
"...Nintendo gives out 1,000 Revolution Dev Kits..."
North American Video Gaming: Surviving A Midlife Slowdown
by Paul Jackson Forrester 2/21/06
"...the video gaming industry is in the throes of a midlife crisis..."
Independent Games Festival
Gamespot 2/25/06
"...19 finalists in IGF's Main Competition category..."
Games for Women, Games by Women
by Carol T Chung Cool Hunting 2/22/06
"...panelist discussions about the types of games currently played by women and the types of games that appeal to women..."
GPS Gaming
by Blake Snow joystiq 2/24/06
'"Inspired by a new FCC regulation requiring cell-phone companies to use GPS technology to report the locations of 911 callers... [Your World Games'] first title, The Shroud, is due this spring. To protect a farming village from enemies, players visit specific spots all over the United States (and race against other players)."'
At Home With Nintendo
by Colin Campbell Next Generations 2/24/06
"...At Nintendo, we spend more time taking a look at consumers and investigating what game players are enjoying and not enjoying. We look hard at those who we consider as dormant players..."
Cashing In on Virtual Humans
by John Hudson Wired News 2/22/06
"Digital humans. The very words conjure images of the polygon personas created for the next blockbuster by production houses like Industrial Light and Magic or Pixar Animation. But there is more to this technology than big-screen eye candy."
Leave video game choice to parents
by Clay Calvert and Robert D. Richards Salt Lake Tribune 2/18/06
"...amend Utah's criminal code prohibiting distribution of materials deemed "harmful to minors" to those under the age of 18. It would sweep video games that depict images of what the measure calls "inappropriate violence" into that category..."
Welcome to AIMOnPSP!
"...AOL Instant Messenger client for the Sony Playstation Portable..."
By Patrick J. Kiger AARP Bulletin Online 2/25/06
'Baby boomers "are more technologically savvy than previous generations," says Carolyn Rauch, a senior vice president of the trade group. "They're more inclined to try the games and take gaming with them as they age."'
City of London goes WIFI
The Cloud 2/20/06
"The City of London Corporation today announced plans to install a dense and comprehensive WiFi internet network throughout London’s Square Mile..."
Video games gaining new respect as legitimate art form
by Geoff Martin canada.com 2/24/06
"...a Toronto art gallery is turning some heads by showcasing production paintings and concept drawings from Xbox 360..."
The big business of selling video games to the military
by David Shipley candaeast.com 2/24/06
"...For the army and for IT firms from New Brunswick, indeed throughout North America, video games and advanced simulations are serious business..."
Nintendo gives out 1,000 Revolution Dev Kits
GameSHOUT.com 2/24/06
"...Nintendo gives out 1,000 Revolution Dev Kits..."
North American Video Gaming: Surviving A Midlife Slowdown
by Paul Jackson Forrester 2/21/06
"...the video gaming industry is in the throes of a midlife crisis..."
Independent Games Festival
Gamespot 2/25/06
"...19 finalists in IGF's Main Competition category..."
Games for Women, Games by Women
by Carol T Chung Cool Hunting 2/22/06
"...panelist discussions about the types of games currently played by women and the types of games that appeal to women..."
GPS Gaming
by Blake Snow joystiq 2/24/06
'"Inspired by a new FCC regulation requiring cell-phone companies to use GPS technology to report the locations of 911 callers... [Your World Games'] first title, The Shroud, is due this spring. To protect a farming village from enemies, players visit specific spots all over the United States (and race against other players)."'
At Home With Nintendo
by Colin Campbell Next Generations 2/24/06
"...At Nintendo, we spend more time taking a look at consumers and investigating what game players are enjoying and not enjoying. We look hard at those who we consider as dormant players..."
Cashing In on Virtual Humans
by John Hudson Wired News 2/22/06
"Digital humans. The very words conjure images of the polygon personas created for the next blockbuster by production houses like Industrial Light and Magic or Pixar Animation. But there is more to this technology than big-screen eye candy."
Leave video game choice to parents
by Clay Calvert and Robert D. Richards Salt Lake Tribune 2/18/06
"...amend Utah's criminal code prohibiting distribution of materials deemed "harmful to minors" to those under the age of 18. It would sweep video games that depict images of what the measure calls "inappropriate violence" into that category..."
Welcome to AIMOnPSP!
"...AOL Instant Messenger client for the Sony Playstation Portable..."
Friday, February 24, 2006
Video Games News, February 23, 2006
Video Game Study Shows Performance is Improved by Increasing Scene Changes
WPI Research at the University 2/23/06
"A new study by computer scientists at WPI shows that the rate at which images change on a gamer's screen-called frame rate-has a significant effect on how easily players can hit their targets."
Nintendo to reintroduce Super Mario Bros. in May
by Punch Jump Crew PunchJump 2/22/06
"Nintendo announced on Tuesday that the classic Super Mario. Bros series will see a follow up in May..."
The video-games industry
Economist.com 2/23/06
"ANYONE who plays video games will be familiar with the periodic delays that occur when one level has been completed and the next is loading. A similar delay is now affecting the entire video-games industry..."
Comics, video games keep classic works alive
by Laurie Taylor and Cathlena Martin Gainesville Gaming 2/23/06
"...While not all comics and video games incorporate abundant images, fantastic storylines or highly charged action, many do present storylines and concepts in formats that are accessible for readers of different literacy levels. Plus, video games continue to allow classic comics and other texts from American and world history to continue to circulate in the same way that comics have allowed other classic forms additional space in culture..."
Violent Video Games Under Fire
Kake.com 2/22/06
"Kansas could become the latest state to try to restrict the sale of mature and adults only games to children. The House bill is called the Child Protection from Violent Video Games Act..."
Burdick: Losing money on video games
by Dave Burdick Dirt 2/22/06
"...All of these new-generation gaming consoles start out by losing money..."
Former Nintendo Boss Donates $60 mln
by Christophe Kagotani Next Generation 2/23/06
"Ex-Nintendo CEO Hiroshi Yamauchi has donated nearly $60 million to Kyoto University to expand its hospital."
We Need a Zelda MMORPG
by RedWolf Vintage Computing and Gaming 2/22/06
"...the 20th anniversary of the first release of The Legend of Zelda on the Famicom..."
Nintendo WiFi over dial-up; works well enough?
by Christopher Grant Joysiq 2/21/06
"A recap of the basic networking necessary to share your dial-up connection with your wireless Nintendo DS..."
PS3 Titles to be Downloadable
"...PS3 games may be available for "download" through Sony's so called "HUB" online service..."
Japan introduces new videogames rating system
by Paul Loughrey Gamesindustry.biz 2/20/06
"...a change in Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) system which includes a new Adult Only style category for graphic/violent videogames..."
WPI Research at the University 2/23/06
"A new study by computer scientists at WPI shows that the rate at which images change on a gamer's screen-called frame rate-has a significant effect on how easily players can hit their targets."
Nintendo to reintroduce Super Mario Bros. in May
by Punch Jump Crew PunchJump 2/22/06
"Nintendo announced on Tuesday that the classic Super Mario. Bros series will see a follow up in May..."
The video-games industry
Economist.com 2/23/06
"ANYONE who plays video games will be familiar with the periodic delays that occur when one level has been completed and the next is loading. A similar delay is now affecting the entire video-games industry..."
Comics, video games keep classic works alive
by Laurie Taylor and Cathlena Martin Gainesville Gaming 2/23/06
"...While not all comics and video games incorporate abundant images, fantastic storylines or highly charged action, many do present storylines and concepts in formats that are accessible for readers of different literacy levels. Plus, video games continue to allow classic comics and other texts from American and world history to continue to circulate in the same way that comics have allowed other classic forms additional space in culture..."
Violent Video Games Under Fire
Kake.com 2/22/06
"Kansas could become the latest state to try to restrict the sale of mature and adults only games to children. The House bill is called the Child Protection from Violent Video Games Act..."
Burdick: Losing money on video games
by Dave Burdick Dirt 2/22/06
"...All of these new-generation gaming consoles start out by losing money..."
Former Nintendo Boss Donates $60 mln
by Christophe Kagotani Next Generation 2/23/06
"Ex-Nintendo CEO Hiroshi Yamauchi has donated nearly $60 million to Kyoto University to expand its hospital."
We Need a Zelda MMORPG
by RedWolf Vintage Computing and Gaming 2/22/06
"...the 20th anniversary of the first release of The Legend of Zelda on the Famicom..."
Nintendo WiFi over dial-up; works well enough?
by Christopher Grant Joysiq 2/21/06
"A recap of the basic networking necessary to share your dial-up connection with your wireless Nintendo DS..."
PS3 Titles to be Downloadable
"...PS3 games may be available for "download" through Sony's so called "HUB" online service..."
Japan introduces new videogames rating system
by Paul Loughrey Gamesindustry.biz 2/20/06
"...a change in Japan's Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) system which includes a new Adult Only style category for graphic/violent videogames..."
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Video Game News, February 22, 2006
Video Game Study Shows Performance is Improved by Increasing Scene Changes
WPI, Research at the University 2/22/06
"Frame rate is also more important than resolution in determining on how enjoyable players find a game."
Sony’s PS3 Launch Turns Into Waiting Game
by Michiyo Nakamoto, Financial Times, 2/21/06
"Sony may be planning to surprise PlayStation fans by keeping quiet about the exact launch date and the price of its next generation video games console."
Hollywood Byte #6: Peter Jackson Talks Games
by John Gaudiosi, Hollywood Byte 2/16/06
"Jackson's most recent project, the big screen re-make of King Kong, resulted in another successful melding of entertainment -- this time between the linear film and the video game that bears Jackson's name in the title."
Nintendo Dates Mario: The New Super Mario Bros will be carriving in the states in just a few more months.
by Craig Harris, IGN 2/21/06
"Nintendo of America made an announcement today revealing the release date to the long-awaited and long-in-development original Super Mario Bros. game for the Nintendo DS."
WPI, Research at the University 2/22/06
"Frame rate is also more important than resolution in determining on how enjoyable players find a game."
Sony’s PS3 Launch Turns Into Waiting Game
by Michiyo Nakamoto, Financial Times, 2/21/06
"Sony may be planning to surprise PlayStation fans by keeping quiet about the exact launch date and the price of its next generation video games console."
Hollywood Byte #6: Peter Jackson Talks Games
by John Gaudiosi, Hollywood Byte 2/16/06
"Jackson's most recent project, the big screen re-make of King Kong, resulted in another successful melding of entertainment -- this time between the linear film and the video game that bears Jackson's name in the title."
Nintendo Dates Mario: The New Super Mario Bros will be carriving in the states in just a few more months.
by Craig Harris, IGN 2/21/06
"Nintendo of America made an announcement today revealing the release date to the long-awaited and long-in-development original Super Mario Bros. game for the Nintendo DS."
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Video Games News, February 21, 2006
Windows Vista Variations Confirmed
by Alan Rose Joystiq 2/18/06
"...Vista Ultimate, which will include a "Game Performance Tweaker" and other offerings targeted at high-end PC users..."
Start A Company On Your PSP
by David Karlin 1up.com 2/16/06
"...The goal of this software, Kokuyo representative Akihiro Kuroda explained, was not to influence people in their late teens through 30s to quit their jobs and create new enterprises, but rather to increase creativity and work ability of those currently in the work place..."
Multi-Touch Interaction Research
by Jeff Han accessed 2/20/06
"...multi-touch sensing enables a user to interact with a system with more than one finger at a time..."
Revolution to Have Web Surfing?
Nintendo Gal 2/15/06
"... Revolution owners will have the option to purchase that functionality..."
The Escapist Issue #33:Groovy Games
This week's issue of the Escapist focuses on retro games and designs. Read abstracts on the Escapist Blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Rated V for Violence: Legislation against video games is ramping up.
by Mary Jane Irwin PC Magazine (Gaming + Culture), 2/15/06
"The former runt of the entertainment industry has grown into a multibillon-dollar giant."
Kansas Tries Out Games Legislation
By Kris Graft, Next Generation 2/21/06
"Under HB2921, any individual who sells an M- or AO-rated game to a minor would be charged with a misdemeanor, and incur a $1,000 fine for the first offense, or a $2500 fine for a second offense."
Professor Lauds Video Games For Learning
NewzWire.co.nz 2/21/06
Mr. Prensky says computer games can help prepare children for their future but also teach them old fashioned lessons about cooperation and ethics.
by Alan Rose Joystiq 2/18/06
"...Vista Ultimate, which will include a "Game Performance Tweaker" and other offerings targeted at high-end PC users..."
Start A Company On Your PSP
by David Karlin 1up.com 2/16/06
"...The goal of this software, Kokuyo representative Akihiro Kuroda explained, was not to influence people in their late teens through 30s to quit their jobs and create new enterprises, but rather to increase creativity and work ability of those currently in the work place..."
Multi-Touch Interaction Research
by Jeff Han accessed 2/20/06
"...multi-touch sensing enables a user to interact with a system with more than one finger at a time..."
Revolution to Have Web Surfing?
Nintendo Gal 2/15/06
"... Revolution owners will have the option to purchase that functionality..."
The Escapist Issue #33:Groovy Games
This week's issue of the Escapist focuses on retro games and designs. Read abstracts on the Escapist Blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Rated V for Violence: Legislation against video games is ramping up.
by Mary Jane Irwin PC Magazine (Gaming + Culture), 2/15/06
"The former runt of the entertainment industry has grown into a multibillon-dollar giant."
Kansas Tries Out Games Legislation
By Kris Graft, Next Generation 2/21/06
"Under HB2921, any individual who sells an M- or AO-rated game to a minor would be charged with a misdemeanor, and incur a $1,000 fine for the first offense, or a $2500 fine for a second offense."
Professor Lauds Video Games For Learning
NewzWire.co.nz 2/21/06
Mr. Prensky says computer games can help prepare children for their future but also teach them old fashioned lessons about cooperation and ethics.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Innovate Live To Host Webcasts Related to Gaming in March!
Register and participate for FREE!
March 7, 2006, 1:00 PM EST
P. G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young
Teachers' Perceptions of Video Games: MMOGs and the Future of Preservice Teacher Education
http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=125
March 9th 2:00 PM EST
Richard Van Eck
Using Games to Promote Girls' Positive Attitudes Toward Technology
http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=209
March 9th 3:00 PM EST
Sean Gouglas
Neverwinter Nights in Alberta: Conceptions of Narrativity through Fantasy Role-Playing Games in a Graduate Classroom
http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=172
March 7, 2006, 1:00 PM EST
P. G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young
Teachers' Perceptions of Video Games: MMOGs and the Future of Preservice Teacher Education
http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=125
March 9th 2:00 PM EST
Richard Van Eck
Using Games to Promote Girls' Positive Attitudes Toward Technology
http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=209
March 9th 3:00 PM EST
Sean Gouglas
Neverwinter Nights in Alberta: Conceptions of Narrativity through Fantasy Role-Playing Games in a Graduate Classroom
http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=172
NETplay Cafe
I just wanted to highlight this internet cafe in Charlotte, NC. I got the opportunity to speak with one of the owners this weekend who is very interested in getting out in the community to help with the library's gaming programs. They are also looking at doing outreach on computer skills for the Latino community in their training room that is also in the store. Check it out if you're in town!
Video Game News, February 20 2005
For Video Games, Louisville is Title City: First World Series to start here in June
by Tamara Ikenberg, The Courier-Journal 2/18/06
"Louisville's got game -- video game."
Video Games May Aid In Weight Loss
The Kansas City Channel 2/20/06
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Doctors predict that for the first time there is a generation of Americans with shorter life spans than their parents."
EDITORIAL: The Woes of Video Games
by Lydia Kaia, National (Weekender Page) 2/19/06
"I arrived home tired from work one afternoon to find the living room to our four bedroom home crowded, leaving me no room to relax and soothe my aching body."
Playing Games in School: Using videos helps students love to learn their lessons
by Matthew Yi, Chronicle 2/20/06
"It used to take Ariana Gutierrez 11 minutes to run a mile. Now, the 15-year-old says she can do it in seven minutes thanks to the Dance Dance Revolution video game in her physical education class."
Gory Video Games to get R-18 Classification
The Yomiuri Shimbun 2/19/06
"JAPAN - Video game makers will have to label games containing particularly violent scenes as not for sale to under-18s, under plans announced by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association."
My Gamer Lady
by Bruce Neilsen, The Escapist 2/16/06
"Following this sage advice, I planned to introduce my girlfriend - soon to be wife - slowly to computer games, until she came to realize what compelling fun she missed all these years. That, or until the computer games numbed her brain and she became a mindless addict. Either would work for my purposes."
Game Industry Revenue Expected To Double By 2011
by Nich Marago, Gamasutra 2/17/06
"According to a study from ABI Research, the video game industry is expected to double in sales from 2005's $32.6 billion to $65.9 billion in 2011."
purchase the full report from ABI at http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/Portable_Audio_Video_and_Game_Market_Evolution
by Tamara Ikenberg, The Courier-Journal 2/18/06
"Louisville's got game -- video game."
Video Games May Aid In Weight Loss
The Kansas City Channel 2/20/06
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Doctors predict that for the first time there is a generation of Americans with shorter life spans than their parents."
EDITORIAL: The Woes of Video Games
by Lydia Kaia, National (Weekender Page) 2/19/06
"I arrived home tired from work one afternoon to find the living room to our four bedroom home crowded, leaving me no room to relax and soothe my aching body."
Playing Games in School: Using videos helps students love to learn their lessons
by Matthew Yi, Chronicle 2/20/06
"It used to take Ariana Gutierrez 11 minutes to run a mile. Now, the 15-year-old says she can do it in seven minutes thanks to the Dance Dance Revolution video game in her physical education class."
Gory Video Games to get R-18 Classification
The Yomiuri Shimbun 2/19/06
"JAPAN - Video game makers will have to label games containing particularly violent scenes as not for sale to under-18s, under plans announced by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association."
My Gamer Lady
by Bruce Neilsen, The Escapist 2/16/06
"Following this sage advice, I planned to introduce my girlfriend - soon to be wife - slowly to computer games, until she came to realize what compelling fun she missed all these years. That, or until the computer games numbed her brain and she became a mindless addict. Either would work for my purposes."
Game Industry Revenue Expected To Double By 2011
by Nich Marago, Gamasutra 2/17/06
"According to a study from ABI Research, the video game industry is expected to double in sales from 2005's $32.6 billion to $65.9 billion in 2011."
purchase the full report from ABI at http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/Portable_Audio_Video_and_Game_Market_Evolution
Friday, February 17, 2006
Video Game News, February 17, 2006
Video Games During Class Time? Only at UNO!
by Chaeli Fortina the Gateway 2/17/06
"... a three-credit hour course at the sophomore level intended for those interested in a career in game programming..."
by Chaeli Fortina the Gateway 2/17/06
"... a three-credit hour course at the sophomore level intended for those interested in a career in game programming..."
Warcraft and Utopia
Warcraft and Utopia
by Alexander R. Galloway, Theory, Technology and Culture vol 29 nos 1-2 2/16/05
Editors: Arthur and Marilouise Kroker
"An argument can be made that all video games are, at a certain level, utopian projects, simply because all video games create worlds in which certain laws are simulated and certain other laws are no longer simulated. The freedom to selectively simulate, then, operates in a video game as the most important scaffolding for utopia"
Contributed by Steve Branley, who has his own blog o' coolness about Web 2.0, gaming and future of libraries at Lost in the StuporMarket over at http://brantles.blogspot.com/
by Alexander R. Galloway, Theory, Technology and Culture vol 29 nos 1-2 2/16/05
Editors: Arthur and Marilouise Kroker
"An argument can be made that all video games are, at a certain level, utopian projects, simply because all video games create worlds in which certain laws are simulated and certain other laws are no longer simulated. The freedom to selectively simulate, then, operates in a video game as the most important scaffolding for utopia"
Contributed by Steve Branley, who has his own blog o' coolness about Web 2.0, gaming and future of libraries at Lost in the StuporMarket over at http://brantles.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Video Game News, February 16, 2006
Sex Worker's Outreach Project USA Statement: Regarding the Video Game Grand Theft Auto created by Take-Two Interactive.
"Since the video game Grand Theft Auto accrues points to players for the depiction of the rape and murder of prostitutes, SWOP-USA calls on all parents and all gamers to boycott Grand Theft Auto."
Students Asked to Teach the Teachers ... Video Games
AP 2/16/06
"WILMINGTON, North Carolina (AP) -- When the principal of Blair Elementary School needed someone to instruct teachers in the use of PlayStations, she turned to the experts -- the students."
PRESS RELEASE:FIRST-EVER 'WORLD SERIES OF VIDEO GAMES' INTERNATIONAL GAMING COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED; The Definitive Tournament Series Will Span Six Events and Establish the World's First True Video Game Champions
Presented By Intel and Sponsored by Xbox 360
"New York - February 16, 2006 - Games Media Properties today announced the first-ever World Series of Video Games international gaming competition, set to kick off in June 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky with four subsequent circuit events taking place throughout the year and culminating in a final event in December 2006. With $1 Million in cash prizing..."
"Since the video game Grand Theft Auto accrues points to players for the depiction of the rape and murder of prostitutes, SWOP-USA calls on all parents and all gamers to boycott Grand Theft Auto."
Students Asked to Teach the Teachers ... Video Games
AP 2/16/06
"WILMINGTON, North Carolina (AP) -- When the principal of Blair Elementary School needed someone to instruct teachers in the use of PlayStations, she turned to the experts -- the students."
PRESS RELEASE:FIRST-EVER 'WORLD SERIES OF VIDEO GAMES' INTERNATIONAL GAMING COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED; The Definitive Tournament Series Will Span Six Events and Establish the World's First True Video Game Champions
Presented By Intel and Sponsored by Xbox 360
"New York - February 16, 2006 - Games Media Properties today announced the first-ever World Series of Video Games international gaming competition, set to kick off in June 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky with four subsequent circuit events taking place throughout the year and culminating in a final event in December 2006. With $1 Million in cash prizing..."
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Video Game News, February 15, 2006
Nintendo DS to get Browser and TV Reception
Kotaku 2/15/06
Reports from a Nintendo press conference this morning state that the DS will soon have a version of the Opera web browser available, as well as a TV reception card.
Game industry group emerges after lawsuit
by The Hollywood Reporter C|net News.com 2/13/06
"Following a high-profile lawsuit against Electronic Arts, the video game industry's leading recruitment firms have formed a new trade group..."
Video games and your children
by Dr. Randy Cale, Psychologist News 10 Now 2/15/06
"...When you look at the data it suggests that limiting kids to one hour or less of TV or video games a day is beneficial. When you look at kids in that category, they actually do well in school..."
Kotaku 2/15/06
Reports from a Nintendo press conference this morning state that the DS will soon have a version of the Opera web browser available, as well as a TV reception card.
Game industry group emerges after lawsuit
by The Hollywood Reporter C|net News.com 2/13/06
"Following a high-profile lawsuit against Electronic Arts, the video game industry's leading recruitment firms have formed a new trade group..."
Video games and your children
by Dr. Randy Cale, Psychologist News 10 Now 2/15/06
"...When you look at the data it suggests that limiting kids to one hour or less of TV or video games a day is beneficial. When you look at kids in that category, they actually do well in school..."
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Video Game News, Febuary 14, 2006
Escapist Issue 32
Abstracts on the Escapist blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Class, Take Out your Games
BusinessWeek online 2/20/06
"How teachers are using computer games to pique the interest of tech-savvy kids..."
New York Mayor Fires Worker With Solitaire on Computer Screen
by Sara Kugler, AP 2/9/06
""The workplace is not an appropriate place for games," Bloomberg said. "It's a place where you've got to do the job that you're getting paid for.""
Nintendo DS gets a Hard Drive
by Victor Nintendo Revolution.ca 2/13/06
"...The 4GB MAX Media Player for the Nintendo DS is a fully functioning 4GB hard drive...
GameCube Controllers Won't Work on Nintendo Revolution Games
GameSHOUT.com 2/13/06
"When the Nintendo Revolution comes out, not only will it play next gen titles being made for it, but it will also be backwards compatible with the Game Cube, and will also host a number of classic Nintendo titles..."
Top Mobile Players Aim to Standardize
by Kris Graft Next Generation 2/13/06
"Companies...hope to define an open gaming architecture in order to facilitate the development of mobile games..."
Orange County, Dr. Jenkins Talk Edugaming - Kotaku
Kotaku 2/14/06
"...Instead of just spouting off their personal beliefs about the learning goodness built into many games, the two sought out experts in the field and got them to talk about it..."
Going Where the Girls are-Nintendo Advertising
by Dan Choi, Joystiq, 2/10/06
Nintendo is shifting focus to girls and older gamers.
Urbaniacs Wins a Cellular Deal
by Claire Hoffman, LA Times, 2/13/06
A deal with Smartphones Technologies Inc. will allow delivery of "custom hip-hop and funk ring tones, video clips of Urbaniacs street battles and some of their many Web games to users through cellphone carriers."
Abstracts on the Escapist blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Class, Take Out your Games
BusinessWeek online 2/20/06
"How teachers are using computer games to pique the interest of tech-savvy kids..."
New York Mayor Fires Worker With Solitaire on Computer Screen
by Sara Kugler, AP 2/9/06
""The workplace is not an appropriate place for games," Bloomberg said. "It's a place where you've got to do the job that you're getting paid for.""
Nintendo DS gets a Hard Drive
by Victor Nintendo Revolution.ca 2/13/06
"...The 4GB MAX Media Player for the Nintendo DS is a fully functioning 4GB hard drive...
GameCube Controllers Won't Work on Nintendo Revolution Games
GameSHOUT.com 2/13/06
"When the Nintendo Revolution comes out, not only will it play next gen titles being made for it, but it will also be backwards compatible with the Game Cube, and will also host a number of classic Nintendo titles..."
Top Mobile Players Aim to Standardize
by Kris Graft Next Generation 2/13/06
"Companies...hope to define an open gaming architecture in order to facilitate the development of mobile games..."
Orange County, Dr. Jenkins Talk Edugaming - Kotaku
Kotaku 2/14/06
"...Instead of just spouting off their personal beliefs about the learning goodness built into many games, the two sought out experts in the field and got them to talk about it..."
Going Where the Girls are-Nintendo Advertising
by Dan Choi, Joystiq, 2/10/06
Nintendo is shifting focus to girls and older gamers.
Urbaniacs Wins a Cellular Deal
by Claire Hoffman, LA Times, 2/13/06
A deal with Smartphones Technologies Inc. will allow delivery of "custom hip-hop and funk ring tones, video clips of Urbaniacs street battles and some of their many Web games to users through cellphone carriers."
Monday, February 13, 2006
Video Game News, February 13, 2006
Clearing the Rap on Video Games: Some argue that video games can promote ethical behavior just as much as they can discourage it
by Britt Peterson, Science & Theology News 2/10/06
"At Playing with Ethics: A Panel on Video Games, a public event sponsored by the Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics in November, participants explored not only the implications of violent and sexually explicit video games such as Grand Theft Auto but also the potential for using video games positively to teach ethics."
Video Games May be Good for Your Brain
by Michael Hoffman, Daily Tech 2/10/06
"There are a lot of critics that claim that video games are detrimental to the mental health of adolescents that play "excessive" amounts of console or PC games. Recent research is trying to prove the theory wrong."
It's All Their Fault
by Shaun Williams, Escapist 2/10/06
"Everyone is arguing about where the blame lies for the flood of bad games to the market."
Video Games Pioneer Atari Fears Plug Set to be Pulled
Evening News 2/10/06
"Atari, the company which became the first giant of the video games industry, today warned there was "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern."
Some Worry Violent Video Games Lead To Real-Life Violence
NBC-17 2/3/06
CARY, N.C. -- On Friday, Police Chief Jane Perlov unveiled a 10-point plan designed to curb gun-related crimes and take guns out of the hands of wanted criminals.
Health Alert: Pulling the plug on video games
KGPE, CBS TV47 2/3/2006
"Blinking is beginning of the problems associated with extended video game marathons."
Christian Video Games Are Scarce
by D. Paul Harris, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2/11/06
"Christian video games are scarce in today's technologically advanced entertainment industry, but a growing interest to teach children about spiritual and moral values may change that."
Religion in MMOGs
by Mike Sellers Terra Nova 2/13/06
"...When religion does appear in MMOs it does so as a vague prop that provides nothing in the way of gameplay based on themes of faith, adherence to a code of conduct, membership in and sacrifice for a larger organization, etc..."
Fear and Shivering in Second Life, Part One
by Jason Boog, The Publishing Spot 2/8/06
"The designers of [Democracy Island] hope to initiate conversations about virtual government, conflict resolution within imaginary worlds, and explore how Second Life can interact with “real life” governments."
Video Game World Gives Peace a Chance
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post Sunday, October 16, 2005
"This spring, the United Nations' World Food Programme released an online game in which players must figure out how to feed thousands of people on a fictitious island."
Try the game at http://www.food-force.com/
by Britt Peterson, Science & Theology News 2/10/06
"At Playing with Ethics: A Panel on Video Games, a public event sponsored by the Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics in November, participants explored not only the implications of violent and sexually explicit video games such as Grand Theft Auto but also the potential for using video games positively to teach ethics."
Video Games May be Good for Your Brain
by Michael Hoffman, Daily Tech 2/10/06
"There are a lot of critics that claim that video games are detrimental to the mental health of adolescents that play "excessive" amounts of console or PC games. Recent research is trying to prove the theory wrong."
It's All Their Fault
by Shaun Williams, Escapist 2/10/06
"Everyone is arguing about where the blame lies for the flood of bad games to the market."
Video Games Pioneer Atari Fears Plug Set to be Pulled
Evening News 2/10/06
"Atari, the company which became the first giant of the video games industry, today warned there was "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern."
Some Worry Violent Video Games Lead To Real-Life Violence
NBC-17 2/3/06
CARY, N.C. -- On Friday, Police Chief Jane Perlov unveiled a 10-point plan designed to curb gun-related crimes and take guns out of the hands of wanted criminals.
Health Alert: Pulling the plug on video games
KGPE, CBS TV47 2/3/2006
"Blinking is beginning of the problems associated with extended video game marathons."
Christian Video Games Are Scarce
by D. Paul Harris, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 2/11/06
"Christian video games are scarce in today's technologically advanced entertainment industry, but a growing interest to teach children about spiritual and moral values may change that."
Religion in MMOGs
by Mike Sellers Terra Nova 2/13/06
"...When religion does appear in MMOs it does so as a vague prop that provides nothing in the way of gameplay based on themes of faith, adherence to a code of conduct, membership in and sacrifice for a larger organization, etc..."
Fear and Shivering in Second Life, Part One
by Jason Boog, The Publishing Spot 2/8/06
"The designers of [Democracy Island] hope to initiate conversations about virtual government, conflict resolution within imaginary worlds, and explore how Second Life can interact with “real life” governments."
Video Game World Gives Peace a Chance
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post Sunday, October 16, 2005
"This spring, the United Nations' World Food Programme released an online game in which players must figure out how to feed thousands of people on a fictitious island."
Try the game at http://www.food-force.com/
E3 the other Big Boy in Gaming
The two biggest US gaming conference in the video game industry are GDC and E3. E3 is closed to the public, which means you have to work for a gaming company or seller to even be eligable to attend. Due to the professional nature of this event it is where all companys announce important news about the future of gaming. Below is an article talking about this years upcoming conference. Since we are on the verge of a new generation of consoles this should be interesting. In the history of gaming we have never had three systems competing at the same time.
Article
Article
Sunday, February 12, 2006
War and Rock Video Games Win Awards
War and Rock Video Games Win Awards
by Seth Schiesel, New York Times, 2/11/06
"God of War, a classic big-budget action game, shared the spotlight with Guitar Hero, the quirky, infectious rock 'n' roll dream maker, on Thursday night as the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences announced the winners of its 2005 video game awards. "
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has YET to post the complete lists of winners, but information about the award, past winners, and this years finalists are on the AIAS website at http://www.interactive.org/awards
Gamasutra of course, has the scoop on the winners and published the list on their blog at http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8121
by Seth Schiesel, New York Times, 2/11/06
"God of War, a classic big-budget action game, shared the spotlight with Guitar Hero, the quirky, infectious rock 'n' roll dream maker, on Thursday night as the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences announced the winners of its 2005 video game awards. "
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has YET to post the complete lists of winners, but information about the award, past winners, and this years finalists are on the AIAS website at http://www.interactive.org/awards
Gamasutra of course, has the scoop on the winners and published the list on their blog at http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8121
GDC Registration Reminder
Game Developer's Conference: Registration Announced
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the official trade event "by game developers for developers" of computer, console, mobile, arcade, online games, and location based entertainment. It runs March 20-24 2006 in San Jose, CA. Mobile Game Developers Conference and Serious Games Summit are concurrent. More than 300 events include speakers, sessions, tutorials, expo, Game Developers Choice Awards and more.
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is the official trade event "by game developers for developers" of computer, console, mobile, arcade, online games, and location based entertainment. It runs March 20-24 2006 in San Jose, CA. Mobile Game Developers Conference and Serious Games Summit are concurrent. More than 300 events include speakers, sessions, tutorials, expo, Game Developers Choice Awards and more.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Video Game News, February 11, 2006
Nintendo Expands DS networking
Seattle Post Intelligencer 2/10/06
"...Beginning in late March, the company plans to deploy electronic kiosks to thousands of U.S. retailers including Best Buy Co. Inc. and GameStop Corp.
Owners who bring their dual-screen DS near the kiosks will automatically receive a notice on their devices offering game demos, movie trailers and other content for temporary download..."
Over 20 Million Worldwide Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections
Game Info Wire 2/10/06
"...Nintendo's Wi-Fi gaming service has seen users skyrocket, with more than 20 million connections to the service and over 850,000 unique users worldwide in just over two months since it launched in November 2005..."
Seattle Post Intelligencer 2/10/06
"...Beginning in late March, the company plans to deploy electronic kiosks to thousands of U.S. retailers including Best Buy Co. Inc. and GameStop Corp.
Owners who bring their dual-screen DS near the kiosks will automatically receive a notice on their devices offering game demos, movie trailers and other content for temporary download..."
Over 20 Million Worldwide Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections
Game Info Wire 2/10/06
"...Nintendo's Wi-Fi gaming service has seen users skyrocket, with more than 20 million connections to the service and over 850,000 unique users worldwide in just over two months since it launched in November 2005..."
Friday, February 10, 2006
Gay Rights in Warcraft
Over the past week Blizzard has been facing some opposition from the GLBT community. It all began when a player began recruiting members for her guild. She was issued a warning, and told not to bring up a topic related to sensitive world issues. The player quickly responded by posting the events on the World of Warcraft forum, and news spread to video game blogs, a law firm, and then to the research community.
The issue has been resolved, but this has been a difficult time for all parties involved. This can remind us that it is important to fight for the rights of all of our patrons.
The issue has been resolved, but this has been a difficult time for all parties involved. This can remind us that it is important to fight for the rights of all of our patrons.
Video Game News, February 10, 2006
Clearing the Rap on Video Games
by Britt Peterson, Science and Theology News, 2/10/06
Participants at “Playing with Ethics: A Panel on Video Games,” a public event sponsored by the Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics discussed violent and sexually explicit games as well as their potential to teach positive ethics.
Protect Your Brain: Play Video Games
by Carolyn Abraham, GlobeandMail, 02/09/06
"Canadian researchers are finding evidence that the high-speed, multitasking of the young and wireless can help protect their brains from aging. . ."
by Britt Peterson, Science and Theology News, 2/10/06
Participants at “Playing with Ethics: A Panel on Video Games,” a public event sponsored by the Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics discussed violent and sexually explicit games as well as their potential to teach positive ethics.
Protect Your Brain: Play Video Games
by Carolyn Abraham, GlobeandMail, 02/09/06
"Canadian researchers are finding evidence that the high-speed, multitasking of the young and wireless can help protect their brains from aging. . ."
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Video Game News, February 9, 2006
Better Living Through Video Games?
By Carolyn Abraham, Globe and Mail 2/9/06
“When he snags downtime from his schoolwork, Ryerson University student Brad Evans gabs with friends, grooves to Kanye West on his MP3 player and races virtual hotrods on his Sony PlayStation. All at the same time.”
REVIEW: Powergrid Fitness: Working out while playing video games
By Hoyun, Popgadget 2/9/06
“The concept was simple and hugely promising: a whole body-engaging joystick that exercises and sculpts your body while you play video games.”
Video Games: Worth the Wait?
by Troy Wolverton, TheStreet.com 2/9/2006
“Investing in video-game stocks is starting to come down to a matter of faith.”
Christian Video Games
by Dana Rebik, KVAL 13 2/9/06
“The video gaming industry banked nine billion dollars in sales last year.”
Games Molding Military Minds
by Chris Mazzolini, Daily News 2/9/2006
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the last in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
“If it were real, Ajas Island wouldn’t be the safest place to go.”
By Carolyn Abraham, Globe and Mail 2/9/06
“When he snags downtime from his schoolwork, Ryerson University student Brad Evans gabs with friends, grooves to Kanye West on his MP3 player and races virtual hotrods on his Sony PlayStation. All at the same time.”
REVIEW: Powergrid Fitness: Working out while playing video games
By Hoyun, Popgadget 2/9/06
“The concept was simple and hugely promising: a whole body-engaging joystick that exercises and sculpts your body while you play video games.”
Video Games: Worth the Wait?
by Troy Wolverton, TheStreet.com 2/9/2006
“Investing in video-game stocks is starting to come down to a matter of faith.”
Christian Video Games
by Dana Rebik, KVAL 13 2/9/06
“The video gaming industry banked nine billion dollars in sales last year.”
Games Molding Military Minds
by Chris Mazzolini, Daily News 2/9/2006
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the last in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
“If it were real, Ajas Island wouldn’t be the safest place to go.”
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Video Game News, February 8, 2006
Advertising to Tweens: The Gaming Market
by GameDailyBiz, 2/6/06
"While the in-game advertisers and much of the industry are constantly looking for ways to capture the elusive 18-34 year-old audience, marketing firm Smashing Ideas has put its focus on the kid and "tween" market..."
Video Games: Do Girls Rule?
by Kristina Wells, Times Herald-Record 2/6/06
"Washingtonville - As if boys aren't lagging behind enough already, the last bastion of boyhood - video gaming - is falling into softer hands."
Games as Sport
New York Times, 2/5/06
The Times looks at the field of cyberathletes.
Neopets. . .The Movie?
by Mark Beall, Cinematical, 2/7/06
". . .the thought that we have to forcibly remove something from its approriate medium (a medium in which is does very well) and jam it into another medium where it only sort of fits . . ."
Red Cross Wants Logo Out of Violent Video Games
by Randy Boswell The Vancouver Sun 2/8/06
"The Canadian Red Cross is warning the video game industry that use of the humanitarian organization's famous emblem in simulated combat is illegal and may be eroding the "protective value'' of the symbol in real-life war zones..."
Investigators: Video Games Not Linked to Shooting
by Maggie Rotermund, Baxter Bulletin 2/8/06
"Investigators have found no evidence that video games played any role in Jacob Robida's killing of Gassville Reserve Police Officer Jim Sell..."
Upcoming 360 Game Requires Hard Drive
by Matt, Planet Xbox 360 2/7/06
"Any game that required a hard drive would not be playable by the Core package owners, as that package doesnt come with the hard-drive..."
Massive Inc: Stay in School
by Kris Graft, Next Generation 2/6/06
"Massive Inc., provider of in-game dynamic advertising, will be featuring a series of public service announcements encouraging kids to stay in school..."
Making a Living in Second Life
by Kathleen Craig, Wired News 2/8/06
"...Michigan furniture delivery dispatcher turned fashion designer in cyber space, never imagined that she could make a living in a video game..."
Video Game Technology More Than Just Recreation
by Diane Mouskourie, Daily News 2/8/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"Robie Jr. looks like R2D2, the droid made famous in a series of “Star Wars” movies stretching from 1977 to today."
by GameDailyBiz, 2/6/06
"While the in-game advertisers and much of the industry are constantly looking for ways to capture the elusive 18-34 year-old audience, marketing firm Smashing Ideas has put its focus on the kid and "tween" market..."
Video Games: Do Girls Rule?
by Kristina Wells, Times Herald-Record 2/6/06
"Washingtonville - As if boys aren't lagging behind enough already, the last bastion of boyhood - video gaming - is falling into softer hands."
Games as Sport
New York Times, 2/5/06
The Times looks at the field of cyberathletes.
Neopets. . .The Movie?
by Mark Beall, Cinematical, 2/7/06
". . .the thought that we have to forcibly remove something from its approriate medium (a medium in which is does very well) and jam it into another medium where it only sort of fits . . ."
Red Cross Wants Logo Out of Violent Video Games
by Randy Boswell The Vancouver Sun 2/8/06
"The Canadian Red Cross is warning the video game industry that use of the humanitarian organization's famous emblem in simulated combat is illegal and may be eroding the "protective value'' of the symbol in real-life war zones..."
Investigators: Video Games Not Linked to Shooting
by Maggie Rotermund, Baxter Bulletin 2/8/06
"Investigators have found no evidence that video games played any role in Jacob Robida's killing of Gassville Reserve Police Officer Jim Sell..."
Upcoming 360 Game Requires Hard Drive
by Matt, Planet Xbox 360 2/7/06
"Any game that required a hard drive would not be playable by the Core package owners, as that package doesnt come with the hard-drive..."
Massive Inc: Stay in School
by Kris Graft, Next Generation 2/6/06
"Massive Inc., provider of in-game dynamic advertising, will be featuring a series of public service announcements encouraging kids to stay in school..."
Making a Living in Second Life
by Kathleen Craig, Wired News 2/8/06
"...Michigan furniture delivery dispatcher turned fashion designer in cyber space, never imagined that she could make a living in a video game..."
Video Game Technology More Than Just Recreation
by Diane Mouskourie, Daily News 2/8/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"Robie Jr. looks like R2D2, the droid made famous in a series of “Star Wars” movies stretching from 1977 to today."
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Video Game News, February 7, 2006
Escapist Magazine, Issue #31: In the Hands of the Enemy
View abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com
Girls into Video Games - Big in 2006
by Joanne Kelly, Irish Development Network 2/6/06
"Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry group predicts that search will displace email as the most used digital application, girls will hit the video games, and subscription radio will soar in 2006."
An Ode to the Video Games of the Past
by Joe DeMartino, The Daily Northwestern 2/7/06
"My brother, who I’m ashamed to admit is a much better gamer than I am, recently met his match."
Gamers Inhabit A Virtual World of Reality
by Daniel McNamara, Daily News 2/6/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"By day, Dave Anderson is a regional manager for Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership where he supervises the various goings-on of your average rent-to-own business."
Industry Numbers Show She’s Got Game, Too
by Chissy Ingram, Daily News 2/7/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"Anja Bauer isn’t ashamed to admit that she loves to play Scooby Doo on her home gaming system."
Balancing Your Second Life
by Pat Miller, Escapist Magazine #31 2/7/06
"Second Life constantly endures comparison to the Metaverse of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, and with good reason; instead of providing a goal-oriented space for people who play a game a la EverQuest, Second Life is simply a place for people to do what they do in their flesh and blood lives. Some people will work, and some people will play."
Best Thompson Game Yet?
EuroGamer 2/6/06
"Three alcoholics have teamed up with a foreign exchange student to meet the game design challenge posed by notorious anti-videogame campaigner Jack Thompson."
View abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com
Girls into Video Games - Big in 2006
by Joanne Kelly, Irish Development Network 2/6/06
"Deloitte's Technology, Media & Telecommunications industry group predicts that search will displace email as the most used digital application, girls will hit the video games, and subscription radio will soar in 2006."
An Ode to the Video Games of the Past
by Joe DeMartino, The Daily Northwestern 2/7/06
"My brother, who I’m ashamed to admit is a much better gamer than I am, recently met his match."
Gamers Inhabit A Virtual World of Reality
by Daniel McNamara, Daily News 2/6/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"By day, Dave Anderson is a regional manager for Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership where he supervises the various goings-on of your average rent-to-own business."
Industry Numbers Show She’s Got Game, Too
by Chissy Ingram, Daily News 2/7/06
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
"Anja Bauer isn’t ashamed to admit that she loves to play Scooby Doo on her home gaming system."
Balancing Your Second Life
by Pat Miller, Escapist Magazine #31 2/7/06
"Second Life constantly endures comparison to the Metaverse of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, and with good reason; instead of providing a goal-oriented space for people who play a game a la EverQuest, Second Life is simply a place for people to do what they do in their flesh and blood lives. Some people will work, and some people will play."
Best Thompson Game Yet?
EuroGamer 2/6/06
"Three alcoholics have teamed up with a foreign exchange student to meet the game design challenge posed by notorious anti-videogame campaigner Jack Thompson."
Monday, February 06, 2006
Video Game News, February 6, 2006
As The Audience Grew Up, So Did Their Video Games
by Daniel McNamara The Daily News 2/5/2006
"This is the first in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
A pair of Italian-American siblings waged war against evil mushrooms and flying turtles amid the gurgle and chime of an improbably catchy theme song..."
Microsoft Execs Respect Nintendo
Aussie-Nintendo.com 2/5/06
"...Microsoft executives Bill Gates and Peter Moore have given their opinions, albeit brief, on Nintendo's Revolution controller..."
Moore's Law: What Does Peter Moore Think of The Xbox 360's Past, Present and Future?
by Dan "Shoe" Hsu 1up 2/19/06
"... The consumer only sees the end product on the shelf, but boy, there's an incredible amount of work that went into that..."
Nintendo Applies for Voice to Text Software Patent
by Humphrey Cheung T4 Daily 2/4/06
"...you speak normally and have the software convert the speech into text..."
Voice-to-Text Chat Conversion for Remote Video Game Play
Darren C. Smith US Patent & Trademark Office filed 7/29/04
"...a video game chat capability with voice-to-text conversion that identifies characteristics of the player's speech and selects text display formatting based on such identified characteristics..."
Nontransferable save game data (Xbox 360 annoyance #013)
by James Ransom-Wiley Joystiq 2/6/06
"...PDZ data cannot be transferred between devices..."
The Good of Games
modulo26 2/3/06
"...Games are primarily thought of as purely recreational activities. Because of this categorization, parents often consider game playing a ‘waste of time’. With video games, parents’ arguments have expanded. Many feel not only that video games are a waste of time but also that they expose children to mature content such as sex and violence.
Despite these claims to the contrary, games are not a waste of time—nor are they only for children..."
Cultural Choices of Video Game Platforms
by Joe Pilotta iMedia Connection 2/6/06
"...results are from BIGresearch’s Simultaneous Media Study VII, with over 15,000 participants, conducted during December 2005..."
by Daniel McNamara The Daily News 2/5/2006
"This is the first in a five-part series looking at the evolution of video games.
A pair of Italian-American siblings waged war against evil mushrooms and flying turtles amid the gurgle and chime of an improbably catchy theme song..."
Microsoft Execs Respect Nintendo
Aussie-Nintendo.com 2/5/06
"...Microsoft executives Bill Gates and Peter Moore have given their opinions, albeit brief, on Nintendo's Revolution controller..."
Moore's Law: What Does Peter Moore Think of The Xbox 360's Past, Present and Future?
by Dan "Shoe" Hsu 1up 2/19/06
"... The consumer only sees the end product on the shelf, but boy, there's an incredible amount of work that went into that..."
Nintendo Applies for Voice to Text Software Patent
by Humphrey Cheung T4 Daily 2/4/06
"...you speak normally and have the software convert the speech into text..."
Voice-to-Text Chat Conversion for Remote Video Game Play
Darren C. Smith US Patent & Trademark Office filed 7/29/04
"...a video game chat capability with voice-to-text conversion that identifies characteristics of the player's speech and selects text display formatting based on such identified characteristics..."
Nontransferable save game data (Xbox 360 annoyance #013)
by James Ransom-Wiley Joystiq 2/6/06
"...PDZ data cannot be transferred between devices..."
The Good of Games
modulo26 2/3/06
"...Games are primarily thought of as purely recreational activities. Because of this categorization, parents often consider game playing a ‘waste of time’. With video games, parents’ arguments have expanded. Many feel not only that video games are a waste of time but also that they expose children to mature content such as sex and violence.
Despite these claims to the contrary, games are not a waste of time—nor are they only for children..."
Cultural Choices of Video Game Platforms
by Joe Pilotta iMedia Connection 2/6/06
"...results are from BIGresearch’s Simultaneous Media Study VII, with over 15,000 participants, conducted during December 2005..."
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Fatherhood skills gained from playing RPG's?
This is a post from Corante (http://www.corante.com/) that I just had to share. Andrew Phelps is an assistant professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, NY. He is the founding faculty member of the Game Programming Concentration within the Department of Information Technology. While attending a recent educational conference he began to ponder his fairly new found role as a father, and how he approaches that role and certain tasks that specifically pertain to it. He then begins to draw a correlation to his role and work as a father to his long standing skill development in playing RPG's. It is a facinating reflection, especially as it pertains to the transference of skills from a leisure activity to real life.
~Matt
~Matt
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Eden Branch of Rockingham County (NC) Public Library Adds Video Game Collection
The Eden Branch of the Rockingham County (NC) Public Library unveiled their new collection of XBox, PS2 & PC beginning Monday February 6. Read the press release on the library's website at http://www.rcpl.org/index.html or the newspaper article below.
Video Game Fever Between the Stacks
by Christina Jeffries, News Record.com 2/4/06
"Starting Monday, visitors at the Eden Library will be able to check out video games like ESPN2 football, basketball games, snowboarding and even Shrek, the game."
Video Game Fever Between the Stacks
by Christina Jeffries, News Record.com 2/4/06
"Starting Monday, visitors at the Eden Library will be able to check out video games like ESPN2 football, basketball games, snowboarding and even Shrek, the game."
Video Games News, February 4, 2006
Declining Market Gets Brainy Boost: New games bring more people to video consoles
by Taiga Uranaka, The Japan Times 2/3/06
"There may be no monsters to slay or racing cars to spin, but new video games that claim to stimulate the brain or translate languages are being snapped up by a new crowd of gamers."
No Strong Link Seen Between Violent Video Games and Aggression
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2/3/06
"Contrary to popular opinion and most previous research, the new study found that players ' robust exposure” to a highly violent online game did not cause any substantial real-world aggression."
and
"Games are about solving problems, and it should tell us something that kids race home from school where they are often bored to get on games and solve problems. Clearly we need to capture that lightning in a bottle."
Boy, 15, Aped Video Games in Hit-and-Run
The Yomiuri Shimbun 2/4/06
"A 15-year-old boy arrested here in December on suspicion of recklessly driving a car without a license and fleeing the scene after injuring six people told police he wanted to use techniques he had learned from video racing games."
Profit Drops 31% at Top Maker of Video Games
AP 2/3/06
"SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 2 (AP) — Electronic Arts, America's largest video game publisher, reported significantly lower profit on Thursday and missed already downgraded expectations. A day after it laid off several hundred workers..."
Neverwinter Nights in Alberta: Conceptions of Narrativity through Fantasy Role-Playing Games in a Graduate Classroom
by Sean Gouglas, Stefan Sinclair, Olaf Ellefson, and Scott Sharplin, Innovate Online, Feb/Mar 2006
"ABSTRACT: Most humanities courses rarely require students to create the kinds of work they are studying. Sean Gouglas, Stéfan Sinclair, Olaf Ellefson, and Scott Sharplin outline the value of this rare experience by describing an assignment in their graduate humanities computing course in which students examined hypermedia narratives by authoring a Neverwinter Nights game module, a 10-minute unedited digital video, and a Web-based Flash assignment. Their first-hand experience sparked connections to narrative theory, examinations of software limitations, and the suitability of types of narrative to each formate. The range of narratives—and critical perspectives about those narratives—is, the authors feel, an indication that the assignment provided deep insights into the place of narrative in new media."
Teachers' Perceptions of Video Games: MMOGs and the Future of Preservice Teacher Education
by P. G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young, Innovate Online, Feb/Mar 2006
"ABSTRACT: P.G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young examine how preservice teachers' personal experiences with video games inform their views of gaming in the classroom. They link the results of their study to current literature and conclude that preservice teachers' experiences steer them away from game genres such as massively multiplayer online games and toward using games as rewards. The solution, the authors conclude, is to provide preservice teachers with new experiences in their training programs that make them aware of the educational potential of games in the classroom."
Libary displays history of video game exhibit
by Jacqueline Kuder, Arizona Daily Wildcat Online 2/4/06
"...The exhibit at Special Collections is a small part of the changing environment of gaming,..."
Video game fever between the stacks
by Cynthia Jeffries, News-Record.com 2/4/06
"...Two months ago, Greensboro Public Library hired an outreach teen librarian to look at ways of getting more teenagers into the branches.."
How Joysticks Work
by Tom Harris howstuffworks accessed 2/3/06
"Joysticks pull off a really neat trick. They take something entirely physical -- the movement of your hand -- and translate it into something entirely mathematical..."
Developer Replacing Stolen Games
Koaku 2/3/06
"After reading our story abo[someone]me shits stealing gaming equipment from a childrenÂ’s ward in a Glasgow hospital, someone from a well-known company based in Scotland contacted Kotaku to let us know that he was going to be making things right..."
Friday factoid II: 45 PS3 titles for 2006
by vladimir Cole Joystiq 2/3/06
"...the list of 45 titles that are expected to be released for the PS3 this year..."
InfoWorld
1/27/06
"...One device in Google's crosshairs is Sony's PSP game platform. "There's like five million of those in the U.S. now, they've all got Wi-Fi in them. We're trying to do what we can to make those devices able to log on to this network," Sacca said..."
James Cameron's Game Theory
Business Week Online 2/13/06
"Get kids hooked on a multiplayer game, then show them the movie..."
by Taiga Uranaka, The Japan Times 2/3/06
"There may be no monsters to slay or racing cars to spin, but new video games that claim to stimulate the brain or translate languages are being snapped up by a new crowd of gamers."
No Strong Link Seen Between Violent Video Games and Aggression
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2/3/06
"Contrary to popular opinion and most previous research, the new study found that players ' robust exposure” to a highly violent online game did not cause any substantial real-world aggression."
and
"Games are about solving problems, and it should tell us something that kids race home from school where they are often bored to get on games and solve problems. Clearly we need to capture that lightning in a bottle."
Boy, 15, Aped Video Games in Hit-and-Run
The Yomiuri Shimbun 2/4/06
"A 15-year-old boy arrested here in December on suspicion of recklessly driving a car without a license and fleeing the scene after injuring six people told police he wanted to use techniques he had learned from video racing games."
Profit Drops 31% at Top Maker of Video Games
AP 2/3/06
"SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 2 (AP) — Electronic Arts, America's largest video game publisher, reported significantly lower profit on Thursday and missed already downgraded expectations. A day after it laid off several hundred workers..."
Neverwinter Nights in Alberta: Conceptions of Narrativity through Fantasy Role-Playing Games in a Graduate Classroom
by Sean Gouglas, Stefan Sinclair, Olaf Ellefson, and Scott Sharplin, Innovate Online, Feb/Mar 2006
"ABSTRACT: Most humanities courses rarely require students to create the kinds of work they are studying. Sean Gouglas, Stéfan Sinclair, Olaf Ellefson, and Scott Sharplin outline the value of this rare experience by describing an assignment in their graduate humanities computing course in which students examined hypermedia narratives by authoring a Neverwinter Nights game module, a 10-minute unedited digital video, and a Web-based Flash assignment. Their first-hand experience sparked connections to narrative theory, examinations of software limitations, and the suitability of types of narrative to each formate. The range of narratives—and critical perspectives about those narratives—is, the authors feel, an indication that the assignment provided deep insights into the place of narrative in new media."
Teachers' Perceptions of Video Games: MMOGs and the Future of Preservice Teacher Education
by P. G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young, Innovate Online, Feb/Mar 2006
"ABSTRACT: P.G. Schrader, Dongping Zheng, and Michael Young examine how preservice teachers' personal experiences with video games inform their views of gaming in the classroom. They link the results of their study to current literature and conclude that preservice teachers' experiences steer them away from game genres such as massively multiplayer online games and toward using games as rewards. The solution, the authors conclude, is to provide preservice teachers with new experiences in their training programs that make them aware of the educational potential of games in the classroom."
Libary displays history of video game exhibit
by Jacqueline Kuder, Arizona Daily Wildcat Online 2/4/06
"...The exhibit at Special Collections is a small part of the changing environment of gaming,..."
Video game fever between the stacks
by Cynthia Jeffries, News-Record.com 2/4/06
"...Two months ago, Greensboro Public Library hired an outreach teen librarian to look at ways of getting more teenagers into the branches.."
How Joysticks Work
by Tom Harris howstuffworks accessed 2/3/06
"Joysticks pull off a really neat trick. They take something entirely physical -- the movement of your hand -- and translate it into something entirely mathematical..."
Developer Replacing Stolen Games
Koaku 2/3/06
"After reading our story abo[someone]me shits stealing gaming equipment from a childrenÂ’s ward in a Glasgow hospital, someone from a well-known company based in Scotland contacted Kotaku to let us know that he was going to be making things right..."
Friday factoid II: 45 PS3 titles for 2006
by vladimir Cole Joystiq 2/3/06
"...the list of 45 titles that are expected to be released for the PS3 this year..."
InfoWorld
1/27/06
"...One device in Google's crosshairs is Sony's PSP game platform. "There's like five million of those in the U.S. now, they've all got Wi-Fi in them. We're trying to do what we can to make those devices able to log on to this network," Sacca said..."
James Cameron's Game Theory
Business Week Online 2/13/06
"Get kids hooked on a multiplayer game, then show them the movie..."
Friday, February 03, 2006
Video Game News, February 3, 2006
Nintendo Revolution - First screenshots and classic launch games-Rumor
by Chris Cavanaugh Classic Gamer Magazine
"...images and info on potential launch games..."
I enjoy playing a girl<.font>
by Chris Dahlen The Escapist Issue #30
"...we're more impressed by the complicated but confident geek girls, who actually talked to us in the library and always seemed more sure of themselves than the rest of school, no matter who teased them..."
Tomorrow's games, designed by players as they play
by John Borland CNET News.com 2/2/06
"...the idea that consumers have a virtually infinite appetite for customized entertainment and are willing to invest both time and money in tailoring their own experience is rippling through the media world far beyond gaming with deep financial consequences...
by Chris Cavanaugh Classic Gamer Magazine
"...images and info on potential launch games..."
I enjoy playing a girl<.font>
by Chris Dahlen The Escapist Issue #30
"...we're more impressed by the complicated but confident geek girls, who actually talked to us in the library and always seemed more sure of themselves than the rest of school, no matter who teased them..."
Tomorrow's games, designed by players as they play
by John Borland CNET News.com 2/2/06
"...the idea that consumers have a virtually infinite appetite for customized entertainment and are willing to invest both time and money in tailoring their own experience is rippling through the media world far beyond gaming with deep financial consequences...
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Video Game News, February 2, 2006
The 'Transamaerica' of Video games
by Harold Goldberg Village Voice 2/1/06
"It's not technologically cool or advanced. Its 2D, side-scrolling graphics are old school..."
Games consoles stolen from kid's hopital ward
EveningTimes Online 02/2/06
"...nurses at the hospital have launched a fundraising drive to replace the PlayStations and video games..."
Datel's Xbox 360 4GB hard drive
by Paul Miller engadget 2/2/06
"...it's "100% Xbox 360 compatible," but so is every other external USB drive..."
Electronic Arts cuts staff by 5 percent
by Curt Feldman, Tor Thorsen Gamespot News 2/1/06
"World's biggest publisher confirms major layoffs as more than 300 employees across three studios see pink..."
by Harold Goldberg Village Voice 2/1/06
"It's not technologically cool or advanced. Its 2D, side-scrolling graphics are old school..."
Games consoles stolen from kid's hopital ward
EveningTimes Online 02/2/06
"...nurses at the hospital have launched a fundraising drive to replace the PlayStations and video games..."
Datel's Xbox 360 4GB hard drive
by Paul Miller engadget 2/2/06
"...it's "100% Xbox 360 compatible," but so is every other external USB drive..."
Electronic Arts cuts staff by 5 percent
by Curt Feldman, Tor Thorsen Gamespot News 2/1/06
"World's biggest publisher confirms major layoffs as more than 300 employees across three studios see pink..."
The Video Game Librarian: It's The End of the Year As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
"It has been one year since the "Great Video Game Experiment" was started at the public library where I work. And in those twelve months I'd have to say it has gone as good as anyone could have hoped. In the end, the numbers don't lie, and a success is all this experiment can be called."
That's the opening paragraph from the latest Video Game Librarian article, where I give an overview of what the first year of circulating PS2 games was like. I've also gincluded a list of the Top 10 Highest Circulating Games that looks a little something like this:
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2 (tie). Spider-Man 2
2 (tie). Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
2 (tie). Scaler
5. Men in Black II: Alien Escape
6 (tie). Viewtiful Joe
6 (tie). Tony Hawk's Underground 2
6 (tie). Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
9 (tie). Katamari Damacy
9 (tie). Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Feedback is always appreciated.
That's the opening paragraph from the latest Video Game Librarian article, where I give an overview of what the first year of circulating PS2 games was like. I've also gincluded a list of the Top 10 Highest Circulating Games that looks a little something like this:
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
2 (tie). Spider-Man 2
2 (tie). Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4
2 (tie). Scaler
5. Men in Black II: Alien Escape
6 (tie). Viewtiful Joe
6 (tie). Tony Hawk's Underground 2
6 (tie). Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
9 (tie). Katamari Damacy
9 (tie). Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Feedback is always appreciated.
Games Learning and Society
The registration for GLS is now available. Sponsored by the university of Wisconsin-Madison and the Academic ADL Co-Lab. This conference will feature research in the area of video games. Last year presenters ranged from professional game designers, Student researchers, and professors from the University. This is the second year for this conference, which was a sell out last year. If you plan to go make sure you pre-register.
I am #5187-3240.
Hope to see you there
I am #5187-3240.
Hope to see you there
American Indian's Boycott Gun
Gun, developed by Neversoft, is set in the old west. In an attempt to breathe life into the genre, designers have developed a game molded after the John Wayne model, stereotypes and all. The only problem with this, is that the model is flawed. The stereotypes the game embodies represent "whiteman's" perspective on the Native Americans without the ever important discussion of the Native Americans point of view. This has upset the Association for American Indian Development.
In an effort to protest the negative response caused by these images, they have organized a boycott. I admire their efforts, but it seems the real issue is a miscommunication caused the image. This is where libraries come in. We can place displays of Native American accounts and "Cowboy" narratives on display to foster the sharing of accurate knowledge.
The American Indian's boycotting this will inevitably draw more attention to the game, probably causing its sales to go up instead of decline. As an American citizen I believe in the rights of everyone, and freedom from "Derogatory , Harmful and Inaccurate Depictions". As a relation to an Indian tribe I am concerned with the stereotypes of Native Americans in "Westerns." Just as concerned as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans are with the stereotypes of their heritage.
This boycott may do little to change Gun, but it will start to change the Game Design World. Already talks have been held about the role art and marketing plays in reinforcing conventions of the past.
In an effort to protest the negative response caused by these images, they have organized a boycott. I admire their efforts, but it seems the real issue is a miscommunication caused the image. This is where libraries come in. We can place displays of Native American accounts and "Cowboy" narratives on display to foster the sharing of accurate knowledge.
The American Indian's boycotting this will inevitably draw more attention to the game, probably causing its sales to go up instead of decline. As an American citizen I believe in the rights of everyone, and freedom from "Derogatory , Harmful and Inaccurate Depictions". As a relation to an Indian tribe I am concerned with the stereotypes of Native Americans in "Westerns." Just as concerned as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans are with the stereotypes of their heritage.
This boycott may do little to change Gun, but it will start to change the Game Design World. Already talks have been held about the role art and marketing plays in reinforcing conventions of the past.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Video Game News , February 1, 2006
Video Games Now Part Of P.E. At Local School
Kansas City Channel 9 2/1/06
Video games are now being used in physical education classes at Woodland Elementary School.
A Gaming Dialogue Editorial Review
by Caley "Ridiculous Foilist" Anderson, NetJak 2/1/06
"Objection: Video games are “low media.” They are frequently mind-numbing, shallow, and otherwise worthless. They are a simple distraction, escapism from “real life,” and ought not to be played."
EDITORIAL: Speed Kills, Not Video Games
by gypsyman, BlogCritics 2/1/06
"Last Tuesday night, January 24th, a wealthy and exclusive residential neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada was witness to an event that's growing in popularity among North American teens: street racing."
Kansas City Channel 9 2/1/06
Video games are now being used in physical education classes at Woodland Elementary School.
A Gaming Dialogue Editorial Review
by Caley "Ridiculous Foilist" Anderson, NetJak 2/1/06
"Objection: Video games are “low media.” They are frequently mind-numbing, shallow, and otherwise worthless. They are a simple distraction, escapism from “real life,” and ought not to be played."
EDITORIAL: Speed Kills, Not Video Games
by gypsyman, BlogCritics 2/1/06
"Last Tuesday night, January 24th, a wealthy and exclusive residential neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada was witness to an event that's growing in popularity among North American teens: street racing."
Game Clock
Ok, it's not a video game, but still! I don't know if this would be cool, or really annoying.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
