The Escapist, Issue # 47: Office Space, is now available at . Read abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Avatar-Based Marketing
by Paul Hemp, Harvard Business Review June 2006
"Residents spend—in Linden dollars, the local currency, available at in-world ATMs—the equivalent of $5 million a month on resident-to-resident transactions for in-world products and services. Certainly, introducing real-world brands, in some form or another, is a logical next step."
Boys Exhibit High Literacy skills with video games: Researchers claim students' literate lives not being recognized
Vancouver Sun 5/31/06
"Teachers and parents who dismiss video game playing as a futile and even dangerous pastime for boys are failing them, new literacy research suggests."
New Law Concerning Violent Video Games
KOTV 6 5/31/06
"Governor Brad Henry is expected to sign a bill this week that would restrict the access of children to violent video games. The question is what's violent?"
Nintendo Rebrands Games for Wider Demographic Appeal
by Jennifer LeClaire, TechNewsWorld 05/31/06
"In a move to appeal to a wider audience, Nintendo Latest News about Nintendo is rebranding a portion of its line of handheld gaming titles...the Touch Generations brand will include titles that anyone can pick up and play, even with little or no experience with video games."
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
The Next Big Bang: Man Meets Machine
Pathfinder Linden from Second Life points to this article in regards to the following: "I think it would be therapeutic to use BrainGate to give paralyzed patients a chance to walk and fly in a virtual world as well as
communicate with other people around the world. It could give them
freedoms they lack in the physical world as well as reduce their real life
isolation."
communicate with other people around the world. It could give them
freedoms they lack in the physical world as well as reduce their real life
isolation."
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Video Game News, May 25-28
Sorry for being so spotty with the news - playing Second Life!
Study: Video Games Can Help Cut Surgical Errors
Reuters 5/24/06
"Surgeons who warmed up by playing video games like "Super Monkey Ball" for 20 minutes immediately prior to performing surgical drills were faster and made fewer errors than those who did not..."
Anti-Hispanic Video Games Spread on Internet: 'Shoot To Kill' Games A Recruitment Tool For Extremists
Infozine, 5/25/06
"America's immigration debate has led to the spread of video games on the Internet where Hispanics are caricaturized, stereotyped, shown as objects for derision and hate ... even used for target practice."
Video Games Get So Real They Almost Talk Back
by Dean Takahashi, Knight Ridder Newspaper 5/28/06
"While some game designers, particularly those at Nintendo, are perfectly happy with cartoonish or stylized art, others have pursued the goal of completely simulating real life in video games."
Video Games and Movies Are Busy Cross-Pollinating
by Eric Gwinn, Chicago Tribune 5/26/06
"Last weekend's box-office champ, The DaVinci Code, is already on TV--in the form of a video game."
Blog: Why No Indie Games?
by JJ Sutherland, NPR/Mixed Signal 5/26/06
"With Final Fantasy XIII coming out, do you wonder why original video games don't seem to come along as often as they used to?"
Study: Kids Get Slight Work-Out Playing Video Games
by Michael Park, Fox News 5/7/06
"In fact, according to the report, playing video games provides a slight physical workout and is not nearly as sedentary a non-activity as watching television."
Study: Video Games Can Help Cut Surgical Errors
Reuters 5/24/06
"Surgeons who warmed up by playing video games like "Super Monkey Ball" for 20 minutes immediately prior to performing surgical drills were faster and made fewer errors than those who did not..."
Anti-Hispanic Video Games Spread on Internet: 'Shoot To Kill' Games A Recruitment Tool For Extremists
Infozine, 5/25/06
"America's immigration debate has led to the spread of video games on the Internet where Hispanics are caricaturized, stereotyped, shown as objects for derision and hate ... even used for target practice."
Video Games Get So Real They Almost Talk Back
by Dean Takahashi, Knight Ridder Newspaper 5/28/06
"While some game designers, particularly those at Nintendo, are perfectly happy with cartoonish or stylized art, others have pursued the goal of completely simulating real life in video games."
Video Games and Movies Are Busy Cross-Pollinating
by Eric Gwinn, Chicago Tribune 5/26/06
"Last weekend's box-office champ, The DaVinci Code, is already on TV--in the form of a video game."
Blog: Why No Indie Games?
by JJ Sutherland, NPR/Mixed Signal 5/26/06
"With Final Fantasy XIII coming out, do you wonder why original video games don't seem to come along as often as they used to?"
Study: Kids Get Slight Work-Out Playing Video Games
by Michael Park, Fox News 5/7/06
"In fact, according to the report, playing video games provides a slight physical workout and is not nearly as sedentary a non-activity as watching television."
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Media Immersion Pods-Tokyo
'Tokyo's grand temples of informia. . . computers, TV's, video games and every other entertainment of the electronic age . . .'
Friday, May 26, 2006
Choose Respect Campaign
Teens are encouraged to build healthy relationships by the CDC. Online games, podcasts, video posters, and public service announcements are part of the campaign. Here's a description of how the music video works: "Direct your own music video with the CHOOSE RESPECT game! For every question you answer correctly about dating abuse, you get two video clips to add to your video. Choose backgrounds and colors for the clips; mix your sound track with rhythms, instruments, and vocals. Play your masterpiece and save it online to share with others."
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Collectable Card Games/ Tradable Card Games
A introduction to CCGs in eight links
- Wikipedia Article
A collectable card game uses cards to represent different elements in a game. This article explains what this genre is for anyone unfamiliar with this type of game
- Magic
The most popular, and one of the first Collectable Card games was Magic. Created by Wizards of the Coast in the 1970s this game is still played by many gamers, and know to everyone. This tutorial takes the visitor through the different terms used by gamers, with short explanations of the meanings.
- Board Game Geek
This is a fan based review site for all table top games. One category is Card Games, which highlights every CCG/TCG made, with comments from players, and general descriptions of the specific game.
- Decipher
One of the many companies that creates games is Decipher. They make Star wars TCG and Lord of the Rings. This site explains how to play a CCG. Following the step by step guide will give a visitor a sense of how most CCGs are played.
- Game of Thrones
Most CCGs are more than just decks and rules. Most of the games have elaborate stories that influence the production of cards. Game of Thrones, Legend of the Five Rings, and Magi-Nation” are all examples of games with a strong sense of story.
- Pokemon
A collectable card game popular with younger players. This game has been the now despised first game for a large portion of the CCG community. This site has an online tutorial that demonstrates game play visually, and audibly.
- Dragon Ball Z
Another game many gamers begin with is Dragon Ball Z. Like Pokèmon, it is part of a merchandise franchise. The CCG is not very respected, but the tutorial explains many of the same mechanics found in other CCGs. This would be another tutorial usable in addition to the previously mentioned
- CCG Workshop
This site features downloadable software that allows players to play their favorite games with out the limitations of rare cards, or lack of players. While allowing players to create dream decks to compete and keep games alive after the company bankrupts, this service does cost, but no more than a monthly fee to Everquest or World of Warcraft
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Video Game News, May 23, 2006
The Escapist, Issue #46: Escape from E3, is now available at http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/46! Read abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Video Game News, May 22, 2006
Video Games | Who needs controllers? Control games with a flick of your wrist
by Mike Antonucci, Knight Ridder Newspapers 5/18/06
"Here are 10 things that stood out last week at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, where digital artists, technology experts and women in comic-book costumes showed off the full range of the industry's personality."
Video Games A Productive Way to Play
SooNews Wire 5/21/06
"All that time your teenager is spending playing video games, isn't going to waste, says Andrew Mactavish, assistant professor of multimedia at McMaster University."
Game Over: Are video games affecting your child?
by Brien T. Boyce, ZWire 05/21/2006
"Twenty years ago, fictional scenes of graphic sex and violence were only seen at the movies or on cable television. Not any more. Now, some wonder what today's video games are doing to tomorrow's future."
Study downplays link of video games to violence
by Gaby Hinsliff, The Observer 5/21/06
"Playing computer games may actually be good for children, according to a government study that found no proof that even violent games triggered aggressive behaviour."
Cadillac Joins Xbox Live
by Robert Levine, the New York Times, 5/22/06
Cadillac is one of the first companies to advertise on Xbox Live.
Columbine Video Game Generating Controversy
by Jose Antonio Vargas, the Seattle Times, 5/21/06
Even though the game has been out for over a year, it's generating more controversy now because bloggers are bringing it to the forefront.
Hit TV Show to be Made into Video Game
by Jonathan Silverstein, 5/22/06
Ubisoft will release the 'Lost' video game sometime next year for home and handheld consoles as well as PCs.
Games for Change Annual Conference
June 27-28, New York
"Using Digital Games for Social Change." Author Steven Johnson, Everything Bad is Good for You and Bob Kerrey, President of The New School are featured speakers.
by Mike Antonucci, Knight Ridder Newspapers 5/18/06
"Here are 10 things that stood out last week at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, where digital artists, technology experts and women in comic-book costumes showed off the full range of the industry's personality."
Video Games A Productive Way to Play
SooNews Wire 5/21/06
"All that time your teenager is spending playing video games, isn't going to waste, says Andrew Mactavish, assistant professor of multimedia at McMaster University."
Game Over: Are video games affecting your child?
by Brien T. Boyce, ZWire 05/21/2006
"Twenty years ago, fictional scenes of graphic sex and violence were only seen at the movies or on cable television. Not any more. Now, some wonder what today's video games are doing to tomorrow's future."
Study downplays link of video games to violence
by Gaby Hinsliff, The Observer 5/21/06
"Playing computer games may actually be good for children, according to a government study that found no proof that even violent games triggered aggressive behaviour."
Cadillac Joins Xbox Live
by Robert Levine, the New York Times, 5/22/06
Cadillac is one of the first companies to advertise on Xbox Live.
Columbine Video Game Generating Controversy
by Jose Antonio Vargas, the Seattle Times, 5/21/06
Even though the game has been out for over a year, it's generating more controversy now because bloggers are bringing it to the forefront.
Hit TV Show to be Made into Video Game
by Jonathan Silverstein, 5/22/06
Ubisoft will release the 'Lost' video game sometime next year for home and handheld consoles as well as PCs.
Games for Change Annual Conference
June 27-28, New York
"Using Digital Games for Social Change." Author Steven Johnson, Everything Bad is Good for You and Bob Kerrey, President of The New School are featured speakers.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Video Game News, May 20, 2006
Teen Tech Week-YALSA
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), is announcing Teen Tech Week, which will be celebrated in March 2007 in order to get teens to use their library for different technologies--including of course video games! YALSA members are encouraged to have their teens submit a logo for the Teen Tech Week logo contest due May 31, 2006.
ConCarolinas gaming convention in Charlotte, NC, June 2-4, is partnering with the library to offer a discount to those that show their library card at the door. Guitar Hero will be brought by the library to the con for the weekend.
Minnesota House Passes "Inappropriate" Game Bill
by Gamasutra, 5/19/06
"HF1298 bill, requires retail outlets to put up signs that explain the ESRB rating system. . ."
BradyGames Strategy Guides move to DK
by Gamasutra, 5/19/06
Dorling Kindersley, particularly known for its illustrated explanatory guides will now publish such strategy guides as GTA, and WoW.
Players in Virtual World Using Real Money
by Eric Gwinn, MercuryNews, 5/20/06
Players of Entropia can withdraw money made within the game.
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), is announcing Teen Tech Week, which will be celebrated in March 2007 in order to get teens to use their library for different technologies--including of course video games! YALSA members are encouraged to have their teens submit a logo for the Teen Tech Week logo contest due May 31, 2006.
ConCarolinas gaming convention in Charlotte, NC, June 2-4, is partnering with the library to offer a discount to those that show their library card at the door. Guitar Hero will be brought by the library to the con for the weekend.
Minnesota House Passes "Inappropriate" Game Bill
by Gamasutra, 5/19/06
"HF1298 bill, requires retail outlets to put up signs that explain the ESRB rating system. . ."
BradyGames Strategy Guides move to DK
by Gamasutra, 5/19/06
Dorling Kindersley, particularly known for its illustrated explanatory guides will now publish such strategy guides as GTA, and WoW.
Players in Virtual World Using Real Money
by Eric Gwinn, MercuryNews, 5/20/06
Players of Entropia can withdraw money made within the game.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Video Game News, May 19 2006
Movement Aims to Get Serious About Games
by Jinny Gudmundsen, Gannett News Service 5/16/06
"Known as the Serious Games Movement, this genre is "about taking resources of the (video) games industry and applying them outside of entertainment..."
Louisiana House Unanimously Passes Violent Games Bill
by James Brightman, Game Daily Biz 5/17/06
"The Louisiana House has passed Rep. Roy Burrell (D-Shreveport) HB 1381 on a 102-0 vote."
Online Encyclopedia Of Video-games Released
by Josephine Roque, All Headline News 5 5/16/06
"A website encyclopedia of the history of video-game innovation is open for gaming fanatics to browse and edit."
Video Games Are Also Attractive to the Young at Heart
by Antone Gonsalves, Tech Web 5/18/06
"The average age of video and computer game players is 33 years old, and a quarter of gamers are 50 years old or older, a trade group said in a recent report."
Video Games Entice 4 Out of 10 Americans: Americans love to play games, online and off.
eMarketer 5/17/06
""The findings continue to affirm that gaming is a social experience that hits the full spectrum of consumers: males, females, young and old," said Ralph Rivera of AOL Games."
April Video Games Sales: A Harbinger Of Things To Come?
Kate DuBose Tomassi, Forbes.com 5/16/06
"According to preliminary data from NPD Funworld, video game console and handheld April sales increased 15.6% year-over-year."
by Jinny Gudmundsen, Gannett News Service 5/16/06
"Known as the Serious Games Movement, this genre is "about taking resources of the (video) games industry and applying them outside of entertainment..."
Louisiana House Unanimously Passes Violent Games Bill
by James Brightman, Game Daily Biz 5/17/06
"The Louisiana House has passed Rep. Roy Burrell (D-Shreveport) HB 1381 on a 102-0 vote."
Online Encyclopedia Of Video-games Released
by Josephine Roque, All Headline News 5 5/16/06
"A website encyclopedia of the history of video-game innovation is open for gaming fanatics to browse and edit."
Video Games Are Also Attractive to the Young at Heart
by Antone Gonsalves, Tech Web 5/18/06
"The average age of video and computer game players is 33 years old, and a quarter of gamers are 50 years old or older, a trade group said in a recent report."
Video Games Entice 4 Out of 10 Americans: Americans love to play games, online and off.
eMarketer 5/17/06
""The findings continue to affirm that gaming is a social experience that hits the full spectrum of consumers: males, females, young and old," said Ralph Rivera of AOL Games."
April Video Games Sales: A Harbinger Of Things To Come?
Kate DuBose Tomassi, Forbes.com 5/16/06
"According to preliminary data from NPD Funworld, video game console and handheld April sales increased 15.6% year-over-year."
Monday, May 15, 2006
Video Game News, May 16, 2006
The Escapist Issue # 45: Best of The Escapist now available! Read the abstracts online at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/ ; access articles at http://escapistmagazine.com/issue45
Microsoft pitching for video games: Neglected PC Platform Undergoing Tech Revival
by Dean Takahashi, Mercury News 5/15/06
"Allowing players to link up whether on a PC, cell phone or video game console is one way in which Microsoft is seeking to boost enthusiasm for video games on PCs."
26 Days Til PLAY!: World premiere videogame concert in Chicago fastly approaching
IGN Music 5/2/06
"There's only 26 more days until the world premiere of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony in Chicago."
E-3 Conference Roundup
by Quang Hong, Gamasutra 5/15/06
"With E3 2006 now concluded, Gamasutra is proud to provide an additional, useful compilation of the exclusive Gamasutra coverage of the E3 2006 Conference sessions, as well as our on-the-spot interviews from the week, and our live coverage of the 'big 3' pre-E3 press conferences, all collated into one handy list."
Microsoft pitching for video games: Neglected PC Platform Undergoing Tech Revival
by Dean Takahashi, Mercury News 5/15/06
"Allowing players to link up whether on a PC, cell phone or video game console is one way in which Microsoft is seeking to boost enthusiasm for video games on PCs."
26 Days Til PLAY!: World premiere videogame concert in Chicago fastly approaching
IGN Music 5/2/06
"There's only 26 more days until the world premiere of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony in Chicago."
E-3 Conference Roundup
by Quang Hong, Gamasutra 5/15/06
"With E3 2006 now concluded, Gamasutra is proud to provide an additional, useful compilation of the exclusive Gamasutra coverage of the E3 2006 Conference sessions, as well as our on-the-spot interviews from the week, and our live coverage of the 'big 3' pre-E3 press conferences, all collated into one handy list."
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Video Game News, May 13, 2006
LucasArts Plugs Artificial Intelligence Into Video Games
by Laurie Sullivan, TechWeb News 5/11/06
"When LucasArts releases the next Indiana Jones video game in summer 2007, the characters will move, act and think as humans."
Bill Would Ban Minors From Buying Some Games
KTAL 5/11/06
"A (LA) House panel has approved legislation that would prevent the sale of some violent video games to minors."
Marvel Hosts Game
Comic Books Bin 5/11/06
"With an ever-growing library of video games that allow you to take control of your favorite Super Heroes, Marvel.com adds a video game section to their Website."
Editorial: Want to Play Video Games? Empty your pockets
by Nick Chordas, Columbus Dispatch 5/11/06
"I own the consoles I want to own. I buy used games and trade for new ones. And now this: The ‘‘next gen" of consoles arrives with extravagant graphics, game-play options and — you guessed it — price tags."
by Laurie Sullivan, TechWeb News 5/11/06
"When LucasArts releases the next Indiana Jones video game in summer 2007, the characters will move, act and think as humans."
Bill Would Ban Minors From Buying Some Games
KTAL 5/11/06
"A (LA) House panel has approved legislation that would prevent the sale of some violent video games to minors."
Marvel Hosts Game
Comic Books Bin 5/11/06
"With an ever-growing library of video games that allow you to take control of your favorite Super Heroes, Marvel.com adds a video game section to their Website."
Editorial: Want to Play Video Games? Empty your pockets
by Nick Chordas, Columbus Dispatch 5/11/06
"I own the consoles I want to own. I buy used games and trade for new ones. And now this: The ‘‘next gen" of consoles arrives with extravagant graphics, game-play options and — you guessed it — price tags."
Friday, May 12, 2006
E3 News, 5/12/06
Coverage:
Washington Post Tech Blog
At Expo, Games Are Played and Opinions Aired
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post 5/11/06
"One of the many attractions of the Electronic Entertainment Expo is trying to get the head guys at game console makers like Sony and Nintendo to talk trash about their competitors."
Gamester: Business is not all fun and games for 'X-Play' co-host
by Tom Leupold, Inside Bay Area, 5/11/06
"In the interview, which was conducted Friday, Webb shared her thoughts on Nintendo's new console and video game legislation, and revealed her secret love for Halo 2."
Video Games Industry More Than Just Fun...
Gulf Daily 5/11/06
"Video games are transforming technology, education and the US economy, a trade leader proclaimed yesterday at the world's largest computer games show."
Pixels Put on a Par With Paintings: Video games show off their artistic side in exhibitions
by Jose Antonio Vargas, Washington Post 5/12/06
"Are video games art? Dare to ask the question at E3, the mother of all video-game conventions, and you'll get an icy stare followed by a decisive, if not downright nasty, "Well, duh!"
Washington Post Tech Blog
At Expo, Games Are Played and Opinions Aired
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post 5/11/06
"One of the many attractions of the Electronic Entertainment Expo is trying to get the head guys at game console makers like Sony and Nintendo to talk trash about their competitors."
Gamester: Business is not all fun and games for 'X-Play' co-host
by Tom Leupold, Inside Bay Area, 5/11/06
"In the interview, which was conducted Friday, Webb shared her thoughts on Nintendo's new console and video game legislation, and revealed her secret love for Halo 2."
Video Games Industry More Than Just Fun...
Gulf Daily 5/11/06
"Video games are transforming technology, education and the US economy, a trade leader proclaimed yesterday at the world's largest computer games show."
Pixels Put on a Par With Paintings: Video games show off their artistic side in exhibitions
by Jose Antonio Vargas, Washington Post 5/12/06
"Are video games art? Dare to ask the question at E3, the mother of all video-game conventions, and you'll get an icy stare followed by a decisive, if not downright nasty, "Well, duh!"
Research!
Massively Multi-Learner: Recent advances in 3D social environments
by Livingstone, D. and Kemp, J., Computing and Information Systems Journal, School of Computing, University of Paisley, Volume 10, No 2 May 2006
Video Games: Serious Business for America's Economy
Crandall, R. Sidak, J. G.
white paper presented at E3, May 2006
by Livingstone, D. and Kemp, J., Computing and Information Systems Journal, School of Computing, University of Paisley, Volume 10, No 2 May 2006
Video Games: Serious Business for America's Economy
Crandall, R. Sidak, J. G.
white paper presented at E3, May 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Video Game News, May 11, 2006
Build It: The Ultimate Game Room
by Dan Evans and Nathan Edwards, PC Magazine 3/21/06
"Stun your friends with the best place on Earth to play video games including an amazing (and amazingly expensive) LAN Party Scoreboard. We show you how."
Gamesploitation: Lying, cheating and stealing for fun and profit
by Scott Sharkey, 1Up.com 3/1/06
"Cheating is as old as gaming, video or otherwise..."
Parents sue game firm in China after son's suicide
Reuters 5/11/06
"The parents of a 13-year-old boy who killed himself after playing a computer game for 36 hours are suing the game's licensed Chinese distributor for 100,000 yuan ($12,500), a Chinese newspaper reported on Thursday."
by Dan Evans and Nathan Edwards, PC Magazine 3/21/06
"Stun your friends with the best place on Earth to play video games including an amazing (and amazingly expensive) LAN Party Scoreboard. We show you how."
Gamesploitation: Lying, cheating and stealing for fun and profit
by Scott Sharkey, 1Up.com 3/1/06
"Cheating is as old as gaming, video or otherwise..."
Parents sue game firm in China after son's suicide
Reuters 5/11/06
"The parents of a 13-year-old boy who killed himself after playing a computer game for 36 hours are suing the game's licensed Chinese distributor for 100,000 yuan ($12,500), a Chinese newspaper reported on Thursday."
Silent Hill
My husband is making me relax, because I've been working hard (which I often do) with my classes, Second Life, and Blogging. Last night he took me to the movies and even though I don't like scary movies we watched Silent Hill.
Silent Hill is based on a video game. I had heard it was the one video game movie that wasn’t horrible. I heard correctly. Now I have to admit that I didn't play the game, but while I was watching the movie, I couldn't help but wonder how the game played. The entire movie was comparable to the new Japanese horror films that are more psychological than scary. I would recommend this movie to Horror movie and video game fans. I thought it was a good movie, even though it was in the horror genre.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
News from E3: Day One
Coverage:
Gamasutra
MTV at E3
PlayStation Underground
Video Games Take the Next Virtual Leap
By Chris Nuttall, Financial Times, 5/10/06
"Video games geeks may lose their image as couch potatoes if the new generation of video consoles catches on."
Sony Unveils Slick New Video Games for PlayStation3: Sets price at $499 to $599, to launch November 17 2006
by Dean Takahashi, Mercury News 5/9/06
LOS ANGELES - Aiming to hang on to the hard-core gamers that have propelled Sony to the top of the $25 billion video game industry, the company gave tantalizing demonstrations of the games planned for its upcoming PlayStation 3 game machine today as the industry's biggest trade show started in Los Angeles.
PRESS RELEASE: Nintendo Introduces the Next Leap in Video Games: Bold, Disruptive Approach Attracts New Players, Expands the Industry
PRNewswire 5/9/06
"Anyone can tell you how video games look. Nintendo wants you to experience how they can feel. "
Gamasutra
MTV at E3
PlayStation Underground
Video Games Take the Next Virtual Leap
By Chris Nuttall, Financial Times, 5/10/06
"Video games geeks may lose their image as couch potatoes if the new generation of video consoles catches on."
Sony Unveils Slick New Video Games for PlayStation3: Sets price at $499 to $599, to launch November 17 2006
by Dean Takahashi, Mercury News 5/9/06
LOS ANGELES - Aiming to hang on to the hard-core gamers that have propelled Sony to the top of the $25 billion video game industry, the company gave tantalizing demonstrations of the games planned for its upcoming PlayStation 3 game machine today as the industry's biggest trade show started in Los Angeles.
PRESS RELEASE: Nintendo Introduces the Next Leap in Video Games: Bold, Disruptive Approach Attracts New Players, Expands the Industry
PRNewswire 5/9/06
"Anyone can tell you how video games look. Nintendo wants you to experience how they can feel. "
Video Game News, May 9, 2006
Escapist Magazine issue #4: The Little Guy now available at ; read article abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com
Video Games Struggle to Find the Next Level
By Robert Levine, New York Times 5/8/06
"Video games have used dialogue from movie stars, rappers and athletes, but Army of Two may be the first to incorporate a presidential speech."
US Accuses Militants of Using Video Games in Youth Appeal
by David Morgan, Daily Times 5/7/06
"Tech-savvy militants from Al Qaeda and other groups have modified video war games so that US troops play the role of bad guys in running gunfights against heavily armed Islamic radical heroes, Defence Department official and contractors told Congress."
Oklahoma Bill Would Peg Some Video Games to Porn
by Peter Cohen, Mac World 5/8/06
"Pending legislation in the state (OK) linking video games to pornography and making the sale and exhibition of violent video games to minors a fineable offense is drawing fire from the industry’s main trade association."
Results of AP-AOL Games Poll on Gaming
AP 5/7/06
"Do you ever play games on a computer or on an electronic gaming console like a PlayStation, Nintendo or XBox, or not? Yes, 40 percent; No, 60 percent."
Contest Held for Peaceful Video Games: Carnegie Mellon's 'Peacemaker' wins top award
Reuters 5/9/06
"Peacemaker," a cross-cultural game about the Israel-Palestine conflict designed by graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University, won a contest organized by the University of Southern California's Center on Public Diplomacy.
Nature vs. Nintendo: Video Games or National Parks?
Newswise 5/9/06
"Are future national park trips for America's youth likely to be on-line virtual experiences rather than the real thing? A University of Illinois at Chicago ecologist says there may be cause for concern."
Video Games Struggle to Find the Next Level
By Robert Levine, New York Times 5/8/06
"Video games have used dialogue from movie stars, rappers and athletes, but Army of Two may be the first to incorporate a presidential speech."
US Accuses Militants of Using Video Games in Youth Appeal
by David Morgan, Daily Times 5/7/06
"Tech-savvy militants from Al Qaeda and other groups have modified video war games so that US troops play the role of bad guys in running gunfights against heavily armed Islamic radical heroes, Defence Department official and contractors told Congress."
Oklahoma Bill Would Peg Some Video Games to Porn
by Peter Cohen, Mac World 5/8/06
"Pending legislation in the state (OK) linking video games to pornography and making the sale and exhibition of violent video games to minors a fineable offense is drawing fire from the industry’s main trade association."
Results of AP-AOL Games Poll on Gaming
AP 5/7/06
"Do you ever play games on a computer or on an electronic gaming console like a PlayStation, Nintendo or XBox, or not? Yes, 40 percent; No, 60 percent."
Contest Held for Peaceful Video Games: Carnegie Mellon's 'Peacemaker' wins top award
Reuters 5/9/06
"Peacemaker," a cross-cultural game about the Israel-Palestine conflict designed by graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University, won a contest organized by the University of Southern California's Center on Public Diplomacy.
Nature vs. Nintendo: Video Games or National Parks?
Newswise 5/9/06
"Are future national park trips for America's youth likely to be on-line virtual experiences rather than the real thing? A University of Illinois at Chicago ecologist says there may be cause for concern."
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Sites to Watch
G4 To Cover E-3 Live
"Tune-in May 9th for the best, most in-depth E3 2006 coverage anywhere on television!"
Pussycat Dolls
Virtual nightclub and lounge for teens
Virtual Teen Library
Blog for Second Life's Teen Library project
"Tune-in May 9th for the best, most in-depth E3 2006 coverage anywhere on television!"
Pussycat Dolls
Virtual nightclub and lounge for teens
Virtual Teen Library
Blog for Second Life's Teen Library project
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Innovate Live May Webcasts of Interest
Donna Cooner and Ellyn Dickmann, Authors; Denise Easton, Moderator
May 15, 1:00 PM
Using Market Segmentation to Develop a Large Section, Web-enhanced Survey Course
Jason Cole and Bruce Robertson, Authors; Alan McCord, Moderator
May 15, 2:00 PM
A_FLIP to Courseware: A Strategic Alliance for Improving Student Learning
Outcomes
John Shank and Steven Bell, Authors; Denise Easton, Moderator
May 17, 1:00 PM
May 15, 1:00 PM
Using Market Segmentation to Develop a Large Section, Web-enhanced Survey Course
Jason Cole and Bruce Robertson, Authors; Alan McCord, Moderator
May 15, 2:00 PM
A_FLIP to Courseware: A Strategic Alliance for Improving Student Learning
Outcomes
John Shank and Steven Bell, Authors; Denise Easton, Moderator
May 17, 1:00 PM
Library of Congress Campaigns to Collect and Archive Video Games
An announcement this monumental deserves it's own post, methinks. I went to http://www.digitalpreservation.gov and submitted a comment encouraging them to proceed with this project.
Beth G
Library of Congress to Begin Archiving Video Games?
submitted by Benjamin Nied, Digital Lifestyle Magazine 5/4/06
"Despite Capitol Hill's repeated attempts to regulate and ban sales of certain video games to minors, commenting that nothing good can come out of them, the Library of Congress might begin cataloguing and archiving video games for preservation inside the Library's halls."
Beth G
Library of Congress to Begin Archiving Video Games?
submitted by Benjamin Nied, Digital Lifestyle Magazine 5/4/06
"Despite Capitol Hill's repeated attempts to regulate and ban sales of certain video games to minors, commenting that nothing good can come out of them, the Library of Congress might begin cataloguing and archiving video games for preservation inside the Library's halls."
Final Projects
I am ready to reveal what I have been working hard on for the past month:
A video game collection development plan!
I created a website for my class: www.mbmpl.org where you can find it.
Its not very good in my opinion, and I still haven't gotten my grade back, but I hope it is a starting point for libraries.
Other things I've been working on included Second Life, Video Game programs at my local libraries (three this summer, and one in September), a library league tournament Saturday at Gen-Con Indianapolis (admission $3 and a library card) sponsored by Red Octane, and pretty much pulling my hair out with being busy.
I'll keep everyone posted on what I'm doing. If you care :)
A video game collection development plan!
I created a website for my class: www.mbmpl.org where you can find it.
Its not very good in my opinion, and I still haven't gotten my grade back, but I hope it is a starting point for libraries.
Other things I've been working on included Second Life, Video Game programs at my local libraries (three this summer, and one in September), a library league tournament Saturday at Gen-Con Indianapolis (admission $3 and a library card) sponsored by Red Octane, and pretty much pulling my hair out with being busy.
I'll keep everyone posted on what I'm doing. If you care :)
Articles of Use for Collection Development
The David Lynch of Video Games! Final Fantasy XI ; Dreamfall; Paradise
by Harold Goldberg, Village Voice 5/3/06
"Adventure games are kind of like the best of the indie film genre."
Midway Games Unveils Video Games Based on Popular Movies
Movieweb.com 5/3/06
"Unveiling one of the most diversified and high powered lineups in company history, Midway Games Inc., a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, announced its lineup of upcoming video games."
by Harold Goldberg, Village Voice 5/3/06
"Adventure games are kind of like the best of the indie film genre."
Midway Games Unveils Video Games Based on Popular Movies
Movieweb.com 5/3/06
"Unveiling one of the most diversified and high powered lineups in company history, Midway Games Inc., a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, announced its lineup of upcoming video games."
Video Game News, May 4, 2006
Sony Offers Overseas Troops Chance to Win Free Video Games: Essay contest prize is Playstation Portable’s Field Commander
by Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes (Mideast edition) 5/4/06
"WASHINGTON — Troops serving overseas but still finding time for video games from back home could win $500 and some new gear for their button-mashing skills."
Movies and Video Games: A new play date
by Tom Maurstad, The Dallas Morning News 5/3/06
"When it comes to movie-themed video games, it's such a big, easy trend that you can choose your spin.."
Brain Game: Video games help kids with ADHD
by Shern-Min Chow, KHOU 11 News 5/1/06
' It’s estimated as many as 3 million children in the United States suffer from some form of attention deficit disorder. Some parents who don’t like the traditional medications are turning to a new kind of neuro-feedback -- video games."
Video Games And A Lot More Go Into DD/MM/YYYY's Music
ChartAttack.com 5/2/06
"The idea of Nintendo as creative inspiration first surfaced when Arcade Fire's Regine Chassagne began playing the Super Mario Bros theme during onstage technical glitches."
Seattle Named Top City in the US for Video Games
by Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica 5/2/2006
"A survey conducted by Sperling's BestPlaces, a web site based on the "Best Places to Live" series of articles that started twenty years ago in Money Magazine, has identified Seattle as the top city in the United States for video gamers."
The Escapist issue #43, Rated M for Mature, now available at http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/43. Article abstracts on their blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
by Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes (Mideast edition) 5/4/06
"WASHINGTON — Troops serving overseas but still finding time for video games from back home could win $500 and some new gear for their button-mashing skills."
Movies and Video Games: A new play date
by Tom Maurstad, The Dallas Morning News 5/3/06
"When it comes to movie-themed video games, it's such a big, easy trend that you can choose your spin.."
Brain Game: Video games help kids with ADHD
by Shern-Min Chow, KHOU 11 News 5/1/06
' It’s estimated as many as 3 million children in the United States suffer from some form of attention deficit disorder. Some parents who don’t like the traditional medications are turning to a new kind of neuro-feedback -- video games."
Video Games And A Lot More Go Into DD/MM/YYYY's Music
ChartAttack.com 5/2/06
"The idea of Nintendo as creative inspiration first surfaced when Arcade Fire's Regine Chassagne began playing the Super Mario Bros theme during onstage technical glitches."
Seattle Named Top City in the US for Video Games
by Jeremy Reimer, Ars Technica 5/2/2006
"A survey conducted by Sperling's BestPlaces, a web site based on the "Best Places to Live" series of articles that started twenty years ago in Money Magazine, has identified Seattle as the top city in the United States for video gamers."
The Escapist issue #43, Rated M for Mature, now available at http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/43. Article abstracts on their blog at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Upcoming Events & Conferences
CALIFORNIA, MAY 9-12
E3
Hear the industry's top creatives speak about their upcoming games, including Spore designer Will Wright, God of War 2 lead David Jaffe, and Metal Gear Solid 4 creator Hideo Kojima.
CALIFORNIA, MAY 9
CLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies presents
“Girls ’n’ Games”
Tuesday, May 9, 2:30–6 PM
at the Expermental Digital Arts (EDA) space in the North Kinross Building, Suite 104, 1100 Kinross Blvd in Westwood- Reception to follow
The conference will be streamed LIVE at http://www.eda.ucla.edu
At the wake of the world's largest trade show on electronic entertainment - where are the women and what do they want? On May 9, UCLA will host a conference focusing on girls’ and women’s participation in game design and play.
Associate professor Yasmin Kafai from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education & Information Studies along with MIT professor Henry Jenkins; Brenda Laurel, chair of the Graduate Media Design Program at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, Calif.; Nichol Bradford, global director of strategic growth at Vivendi Universal Games; and a variety of gaming experts from Europe, Asia and North America will participate.
“Girls ’n’ Games” Schedule:
Games for and by Girls -- moderated by Brenda Laurel, Art Center + Jill Denner, ETR Associates
Mary Flanagan, NYU
Tracy Fullerton, USC
Nicole Pinkard, University of Michigan
Jen Sun, Numedeon Inc.
Girl Games International -- moderated by Justine Cassell, Northwestern University + Yasmin Kafai UCLA
Mimi Ito, USC
Daniel James, Three Rings Inc.
Holin Lin, National Taiwan University
TL Taylor, IT University Copenhagen
Girl Gamers -- moderated by Henry Jenkins, MIT + Carrie Heeter, Michigan State University
Betty Hayes, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nicole Lazzaro, Xeodesign
Celia Pearce, UC Irvine
Morgan Romine, Fragdolls Ubisoft
To register for the conference, please email by May 4th your contact info to girlsngames AT gseis DOT ucla DOT edu For more info, go to: http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/~conferences/ggconference.htm
MASSACHUSETTS, MAY 22
Metrowest MA Regional Library System Presents
"Get Your Game On" at Olin College, Needham MA
Monday May 22, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
80% of the population under age 30 is doing it, and the average age of the gamer is 29 and rising! The needs of the gamer generation is proving to be a challenge to librarians. Please join us for a full day of speakers and events focusing on digital storytelling, new media and new literacies, and gaming @ your library.
Constance Steinkuehler will talk about media literacy practices entailed in massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), Craig Davis will showcase Youth Digital Arts Cyber School programs and courses, and Beth Gallaway will discuss strategies on serving gamers and how gaming meshes with new literacies. Come for the whole day or any part.
Please bring a brown bag lunch; Metrowest will provide beverages.
9:30 Coffee
9:45-11:15 Constance Steinkueler
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:45 Beth Gallaway
12:45-1:45 Lunch
2:00-3:15 Craig Davis
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-4:30 Beth Gallaway
Enrollment limit: none
Instructors: Constance Steinkuehler, Craig Davis, Beth Gallaway
Location: Olin Center Auditorium, Franklin W. Olin College, Olin Way Needham MA
Directions: http://www.olin.edu/campus/getting_around.asp
Register online at http://www.mmrls.org/mayform.html
Get Your Game On is FREE for members of MA regional library systems - non-members may contact Beth Gallaway at informationgoddess29 AT gmail DOT com.
INDIANA, AUGUST 11 & 12
GenCon presents Video Games Live (concert)
August 11 & 12 2006
8 PM Hilbert Circle Theatre
Tickets on sale May 22nd
E3
Hear the industry's top creatives speak about their upcoming games, including Spore designer Will Wright, God of War 2 lead David Jaffe, and Metal Gear Solid 4 creator Hideo Kojima.
CALIFORNIA, MAY 9
CLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies presents
“Girls ’n’ Games”
Tuesday, May 9, 2:30–6 PM
at the Expermental Digital Arts (EDA) space in the North Kinross Building, Suite 104, 1100 Kinross Blvd in Westwood- Reception to follow
The conference will be streamed LIVE at http://www.eda.ucla.edu
At the wake of the world's largest trade show on electronic entertainment - where are the women and what do they want? On May 9, UCLA will host a conference focusing on girls’ and women’s participation in game design and play.
Associate professor Yasmin Kafai from UCLA’s Graduate School of Education & Information Studies along with MIT professor Henry Jenkins; Brenda Laurel, chair of the Graduate Media Design Program at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, Calif.; Nichol Bradford, global director of strategic growth at Vivendi Universal Games; and a variety of gaming experts from Europe, Asia and North America will participate.
“Girls ’n’ Games” Schedule:
Games for and by Girls -- moderated by Brenda Laurel, Art Center + Jill Denner, ETR Associates
Mary Flanagan, NYU
Tracy Fullerton, USC
Nicole Pinkard, University of Michigan
Jen Sun, Numedeon Inc.
Girl Games International -- moderated by Justine Cassell, Northwestern University + Yasmin Kafai UCLA
Mimi Ito, USC
Daniel James, Three Rings Inc.
Holin Lin, National Taiwan University
TL Taylor, IT University Copenhagen
Girl Gamers -- moderated by Henry Jenkins, MIT + Carrie Heeter, Michigan State University
Betty Hayes, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Nicole Lazzaro, Xeodesign
Celia Pearce, UC Irvine
Morgan Romine, Fragdolls Ubisoft
To register for the conference, please email by May 4th your contact info to girlsngames AT gseis DOT ucla DOT edu For more info, go to: http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/~conferences/ggconference.htm
MASSACHUSETTS, MAY 22
Metrowest MA Regional Library System Presents
"Get Your Game On" at Olin College, Needham MA
Monday May 22, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
80% of the population under age 30 is doing it, and the average age of the gamer is 29 and rising! The needs of the gamer generation is proving to be a challenge to librarians. Please join us for a full day of speakers and events focusing on digital storytelling, new media and new literacies, and gaming @ your library.
Constance Steinkuehler will talk about media literacy practices entailed in massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), Craig Davis will showcase Youth Digital Arts Cyber School programs and courses, and Beth Gallaway will discuss strategies on serving gamers and how gaming meshes with new literacies. Come for the whole day or any part.
Please bring a brown bag lunch; Metrowest will provide beverages.
9:30 Coffee
9:45-11:15 Constance Steinkueler
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:45 Beth Gallaway
12:45-1:45 Lunch
2:00-3:15 Craig Davis
3:15-3:30 Break
3:30-4:30 Beth Gallaway
Enrollment limit: none
Instructors: Constance Steinkuehler, Craig Davis, Beth Gallaway
Location: Olin Center Auditorium, Franklin W. Olin College, Olin Way Needham MA
Directions: http://www.olin.edu/campus/getting_around.asp
Register online at http://www.mmrls.org/mayform.html
Get Your Game On is FREE for members of MA regional library systems - non-members may contact Beth Gallaway at informationgoddess29 AT gmail DOT com.
INDIANA, AUGUST 11 & 12
GenCon presents Video Games Live (concert)
August 11 & 12 2006
8 PM Hilbert Circle Theatre
Tickets on sale May 22nd
TORONTO, SEPTEMBER 1
Fan Expo presents Video Games Live (concert)
8 PM Toronto, Canada, Massey Hall
Tickets on sale tba
XBox Kiosk Donated
The Bloomington Public Library has had an XBox Kiosk donated towards their gaming efforts. The kiosk was donated by a local EB Games store. EB has been a great partner in their gaming efforts.
This is another reason for making community contacts with businesses and organizations. It is a relationship that really works for all parties, for we are trying to create a community of interest around the activity and media of gaming. Libraries are and can be a big player in developing that community along with businesses, schools, parks and recs depts., and other interested organizations.
~ Matt
Monday, May 01, 2006
Video Game News, May 1, 2006
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana Undergrad Library Gets Games
4/18/06
EB Games in Champaign, Illinois is supplying a fantastic list of video games to this academic library.
Critical review of Smartbomb by Heather Chaplin
by Stephen Cass, Spectrum, May 2006 issue
"Smartbomb does miss a significant part of the video game landscape entirely: that belonging to the so-called casual gamer."
Video Games Help Musicians Get Their Music Heard
by Nathaniel West, Journal & Gazette Times-Courier 4/26/06
"It's a whole new way of marketing music."
Davinci Code Gets a Game but not M:i:III
MTV News 4/27/06
Cell phone game option only for the summer blockbuster.
Video Game Tax Suggested
by Elizabeth Pierson, the Brownsville Herald 4/27/06
Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa plans to propose a 5% tax on video games
Violent Video Games Not Reality
by Kaffie Sledge, Ledger-Enquirer.com 4/30/06
""Violent video games teach an unacceptable way of dealing with stress and anger," said Robert Carlson, a Columbus psychologist. "In the real world there are consequences.""
New Physics Chip Aims to Shake Up Video Games
Reuters, 4/30/06
"A Silicon Valley start-up hopes to introduce a lot of bounce, rattle and roll into the video game industry with a new microchip that makes virtual worlds behave as realistically as they look."
Kids and Violence: could video games be the culprit?
by 16Moms, WNDU 16 4/28/06
"Legislators in Washington and leading psychologists, fearing that video games encourage violence in kids, are calling on the gaming industry to improve its ratings system."
Violent Video Games
by Carissa D. Etters, Eyewitness News 9 4/27/2006
"A California representative says the video game industry improperly markets violent and sexually explicit material to children."
4/18/06
EB Games in Champaign, Illinois is supplying a fantastic list of video games to this academic library.
Critical review of Smartbomb by Heather Chaplin
by Stephen Cass, Spectrum, May 2006 issue
"Smartbomb does miss a significant part of the video game landscape entirely: that belonging to the so-called casual gamer."
Video Games Help Musicians Get Their Music Heard
by Nathaniel West, Journal & Gazette Times-Courier 4/26/06
"It's a whole new way of marketing music."
Davinci Code Gets a Game but not M:i:III
MTV News 4/27/06
Cell phone game option only for the summer blockbuster.
Video Game Tax Suggested
by Elizabeth Pierson, the Brownsville Herald 4/27/06
Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa plans to propose a 5% tax on video games
Violent Video Games Not Reality
by Kaffie Sledge, Ledger-Enquirer.com 4/30/06
""Violent video games teach an unacceptable way of dealing with stress and anger," said Robert Carlson, a Columbus psychologist. "In the real world there are consequences.""
New Physics Chip Aims to Shake Up Video Games
Reuters, 4/30/06
"A Silicon Valley start-up hopes to introduce a lot of bounce, rattle and roll into the video game industry with a new microchip that makes virtual worlds behave as realistically as they look."
Kids and Violence: could video games be the culprit?
by 16Moms, WNDU 16 4/28/06
"Legislators in Washington and leading psychologists, fearing that video games encourage violence in kids, are calling on the gaming industry to improve its ratings system."
Violent Video Games
by Carissa D. Etters, Eyewitness News 9 4/27/2006
"A California representative says the video game industry improperly markets violent and sexually explicit material to children."
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