Technology

Games, Persistence, The Cloud, The Future

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If you play MMOs, if you're using cloud storage for games (as we're moving towards), think for a moment how long a "game" will survive.  Your collection of memory sticks and outdated save cards is nothing compared to the way gaming is going.  I see it entirely possible that game data will survive for years, for more than a decade, in some situations.

This likely possibility is something those of us who play and make games and media should be seriously considering.

  • MMO's will have to decide what to do with old data – and also the fact that each inactive account may yet become income producing.
  • If anyone remembers the way some Metal Gear games used save files, those old save files could be used in so many ways in other games – or sequels.
  • What happens when a game gets re-released?  What do you do with save files floating around in the cloud?
  • When a game gets a sequel/spinoff years later after whatever legal/ethical/company fooaraw delays it save files that can be used for extras, bonuses, etc. may still be out there.
  • With all the ways to use old save and game information, what are the legal limits of what data you can use?
  • * What legal rights does a company have to use data saved under previous games?

If you're a programmer or producer in gaming, a lot of potential opportunities and challenges are coming just due to sheer persistence of data.  Some of these could be trouble – and many could be opportunities.

– Steven Savage

 

Mobile Phones, Computers, And Trends

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So we look in wonder at Mobile Phones.  They're gaming devices, they're cameras, they're electronic wallets.  Oh, and occasionally they're phones as well, when you're not texting or Twittering or throwing birds into pigs.

The mobile market seems captivating and enchanting to us as we marvel at all the things phones can do.

Well, yes, I am impressed with mobile phones, but I'm not impressed with all this functionality anymore.  Why?

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The Battlelines in SOPA Get Clearer

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Looks like the whole SOPA mess is heating up, and we're seeing some pretty deep lines in the sand get drawn.  The list that came out

That single list has produced quite the reaction – and I doubt we're done yet.  Actually, I think it's probably tame as it's the holiday season.

So analysis

  • Of course keep following this.
  • A mass movement of domains out of GoDaddy could become serious since, well, GoDaddy pretty much handles domains.  They've had past controversies, but this could mark them in a destructive manner, especially if their support goes "meme" or inspires people to dig up dirt on them.  If you work there you'll want to watch this carefully as it may affect your job.
  • The GoDaddy issue may inspire other registrars to take sides (my guess is "not supporting SOPA" is a good bet).
  • We'll see more battleines be drawn I'm sure.  The awareness is increasing – as is the anger – and the list that was released gives people viable targets for their rage (especially if any of those companies were ones they hated beforehand).  The entire SOPA mess has "gone meme" – and it also means it won't go away even if SOPA goes away.
  • This is revealing something I've suspected for awhile but have had trouble articulating – there are some businesses for whom openeness/communication/freedom are built into their business model, and others where it's at best optional.  We're seeing a battle of approaches to business here (among many other things).  Hey, you economics writers could do a lot with this.

– Steven Savage