What We Want In Computers Is What We Want In Games

by

Some time ago I wrote an essay that what people wanted in their computers was what they wanted in their neighborhoods: simple, accessible, clear. It was a strange essay, but one I think that made a point about how we often want similar things in seemly different and unrelated situations and technologies. It won't surprise you that I have another strange metaphor to yank out of the air and explore: that what we want in games is what we want in our technologies these days.

Let me back up for moment. Lately I've been trying to understand some of the trends in gaming, because frankly they don't make a lot of sense. We have an onslaught of casual games. We have vastly successful and complex MMOs. We have gaming appearing on every conceivable platform. I've wanted to get a grasp of these trends: and I think I have.

My take? That trends in computing and trends in gaming reflecting overall trend in culture and technology.

Read more

News of the Day 2/21/2011

by

A slow day today – but we still got news!

Career:
The History of The Resume

Anime:
OK, one of the companies behind True Grit got the live-action film rights to Star Blazers. Wait, you say, isn't there a live action Space Battleship Yamato? Yes, there is. But this happened anyway.

Social Media:
Twitter reinstated UberTwitter (now UberSocial) and Twidroyd

Technology:
Ouch. Kno may give up on hardware and go for apps. Well they're thinking ahead, but it's another sign how thoroughly Apple dominates (for now).

Video Games:
Minecraft to come out on iPhone, iPad, and Android. World domination continues, as does the chance someone is going to try and duplicate the success.

Yep, Bulletstorm put the whole games are evil thing back on the map, and it seems to be a kind of low-level buzz at Fox. Big thing here is that the ESRB ratings ARE being enforced, despite claims to the contrary.

Full Moon studios arises out of the ashes of Relentless. Resume ready?

Writing:
Wait, what? Comcast has issues with the Writer's Guild? Chip Johannessen has some strong words for them, and it looks like it's Comcast versus the union. Then again it's 'versus the unions' a lot lately . . .

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will Minecraft get more penetration on mobile devices?

– Steven Savage

Further Thoughts On The Kindle

by

So I've been using my Kindle for about a month or so.  What have I found?

Well first, sorry, no major revelations about it or the Kobo or whatever.  I'm enjoying it and it works and it's pretty slick.  No real massive changes here.

Now that being said, I have had a few revelations about eBook readers and other devices that take media that we once used physically and can now be had in bits and streams.  I'd say a few of these surprised me or were unexpected.

Read more