Aside from a shameless plug for one of my favourite songs off the last Bon Jovi studio album (The Circle), I thought I would talk about gaming at work today. Given that I currently work for a travel agent (oh the irony), there really isn't a lot to do inbetween taking calls. So it has begun - most of the girls (and guys) manning the phones have taken that awkward first step into casual gaming.
I found this rather amusing at first. Being a battle-weary veteran of the industry and as a voracious consumer of the same, I was vaguely smug that my "new" colleagues were experiencing games in the workplace. While they played online versions of SMB, I was quietly training my team of Pokemon to take on the Elite Four. Not that I was against online gaming, quite the opposite. I am quite the fan of Kongregate's Super Stacker.
But it got me thinking. Previously, they were all very interested in what I was playing in my DS, asking me about the games I owned (answer: quite a few, but restricted to a few favourite series), where I was up to in the game and how long I had been playing for. Since most of the shifts I do are long-haul, I take advantage of the time to do some serious training (more recently, I have been serious about EV training. Who knew stats could be so important?). The next logical step, I suppose, is therefore taking advantage of my knowledge of games (console and online based) and exploring their options.
The funniest moment in all of this was when I turned around from my computer and found four of my colleagues all playing the same game. On the exact same level. Each was employing a different methodology of completing the level (completist, speed-run, careful progression), but they were all talking about it. Now, I've read articles in the past that have talked about gaming in the work place and I've even heard the argument that it can be considered unprofessional and childish. I would disagree. What struck me in this particular circumstance was the team-building that was going on. Not only were these people reinforcing crucial social networks, but they were working as a team to finish the game.
I'm not saying that I'm the leading expert in all things gaming, nor am I a psychologist, but it occurs to me that perhaps instead of less fun 'team-building' exercises, maybe a good round of CoD in the boardroom would encourage healthy working relationships.
It might also do something towards improving hand-eye co-ordination in offices.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
I Made It Through The Wilderness...
Hey there faithful followers!
Yes, 'tis I, back from the black. I know, I know, it's been a while and the secret project that I was working on is now out in the form of the online game Mojikan. I've since moved on and gone back to working on my own games and business plan for my own studio, but that is neither here nor there. The point of this is that with or without me, Mojikan is a pretty cool game. Check it out and see if you agree. Not all of it is particularly new and inventive, but it is expertly put together.
In other news, I've been playing Pokemon: Platinum Version as a prelude to the recently released Pokemon: Black and Pokemon: White versions. The new feature with this release/generation is the limited edition Pokemon Victini (now tell me, when you heard that it wouldn't be around for long, you wanted that little lucky fox more, didn't you?) and the integration of a full three dimensional game-world. This graphical style shift has been something the series has been screaming out for since the early 2000s, so seeing that Nintendo has finally listened can only mean that the series is taking a step in the right direction.
Unsurprisingly enough, Duke Nukem Forever has been delayed. Again. The upshot of this little snippet is that now America will have to wait with the rest of the world, instead of getting it four days early. Har har. Something else that intrigues me about this particular game is how vehement a lot of feminist writers are getting. I read an article that said Shelby Knox was trying to get it banned from Wal-mart, which is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Looking at this from a gaming, marketing and consumer perspective, the lunacy is over-whelming. From a consumer perspective, she is trying to limit my access to this highly-sought-after game. As every teenager who has glugged a little sneaky spirits knows, the more you can't have it, the more you want it. Not only that, you are more inclined to seek it out.
From a marketing perspective, you are cutting a huge slice of core game-players out of the potential market. Not only that, you are restricting your customer pool to current hard-core game-players, instead of capitalising on the nostaglia factor of adult game-players with families who may no longer visit boutique game stores on a regular basis. Restricting distribution for a game so long in development is simple madness and given Ms. Knox's comments regarding the target consumers, I respectfully am disinclined to agree, but I will expand on that in a moment.
Finally, from a gaming perspective. As a media form that has never been wholly 'socially acceptable', gaming sports its fair share of battle scars. After Bulletstorm and Homefront, you think the hoo-hah would have died down. There have been SO many studies that have disproven (and proven) that video games are the cause of violence in children and adults. There will probably never be any real proof either way, but in the end, it comes down to parenting. Whether or not you want YOUR children to be exposed to this type of material is the same case as if you were to decide whether or not you would allow them to watch a MA15+ film. YOU are the adult and YOU need to make the decision, not the ESRB. Be a responsible parent and we will be responsible game-players.
Now, getting back to what I was saying about Shelby Knox. The woman claims that the 'capture the babe' mode will promote a culture of sexual violence against women in the youth culture today. Well, sorry to tell you this, but I am friends with a DJ crew in Sydney, all of whom are lovely and sweet boys. But the culture they live in is filled with girls who consider it a status boost to sleep with a DJ, to wear next to nothing and get off-their-head drunk. This culture already exists on the music scene and has done for so many years now. Is one long-standing joke of the game industry going to make an impact? Probably not. The people who will play this game see it for its true value - a tongue-in-cheek look at western action heroes who are so pumped full of testosterone that they can barely move for cannons. It's a farce and we all know it, even the girls involved in this community. So why is it that no-one else can?
Discuss. I'm going for a cup of tea (how very british).
Yes, 'tis I, back from the black. I know, I know, it's been a while and the secret project that I was working on is now out in the form of the online game Mojikan. I've since moved on and gone back to working on my own games and business plan for my own studio, but that is neither here nor there. The point of this is that with or without me, Mojikan is a pretty cool game. Check it out and see if you agree. Not all of it is particularly new and inventive, but it is expertly put together.
In other news, I've been playing Pokemon: Platinum Version as a prelude to the recently released Pokemon: Black and Pokemon: White versions. The new feature with this release/generation is the limited edition Pokemon Victini (now tell me, when you heard that it wouldn't be around for long, you wanted that little lucky fox more, didn't you?) and the integration of a full three dimensional game-world. This graphical style shift has been something the series has been screaming out for since the early 2000s, so seeing that Nintendo has finally listened can only mean that the series is taking a step in the right direction.
Unsurprisingly enough, Duke Nukem Forever has been delayed. Again. The upshot of this little snippet is that now America will have to wait with the rest of the world, instead of getting it four days early. Har har. Something else that intrigues me about this particular game is how vehement a lot of feminist writers are getting. I read an article that said Shelby Knox was trying to get it banned from Wal-mart, which is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Looking at this from a gaming, marketing and consumer perspective, the lunacy is over-whelming. From a consumer perspective, she is trying to limit my access to this highly-sought-after game. As every teenager who has glugged a little sneaky spirits knows, the more you can't have it, the more you want it. Not only that, you are more inclined to seek it out.
From a marketing perspective, you are cutting a huge slice of core game-players out of the potential market. Not only that, you are restricting your customer pool to current hard-core game-players, instead of capitalising on the nostaglia factor of adult game-players with families who may no longer visit boutique game stores on a regular basis. Restricting distribution for a game so long in development is simple madness and given Ms. Knox's comments regarding the target consumers, I respectfully am disinclined to agree, but I will expand on that in a moment.
Finally, from a gaming perspective. As a media form that has never been wholly 'socially acceptable', gaming sports its fair share of battle scars. After Bulletstorm and Homefront, you think the hoo-hah would have died down. There have been SO many studies that have disproven (and proven) that video games are the cause of violence in children and adults. There will probably never be any real proof either way, but in the end, it comes down to parenting. Whether or not you want YOUR children to be exposed to this type of material is the same case as if you were to decide whether or not you would allow them to watch a MA15+ film. YOU are the adult and YOU need to make the decision, not the ESRB. Be a responsible parent and we will be responsible game-players.
Now, getting back to what I was saying about Shelby Knox. The woman claims that the 'capture the babe' mode will promote a culture of sexual violence against women in the youth culture today. Well, sorry to tell you this, but I am friends with a DJ crew in Sydney, all of whom are lovely and sweet boys. But the culture they live in is filled with girls who consider it a status boost to sleep with a DJ, to wear next to nothing and get off-their-head drunk. This culture already exists on the music scene and has done for so many years now. Is one long-standing joke of the game industry going to make an impact? Probably not. The people who will play this game see it for its true value - a tongue-in-cheek look at western action heroes who are so pumped full of testosterone that they can barely move for cannons. It's a farce and we all know it, even the girls involved in this community. So why is it that no-one else can?
Discuss. I'm going for a cup of tea (how very british).
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Next Great Adventure - Sydney!
Well, ladies and space marines, this will more than likely be my last post from Brisvegas before my epic adventure to Sydney! I've been hired by a game company to be my awesome self (can't tell you too much - yet!) with them. The flight is booked, some of my stuff is packed and my mother wept. But what an adventure!
Here's the thing - while hunting for a job in the industry, it's going to be difficult to find a job close to home. Hell, I had to travel interstate for just the interview! :D But if you're willing to work hard and to go the extra distance, you're bound to impress your potential employers.
Also, keeping a game blog (much like this one) is an excellent idea. You have a limited amount of time to wow the company with your game knowledge. Just think of what you can say about your ideas in a blog and what your would-be bosses can read if you can give them a link to your blog! It will definitely work in your favour.
So here I am - I handed in my resignation for my part-time job (the one that I've held for the last 7.5 years!) yesterday and the countdown is on to D(eparture)-Day. In true girly tradition, I bought new shoes (a pair of very cool leather-studded high heels!) and a new bag (to which I immediately transferred my Starfleet Medical insignia badge).
So the next time we meet, I'll be a Sydderian! A Sydney-sider! Oh God... at least I'll be closer to Anthony Warlow...
Here's the thing - while hunting for a job in the industry, it's going to be difficult to find a job close to home. Hell, I had to travel interstate for just the interview! :D But if you're willing to work hard and to go the extra distance, you're bound to impress your potential employers.
Also, keeping a game blog (much like this one) is an excellent idea. You have a limited amount of time to wow the company with your game knowledge. Just think of what you can say about your ideas in a blog and what your would-be bosses can read if you can give them a link to your blog! It will definitely work in your favour.
So here I am - I handed in my resignation for my part-time job (the one that I've held for the last 7.5 years!) yesterday and the countdown is on to D(eparture)-Day. In true girly tradition, I bought new shoes (a pair of very cool leather-studded high heels!) and a new bag (to which I immediately transferred my Starfleet Medical insignia badge).
So the next time we meet, I'll be a Sydderian! A Sydney-sider! Oh God... at least I'll be closer to Anthony Warlow...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
'Tis me again, another boring review, yes, I know... but EB had a sale on and I wanted a new game. So I bought this one, as far as the definition of new can be stretched.
This one bears a marked resemblance to Revenant Wings - to the point where Vaan and Penelo actually make an appearance! I've only played the GBA tactics version and really, this isn't different at all. Sure, the option is open to use the touch screen, but this really doesn't make the full use of it the way that FFXII:RW did.
It really is your basic, turn-based strategy game; you have a clan full of variously clad party member options and each "job" (because that's what we call classes these days) has -mostly- unique qualities and moves. Black Mages use the traditional fire, blizzard and thunder combination, White Mages do the usual healing jobs; then there's your melee classes/jobs like Gladiator, Fighter, Soldier, Berserker, White Monk, etc. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Most quests you can dispatch a party to (cheat's way of getting through the MASSIVE amount of jobs on offer quickly). But as well as the main storyline quests, there will be a few that you can't dispatch. Usually, there will be a reason for this - a new job on offer (take Veis, Assasin, for example, or the long-running feud between the Bangaa Brotherhood and the Nu Mou Nobles) or a particular item that is both functional and useful. Either way, you'll have to lead the charge yourself on these occasions.
In any one of these bouts, the rules are usually the same: follow the laws the judges hand down, or you'll be refused re-entry into battle if one of your party members falls to a foe. That means no use of Phoenix Down or Raise on anything that currently calls your clan host. You can, however, still use these moves/items on the undead. Go figure. If it were up to me, I would rather have had the law-breaker unable to re-enter battle, or disabled. Affecting the WHOLE clan is a bit much.
All in all, it's a very well structured game, the bones of which carried over in Revenant Wings. It's not boring or dragging, but the combat can be a bit samey, which is the real drawback in this case. Still, if you are anything like the perfectionist I am, you'll be searching all over to find all the job classes.
Verdict: A great time-waster if you have a few weeks free.
This one bears a marked resemblance to Revenant Wings - to the point where Vaan and Penelo actually make an appearance! I've only played the GBA tactics version and really, this isn't different at all. Sure, the option is open to use the touch screen, but this really doesn't make the full use of it the way that FFXII:RW did.
It really is your basic, turn-based strategy game; you have a clan full of variously clad party member options and each "job" (because that's what we call classes these days) has -mostly- unique qualities and moves. Black Mages use the traditional fire, blizzard and thunder combination, White Mages do the usual healing jobs; then there's your melee classes/jobs like Gladiator, Fighter, Soldier, Berserker, White Monk, etc. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Most quests you can dispatch a party to (cheat's way of getting through the MASSIVE amount of jobs on offer quickly). But as well as the main storyline quests, there will be a few that you can't dispatch. Usually, there will be a reason for this - a new job on offer (take Veis, Assasin, for example, or the long-running feud between the Bangaa Brotherhood and the Nu Mou Nobles) or a particular item that is both functional and useful. Either way, you'll have to lead the charge yourself on these occasions.
In any one of these bouts, the rules are usually the same: follow the laws the judges hand down, or you'll be refused re-entry into battle if one of your party members falls to a foe. That means no use of Phoenix Down or Raise on anything that currently calls your clan host. You can, however, still use these moves/items on the undead. Go figure. If it were up to me, I would rather have had the law-breaker unable to re-enter battle, or disabled. Affecting the WHOLE clan is a bit much.
All in all, it's a very well structured game, the bones of which carried over in Revenant Wings. It's not boring or dragging, but the combat can be a bit samey, which is the real drawback in this case. Still, if you are anything like the perfectionist I am, you'll be searching all over to find all the job classes.
Verdict: A great time-waster if you have a few weeks free.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Pnuemonia and old games
Well, as most of my friends and minions know, I've been stuck in the house for the last three weeks at my doctor's behest in order to recover from a particularly nasty bout of pnuemonia. Those of you who haven't had it, you don't want it and those that have... well, you can share my pain. I'm starting to feel like a human pin cushion with the amount of blood tests I've had and all they can tell me is that my white blood cell count is up and that my lungs still sound a bit rattly. Gee, really. I wouldn't have expected that from a lung infection.
In other news, all this time being made to rest has forced me to replay some of my old games. Sadly, there are parts of my Kingdom Hearts II games that won't load properly - sad face - so therefore I went back to play Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings for the DS.
It must be said that I quite liked this game, hence why it wasn't traded in. The strategic nature appealed to me, along with the ability to constantly summon Yarhi/Espers. The storyline was quite acceptable and I found myself warming up to Llyud, the first Aegyl you meet in-game. I'm a bit neurotic with games, so I've had to try and finish every mission, summoning melee, monster melee and all-out brawl. This has led to my party having some pretty tricked-out gear that has better stats than the stuff they came with (example, Bathier comes equipped with Rygel, his gun. Crafting one with Cu Sith, however, boosts most of his stats +10, so what's the point in keeping the old one?).
The other game I restarted is Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise. Yes, yes, I know I bought it around this time last year, so technically it's not all that old for me, but the Viva Pinata game itself is old, therefore it counts. This time round, it seems to have lost a lot of the fun for me. I don't know why, but maybe it's just one of those games that you absolutely love the first time round but the second... you forget what you saw in it in the first place.
Completely off-topic, today is Johnny Depp's birthday, so happy birthday to you, sir! Funnily enough, I was reading a topic over at the escapist forums and found a nifty little video clip starring said handsome actor that I'd never seen before (and for those of you complaining that Johnny Depp has nothing to do with video games, I have one thing to say to you: The Legend of Jack Sparrow. Ha).
Oh... and happy birthday to Karl Urban for yesterday. The gorgeous kiwi is now 38. I watched reboot!Trek in his honour. ^_^
In other news, all this time being made to rest has forced me to replay some of my old games. Sadly, there are parts of my Kingdom Hearts II games that won't load properly - sad face - so therefore I went back to play Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings for the DS.
It must be said that I quite liked this game, hence why it wasn't traded in. The strategic nature appealed to me, along with the ability to constantly summon Yarhi/Espers. The storyline was quite acceptable and I found myself warming up to Llyud, the first Aegyl you meet in-game. I'm a bit neurotic with games, so I've had to try and finish every mission, summoning melee, monster melee and all-out brawl. This has led to my party having some pretty tricked-out gear that has better stats than the stuff they came with (example, Bathier comes equipped with Rygel, his gun. Crafting one with Cu Sith, however, boosts most of his stats +10, so what's the point in keeping the old one?).
The other game I restarted is Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise. Yes, yes, I know I bought it around this time last year, so technically it's not all that old for me, but the Viva Pinata game itself is old, therefore it counts. This time round, it seems to have lost a lot of the fun for me. I don't know why, but maybe it's just one of those games that you absolutely love the first time round but the second... you forget what you saw in it in the first place.
Completely off-topic, today is Johnny Depp's birthday, so happy birthday to you, sir! Funnily enough, I was reading a topic over at the escapist forums and found a nifty little video clip starring said handsome actor that I'd never seen before (and for those of you complaining that Johnny Depp has nothing to do with video games, I have one thing to say to you: The Legend of Jack Sparrow. Ha).
Oh... and happy birthday to Karl Urban for yesterday. The gorgeous kiwi is now 38. I watched reboot!Trek in his honour. ^_^
Thursday, May 6, 2010
GameOn Program: Portfolio Presentation
Well, for all of you who didn't realise it was going on, QUT's GameOn series has had it's last event for the semester - Iron Dev. In response to a challenge put forward by Morgan Jaffit, my little two-man team representing Quill Games came up with a cute little piece called Frankie, Jr.
The night was a great hit - we got to see the kind of games being developed by other small studios and student groups. We got great feedback from the panel about the game and made some really good friends in the crowd. A shout out to Isaac, who I spent an exorbitant amount of time with discussing Square Enix games and various anime.
In other news, it looks like I have a sound engineer for Quill Games should the need arise. A few of my former classmates have rallied in the absence of paying work in the form of screw-this-we'll-just-go-it-alone mentality. Thus far, we're not doing too badly. I may have to shelve my epic RPG Heavenly Legion for a while, though.
Finally, I've just found out the saddest news - Vincent D'Onofrio is leaving Law & Order: Criminal Intent. This is the end of an era. He really is phenomenal as Det. Robert 'Bobby' Goren and the thought of not having him on the show is heart-breaking. So from all your loyal fans, Vincent, thanks for making the show amazing. We wish you well in your future endeavours... BUT PLEASE DON'T GO!
The night was a great hit - we got to see the kind of games being developed by other small studios and student groups. We got great feedback from the panel about the game and made some really good friends in the crowd. A shout out to Isaac, who I spent an exorbitant amount of time with discussing Square Enix games and various anime.
In other news, it looks like I have a sound engineer for Quill Games should the need arise. A few of my former classmates have rallied in the absence of paying work in the form of screw-this-we'll-just-go-it-alone mentality. Thus far, we're not doing too badly. I may have to shelve my epic RPG Heavenly Legion for a while, though.
Finally, I've just found out the saddest news - Vincent D'Onofrio is leaving Law & Order: Criminal Intent. This is the end of an era. He really is phenomenal as Det. Robert 'Bobby' Goren and the thought of not having him on the show is heart-breaking. So from all your loyal fans, Vincent, thanks for making the show amazing. We wish you well in your future endeavours... BUT PLEASE DON'T GO!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Supanova Brisbane: This McCoy Fangirl's Dream
Every geek who is any geek will know what Supanova is to Australia. It's like Comic-con, only in Oz.Well, this was my big weekend. This was it. I was finally meeting my idol, my hero and my dream man - Karl Urban. He of the sexy southern doctor persuation and Star Trek inclination who rocked in the movie Doom (based on the classic cult video game).
In short, I will share the story I shared with my friends in STARFLEET (alright, you can all stop laughing now):
I went to Supanova with a friend of mine - Veronica - where said lovely man was signing autographs and having photos taken. We checked out the line for the pavilion to pay for aforementioned photos/autographs and it was nearly a kilometer long. We decided to skip it fora while and have a look around at the other booths in the room.
I should mention that I was in my Starfleet Medical Corps uniform (sans tricorder and communicator) and was moseying around when we spotted Karl stepping out for a break (cue my hyperventilating). He walked past the queue and turned.
He looked right at me.
I looked back at him and did the only thing I could think of - smile and snap off a salute.
He grinned back, pointed at my uniform and said "THAT'S cool!" He then proceded over to me and began plucking at my shirt to see what it was made of.
I was in a state of shock, so Veronica swung into action, asking him if we could have a photo. He smiled at me and said "Sure, I'm not supposed to do this, but oh well!"
He then slid his arm around my lower back and posed kindly for a photo(something I would have had to pay $40 for if I hadn't been in uniform!). He was also gracious enough to answer a question I had about his portrayal of McCoy whilst I was present at his Q&A session.
This awesome story continues on the Sunday, Day Two of Supanova Brisbane...
On this day, I had a portrait with Karl and I done - signed by the man himself! I had to edit it slightly, because he gave me a moustache while signing it, which he apologised for and offered to draw one on himself. He also signed my Star Trek DVD.
Even better, Mr Urban thanked me for the invitation to the Region 11 STARFLEET summit in Adelaide! Whether or not he will agree to come, that I cannot tell. But he said thanks for the invite and - from me - a copy of In Limbo, the short story I won a Starfleet writing award for.
I went into recruiting mode whilst I was there and found two other girls who maybe quite keen to join up, with at least one saying she'd be interested in attending the summit. I got to ask him - at his Q&A - if he would like to see the relationships between Kirk, Spock and McCoy developed further, maybe ala' The Search for Spock. He said yes, from what he's seen of the new script, there will be moments that will better develop the "triumvirate".
We have been told that the Supanova website will probably podcast Karl's Q&A sessions later in the year, which is an opportunity to check out the really interesting questions he was asked and how he answered them.
What can I say about Karl - the man is an utter gentleman; funny, kind and clever with a real dedication to his fans and will go out of his way to make his fans happy. To that end, his queue for autographs and photos was the longest in the room. Just goes to show that he is one very much loved Doctor and they couldn't have picked a better successor to DeForest.
And now... you know I'm a rabid McCoy fangirl... and what I look like... hmm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)