TweetAnnex

Oxygene 8 Remix

2009-10-28T11:18:00.002-05:00

Following-up from the last entry...

After a couple of weeks of production and tweakin', I present.

Jarre revisited...

2009-10-13T01:23:00.004-05:00

Many, many eons ago, I recall going into a record shop - back then, albums/LPs were in full display. I was hankerin' for some "space" music for some reason. Being a creature of music, enjoying all types, this seemed to be the norm.

On this day, the following caught my eye.

..and thus I was introduced to Jean-Michel Jarre.

A great... no, wait... GENIUS composer of electronic music. When I discovered these works, he was virtually unknown. Now, a quick search on YouTube - and he's no longer obscure. He's known for the electronic genre and city-wide concerts - though, it appears the concerts (at least to my knowledge) have become less frequent. (Would of loved to have attended "The 12 Dreams of The Sun" outdoor concert which herald in the year 2000. - sigh...)

This past weekend, I came across an old CD "Oxygene 8" which was a set of mixes showcasing a track for the then upcoming "Oxygene 7-13". Made some time and re-mixed the CD into one track.

Next step is to come up with appropriate visuals in terms of video so as to coincide with the mix. Soon, I shall share this with others hoping to add to the growing collection of Jarre related videos on YouTube.

Stay tuned!

The days after...

2009-10-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm back.

Surgery day was loooong. Arrived at the hospital around 8am (appointment was @ 8:30a) - but my name wasn't called until around 1pm. That puts it around 15 hours without eating food. Man, I was hungry!

It didn't help that the waiting room was footsteps away from the hospital cafeteria, though I heard from my nurse later in pre-op, that the food selection wasn't that great that day.

The hospital experience does have some flaws. First, registration desk guy should just stick to saying "good morning", verifying the surgical appointment and giving the patient their wrist tag. Leave the accounting, and any other billing questions for the appropriate department and not further stress patients on THE DAY OF THEIR SURGERY with payment questions. Plus, how am I to pay 20% of a procedure that hasn't been performed? Jeez. The hospital will get paid, and based on the statement I just received, a good chunk of that payment from my last surgery was covered by my insurance. So what's the problem?

Spending about 5 hours in the waiting room, leaves much to be desired. No real updates on when you'll be "next", and I must say, for me, being an adult and having to deal with this, I can only imagine the number of children there having to endure the same, but with shorter attention spans. The hospital should invest in having a "kids friendly" waiting room full of toys and other forms of entertainment for them while they wait.

Also, what's with the timid voices when calling patients? I spent half my time trying to hear the names called. Almost as if the nurse was scared of the room full of people? WTF?

Alas, once you're in, the "king" treatment begins. I can go on for hours on how everyone inside treats you well, and attends to your every question and need.

One way I deal with stressful situations is to just be humorous. By this time, I was in my gown (which I still wonder why they call it that when half your body is nearly exposed) and needed to pay a restroom visit. I walked by a nurse station saying "quick, runaway patient.. runaway patient" while attempting to keep my gown in place ... they all laughed. I then stopped to ask for directions to where I needed to go.

It took a while for my pre-op nurse to arrive, but, what a nice person. As soon as she walked in, I turned over to mom and said.. "Hey, it's time to order in food! -- I'll have a few hamburgers, fries, and a vanilla shake.." Whereby my nurse laughed and said.. "Yep, sure.. coming right up... let me see your arm."

She asked some pre-op questions, and through some question and answering found that I may indeed be allergic to morphine - based on what happened last month in my prior surgery. =o/

Alas, it came time to stick me with the IV which is always FUN (not), and get the drugs going.

About 20 mins later, the OR nurse arrived, verified who I was and off we went. I said "Laters" to mom, and my journey to the OR began.   Like last time, the OR was full of music, but this time 80's era. Last time it was rock and roll.

I found my OR nurse had a very nice voice and was singing away. I was moving my feet back and forth in rhythm. As more OR personnel arrived, I tried to convince them to exchange the surgical lights for a disco ball, and that we could just forego the surgery and have a little dance party. - didn't work.

My anesthesiologist arrived. What a sweetheart. She looked down, and said "How ya doing, honey?"   I told her she was my BFF (knowing my life would soon be in her hands) and she laughed and said... "Yep, sweetie, we are."

She then placed a mask over my face, telling me it was oxygen, and that she was about to put me to sleep. I remember her saying.. "You're going to go to sleep now, but, everything will be just fine, honey.. Don't worry about a thing."

{BLACKNESS}

I awake what turns out to be like an hour or so later to find myself in post-op recovery. To my pleasant surprise, the same nurse that attended me last time, was there. I slowly woke up, got my bearings and say.. "Hey, I know you." She replied.. "You're back? You must like it here." Mom shows up, and of course the worried look on her face.   I tried to hide the pain to ease her a bit, but you can't fool mothers. She knew things were different this time.

As the drugs wore off, the pain kicked in quick, and for a moment, there was a discussion of keeping me at the hospital overnight. Some more drugs were administered and when asked if I wanted the pill or shot variety, I quickly went for the injection. Odd, since I hate needles, but definitely a sure sign that the pain I was experiencing was worse.

Time passed, and eventually I was wheeled to my mom's vehicle and as always, don't remember how I arrived at home.

Overall, except for the stupidity of the registration clerk, and 5 hour wait, the ordeal I'm sure could of gone a hell of a lot worse. Right now, recovery is slow, I'm sleeping but 4 hours at a time due to pain and occasional bleeding, but, definitely making my way towards recovery. I'm not rushing it though... this was a doozy of a procedure and my body will say "when."

For now, I'm taking things slow. I'm glad it's over, and here's hoping this is the last of it.

The night before...

2009-09-28T23:58:00.001-05:00

You'd think after all the surgeries I've gone through, I'd be calm, cool and collected. Pre-Op jitters - too bad there's not some instant solution to get rid of them.

I'm feeling overall confident and positive that all will go just fine. Plus, it's not all bad. I get at least a week off, watch movies, play games, SLEEP, not to mention the prescribed drugs =oP -- as I make tracks down the recovery road.

As before, if I can, I'll post up on Twitter (jag731) that all is well when I get back. Sad part, no 1vs100 to play... but still something to look forward to and all the reason to get back in stride before it begins.

The clock is ticking, so this blog entry will be short.

1vs100 - Personal Trivia

2009-09-26T14:39:00.005-05:00

Here's a personal trivia post based on my 1vs100 game play. Some of them posted publically; the rest now known.

1) First played the game about 2 weeks after USA BETA was released. - [Played the Friday night LIVE game & was lost - but hooked after that.]

2) Did well overall on sports questions. - [Yet, I'm not a sports fan.]

3) Lifetime accuracy: 66% - [Took a dive after playing a couple of SuperHard episodes.]

4) Lifetime Streak: 22 questions. - [Could of been 23 or more, but I screwed up the "Ripley" question.]

5) Lifetime Score: Over 8 Million. - [Can I convert that to dollars?]

6) Favorite EP editions: In The News, Sci-Fi, General Trivia. - [Yet, got my 2nd highest score playing a SuperHard session. Go figure.]

7) Met @Callmepotato83 & @sourapplesmiles via twitter, yet inadvertently hooked them on the game. - [@Sourapplesmiles clearly the smartest of our group.]

8) "Team Spiffy" was born as our group would tend to "dress up" for LIVE game play. - [My avatar: Suit / tie, Sunglasses & Tennis Shoes - Nice combo, huh?]

9) Usually played w/o a mic, unless I was with my party. - [Surprised they didn't mute me.]

10) Probably the only individual that noticed (& enjoyed) the lobby/in-game music. - [Including Chris Cashman's "Age of Booty".]

11) Unofficially "jinxed" the LIVE game on Friday 8/14/09. - [I plead the 5th.]

12) @Callmepotato83 and I had the pleasure of playing with one of the game devs. - [Quite possibly my lowest game score ever that night - embarrassing.]

13) Did 2 hours of non-stop AMPing during the show's season finale. - [My "Y" thumb hasn't recovered.]

14) Answered "Centipede" for a question asking another name for "Centigrade." - [Canadian Flag colors and countless others questions fall into this category.]

15) Didn't make it in The Mob or as The One. - [Nothing I did. I blame the BETA code. =oP]

These last friday/saturday evenings of late have been a bit rough. It's like tasting and savoring a piece of dessert, but just as you reach for more - it's gone.

Surgery 2.0 - Expanded

2009-09-26T03:55:00.008-05:00

Alas, the long awaited day arrived. Preps for doctor visit and subsequent registration were somehow able to fit in one morning.

Some good news - according to doc, I've healed from the surgery performed about a month ago. This opened the door for the next one.

After getting the go-ahead from the doc, I made my way to the hospital to pre-register. Having gone through this process prior, I thought I knew what to expect: The obligatory blood work (which I detest), and yet some things new. An EKG, and a nurse consultation making absolutely sure where I stand on allergies, medication, prior medical problems, etc.

A sidebar: The twitpic I posted showing the needle was actually kind of interesting for the nurse. I explained I was on twitter and wanted to show some of what was going on to my followers (Ala, pics or it didn't happen). She heeded my request of "posing" without actually sticking me so I could take the snap-shot. Whereby afterwards, I told her to keep that way while I turned aside and that then she could proceed. By the way, the picture looked more menacing than the experience.

The EKG took longer to hook me up than the actual exam. In the end, both the nurse and I concluded I was alive. =o)

Next, was the nurse consultation which tested my patience a bit as it took a while for that to happen. As I waited in the lobby, it wasn't long before an older woman sitting next to me began a conversation. It was clearly evident she was apprehensive about her particular ordeal and a little jittery. Hell, I was (and still am a bit jittery) - who isn't? - but, in her case, you could see it in her eyes that she was looking for comfort and just someone to calm her and offer reassurance.

She told me that they were going to remove her gallbladder, and even went through the trouble of looking in her purse to show me the papers. Now, I'm no stranger to surgeries. This upcoming one will be my fourth. Years ago, I had my gallbladder removed, so I felt at ease in calming her down and explaining that in my case, all went well and that post-op pain was minimal. You could almost see this virtual weight lift from her, and a brightness fill her face. Moments before, she was sitting idly, dwelling on what I'm sure was a desperate and anxious moment in her life. And now, a complete stranger has given her hope and confirmation that as serious as the procedure may sound, one does recover and and life goes on.

A few moments later, her ride arrived, and she was preparing to leave. As she got up from her chair, she said "thank you", and we wished each other luck.

I'm glad I was able to give someone the help they were looking for. This surgery promises to be a bit more involved with more recovery time required - which is to say, it won't be a 4 day rest and then head to work kind, like my last one.

On Tuesday sometime, as I prepare - my heartbeat will be racing, my blood pressure will be high, and I'll be nervous, shaky and anxious. But, I'll remember this experience with this older lady, and put my words to use in hopes that the taste of my own verbal medicine will serve to calm me as well.

DiRT 2 / Colin McRae Tribute

2009-09-21T01:02:00.000-05:00

Before I begin, there may be a game spoiler or two in this entry. If you're playing the game you may wish to forego reading further.
_________________________

Alas, it's been a great run so far playing DiRT2! So much thought to game design, details and the late Colin McRae is clearly evident.

As I continue up the DiRT Tour, the Colin McRae event became available. Upon completing it, I unlocked the "For Colin" achievement - which I thought was a nice touch.

The screen quickly blackened and I could tell the usual game graphics and audio were on stand-still. A picture of Mr. McRae appeared followed by a nice tribute video of him and his racing. Truly a nice tribute showing the man that was synonymous with Rally racing.

I'll admit, before DiRT (the original), I had no idea who this man was. The day the news spread of his death, I was saddened. Years later, after DiRT2 is released, and after receiving said achievement and watching the video, a tear ran down my face. This marks the first time ever that playing a game would cause such an emotional response.

Codemasters did Dirt2 right. Not only in game design and execution, but, by tastefully heralding the man responsible for the franchise.

Much thought went into the game, and to have a gamer experience such emotion during gameplay, I believe the results expected were achieved.

Thanks Codemasters and Thank you, Colin!

What's so difficult to understand, Microsoft?

2009-09-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

One sends an Xbox console for repair for one issue, it's returned damaged and with even worse issues. One requests a replacement, just to avoid problems for everyone, and they decide to return the same console?

Are MS console support and service center masochists? Are they ensuring themselves a job? At what point do you give to what a company is obligated to do which is to provide customer satisfaction?

I bought the console to play and enjoy, not send off to repair weekly. Here's the thing, I know the console works (at least for a determinant time frame) as I have a backup console that is working flawlessly.

Wake up Microsoft - I can understand wanting to save costs, but is alienating your customers the best way to do it? I paid for the console initially. The repairs obviously aren't making any improvement.

But we'll see. Once this second repair arrives, I'll give it a whirl on a game I know will immediately tell me if the repair was successful or not.

If all is well, then, I offer my thanks in advance.

If not, prepare for hell.

1vs100 Blogs

2009-09-16T18:04:00.002-05:00

Have to love the 1vs100 blogs that provide so much insight on how the game was developed. What we as players take/took for granted, get's spilled out from "behind-the-scenes" and you get a new level of understanding.

During game play, a player doesn't think about the technical issues (aka miracles) that occur. We mostly just focus on the superficial things like turning on the Xbox at the appropriate time, making sure your friends are online, joining parties and cracking jokes.

It's simple to overlook a presentation such as 1vs100 on XBL and thinking it's all magically done; that one swing of a wand is all it took. Blog entries like this recent one by vboy, puts things in perspective.

With each entry, I gain just that more respect and admiration for the 1vs100 Team, and I'm glad to read they ate well. =o)

2009-09-16T00:47:00.005-05:00

Yay!

The blog gets some life. Aside from changing the original blog name, I figured even though I enjoy Twitter, the post limitations left me with no option but to spill my verbose diatribes into another medium. Alas, "TweetAnnex" is born. - Welcome.

So what occupies my thoughts right now?

1vs100 LIVE (XBL)
It's been a few weeks, and I do miss playing 1vs100 LIVE. The game was great, yes, but I miss the interaction I had with my party of friends. The 2 hours were fun to play solo, but, with friends - there's just no comparison. I miss those good times. The hours just flew.

One of my best moments was playing and chatting with one of the 1vs100 devs. Poor soul, I kept rambling on how great the game was, how the team did a great job, and so forth, and he probably felt extremely uncomfortable - we never played a session again! LOL.... Ah, but such is how it is.

This game really exposed how community and fans and developers can intermingle and I'm hoping this concept takes off. We're not just clients and cash cows. We're people that enjoy your game offerings.

By the same token, this game showed me that devs aren't usually people locked up in offices programming all day being non-social. Lots of things learned and misconceptions tossed aside.

What 1vs100 fan wouldn't want this?

1vs100 returns this winter. Time to brush up on trivia, and new jokes!

DiRT 2
What can I say? Codemasters hit it right on the nose. Enjoying this game immensely and it's simply surreal how realistic, fluid and engaging game play can be. For the first time in a while, I'm really taking my time absorbing all the game has to offer. No rushing needed or required. DiRT2 is a gem and deserves quality time spent to experience it all.

Frankly, I was surprised with this game, and I'm glad it's part of my gaming library.

So, what now?
Well, as the blog title says.. this blog serves as an extension of tweets. Frequent postings aren't guaranteed, but should a particular tweet tangent need embellishment - check here!

Thanks for reading, and hope you visit often.

Oh ya, to those that celebrate it. Happy 16 de Septiembre.

Split / Second E3 2009 Trailer

2009-06-09T23:07:00.002-05:00

Again - one word... Drroooool....

Happy Goat: The Internet catches up to you!

2009-04-05T05:35:00.006-05:00

So, it's around 1994-1995 or so, and the Atari Jaguar has been released. Arguably, the one game everyone remembers when someone mutters Atari Jaguar is Tempest 2000, aka T2K.

Along with the intense graphics (hey, for the time, they were incredible), and gameplay, was the screaming soundtrack compliments of Imagitec Design.

These tracks are MOD files. I then come across a DOS-based (remember DOS?) mod player... Add a mini-disc player/recorder because I couldn't record audio directly to wav/mp3 on my system via DOS. Mix the track in realtime! Playback the minidisc to record an audio file via line-in on my system. Email to a friend of mine running an Atari Jaguar related website ... and many, many years later -- it shows up on YouTube!

What's this? Good news for video games?

2009-03-30T00:47:00.003-05:00

Action Video Games Improve Vision

According to a Livescience study.

Players became up to 58 percent better at perceiving fine contrast differences in the tests.

"If you are driving at dusk with light fog it could make the difference between seeing the car in front of you or not seeing it," study leader Daphne Bavelier told LiveScience.

The ability to discern slight differences in shades of gray, or contrast sensitivity, is the primary limiting factor in how well one sees, said Bavelier, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester.

"Normally, improving contrast sensitivity means getting glasses or eye surgery-somehow changing the optics of the eye," she said. "But we've found that action video games train the brain to process the existing visual information more efficiently, and the improvements last for months after game play stopped."

Link to the entire article.

Oh yeah!! 'Nuff said!

2009-03-15T23:16:00.001-05:00

New Racer from Disney?

2009-02-12T22:34:00.004-06:00

I received a video response to my "Fuel" trailer post on Youtube.

Looks interesting...

If the idea was to tease, this video succeeds.

Happy Goat: Texting and gaming

2009-01-21T23:42:00.013-06:00

I work mostly in IT, graphics, internet, as well as new media, and it came to mind how phone texting could be a potential tool for gaming companies to continue to build product loyalty and broaden their community goals.

Gamers are plugged-in, whether in their games, online, or in some form of virtual connection. It would make sense then for a gaming company to capitalize on this, by offering a texting service which could provide say...

1) Text blasts of upcoming gaming titles
2) Information on updates/patches and their releases
3) Contests/Events specifically targeting texting members
4) Offer bonus codes/cheats

..and so forth.

Given my experience, the whole issue of "spam" text is covered by automatic opt-in texts that verify twice if a potential subscriber is interested in joining. At any time, a subscriber could opt-out. The end result? Those individuals have agreed to be members, and thereby, minimizing complaints.

Then, with a delicate balance of blasts (say one or two per week, or as necessary), the company could provide said info directly to their cell phones. Of course, this isn't something that you just "set and forget". There is planning, and effort required to make such a campaign work.

Television, especially TV shows are doing this; keeping the fans up-to-date on what goes on. Why not something similar for gaming companies? It would offer yet another avenue to reach customers, increase interest, offer information and opportunities that members wouldn't find elsewhere.

The question begs -- But what about our online presence? That's fine as well, but, realize that some people (myself excluded it seems) are not in front of their monitors 24/7. So by a company texting about a new game page at a given URL, some will either visit via their phone, or have that message available for when they're infront of their computer. The idea is to work with all tools in tandem, not foreshadow.

The next question - What about email? Email has received such a bad rap from those that have abused it with spam. So many steps are taken to keep this problem at hand, that now, we're asked to do an extra step of whitelisting domains, which can complicate the whole joining/communication process.

Texting marketing example:
Let's say a gaming company has a texting/marketing campaign and has worked a deal with gaming stores so that when their new game is released, those in their club get a text message that says something to the effect... "Present this message at the following stores (store list), and receive a X% discount." Or, "....get $X off the purchase of game X". The stores get traffic, the game gets interest, and the text recipient saves some green.

Or, what if in the manual or a game screen, people are invited to join or are told that if they're a member, to type a key code for the opportunity to win some game-related swag or some other prize?

Or, by typing in a code, they receive a text which includes a URL to register for prizes or unlocks or whatnot ... (Linking texting with online).

The possibilities are endless.

Food for thought:
The US average number of monthly texts for a 13- to 17-year-old teen is 1,742, according to a Nielsen study of cellphone usage.

Happy Goat: Randomness

2009-01-13T21:54:00.006-06:00

I'll attempt to keep these type of entries as infrequent as possible as they're "fillers" for when my mind draws a blank.

What I get for gloating

I had to go ahead and tempt fate, didn't I? I was braggin' to my mom last night about how I hadn't been ill in about a year. What happens? I wake up with signs of a cold coming on. I am feeling better though, so, either my immune system is kickin some butt, or fate just smirked and offered a small reminder.

Yearn to learn

Been caught up with getting our stations streaming. It's interesting, and yet another chapter of learning new stuff which is probably the smart thing to do with the economy going weird.

There were over 2.8 million people that lost their job in 2008 here in the US. The more one diversifies, educates and gains experience - the better.

I'm happy with work and my employer, but, you never know. Therefore I've set 2009 as the year to learn and enhance some skills. I love production editing, and motion graphics and that's where my sights are right now. Where this will lead? No idea, but, at the very least no one can take the experience and knowledge away from me.

My bank account may scream in agony for a little while, but I've always found that investing in yourself is well, a good investment.

Happy Goat, and "Fin"

Many ask, what's with the smiling goat and braces?

Just a pic that tends to personify me and my personality. Plus, it's a great item to look at when you're feeling down. I can't count how many times the silly goat pic has lifted my spirits.

Oh, and I'm back to doing my DDR'ing! Yep, time to get in some cardio exercise to burn off the holiday excess. Plus it's a great stress reliever!

By the way, for those that didn't know - "Fin" aside from being a part of some aquatic creature also means "End" in Spanish. This fancy tidbit of useless trivia was brought to you by the letters J, A and the number 6.

"I gotta get me one of these!!"

2009-01-12T09:07:00.003-06:00

...as quoted by our hero in Independence Day as he flies the alien spaceship -- his words were exactly what came to mind when I saw this article about a 'Car simulator' that promises to take racing games to a new level.

Discover Magazine also has their take on this.

Drooooooooool... =o)~~

Image courtesy of: Discover Magazine

Video games & real life

2009-01-08T22:28:00.006-06:00

Another news story makes the headlines... 6 yr old steals car and claims racing video games taught him how to drive.

When I was growing up, heavy metal music was believed to be the source of all evil regarding teenager behavior. Interestingly, I listened to that evil music, and I didn't become a psychotic killer.

Can it be that some kids are easily influenced and don't know what's wrong and right? Perhaps. But this headline begs the same question when stories like these make the press. Where were the parents? In this case, asleep.

Being a racing game fan, I'm bombarded with freedom and law-breaking abilities. I'm able to ram cops, speed, drift, and race all from the comfort of my own home. But, it's been eons since I've received any traffic citation for my driving habits. Could it be my parents did a great job bringing me up? Most likely.

Today, that seems to be an exception rather than the rule. Yes, times are different now, but that still doesn't negate parental responsibility. What's a 6 yr old kid doing near a car alone or better yet ... how did he manage to get the keys?

The press, lawyers and videogames-are-bad-for kids pundits have a field day with these kind of situations as the controversy of video games influencing individuals is inviting - and in the case of lawyers, a potential profit windfall.

But, one observation... If what the kid says is true, what's a 6yr old doing playing a M(ature) rated game? Game developers are rating their games fairly and ESRB ratings are hard to miss, so these two entities are doing their job.

It's time parents did theirs.

Unexpected holiday gifts

2009-01-02T03:42:00.007-06:00

Most that know me, realize I love racing games and to that end, I frequent the Codemasters forums, and their side-blog MayContainGamers.

Obviously, a fan of their racing games (DiRT/GRID), MayContainGamers had a series of "BlogVents". BlogVents was their unique way of describing contests where people could compete and garner some pretty nice prizes. Everything from the "Dirty Dancing" CD, to Lord of The Rings Online items were offered.

Alas, BlogVent 15 is close to my heart. We were asked to come up with a Christmas card using nothing but MS Paint! My entry was chosen from the lot -- and I must admit, for a while there I was not sure I'd win. There's some pretty slick MS Painters out there. So, where does this all lead?

Here's the entry I submitted:

And, below is what I received... Yes, even the Quaker Oats oatmeal packet! LOL!

Unfortunately, since Codemasters is located in the UK, it took a while for the goodies to arrive. But then again, considering the distance, I would say the package arrived quite quickly. One surprise was the holiday card (lower right). That was completely unexpected! =o)

A few entries ago, I mentioned how companies (gaming companies especially) need to look beyond the "tried and true" business models they've been running with for years and become more fluid and dynamic - especially with the economy as it stands.

Yes, I'm a Codemasters fan. But, this extra touch in reaching out to their fans and customers through their community involvement is a smart thing. It encourages loyalty. Plus, we get to communicate with the company in an informal setting.

Will I buy the next Codemasters racing game? Of course. But given the opportunity to win a GRID cap as a collectible (not to mention the oatmeal!) has made me a Codies fan for life. Bar-none!

All other gaming companies -- Take notice!

Now for some fun.

One of the blog entries on MCG discussed their voicemail system. It's nice in that when someone leaves a voicemail, it can be received via email as a wav file. Satine, (aka "Squirrel" named by the victim of the post) published these nuggets of audio.

I took that to the next level, adding some music, as heard here (right-click to download) and thus the "Jigglybean Voicemail Rap" was born.

Game developers + gamers + community = necessity

2008-12-30T08:02:00.004-06:00

It doesn't seem too long ago when game developers just sat down, created games and then sent them off to the stores. Gamers would just then browse the aisles, pick the game, and play.

If there were problems, or bugs, the gamer could just chalk it up to a bad choice, or if they really wanted, look for some sort of address or phone number and write the company directly. Sometimes this helped, but most often it didn't.

Then came the internet. The entire world now at our fingertips. As the network grew; as it progressed, so did the avenues of communication between developers and gamers. Now, you buy a game, and almost instantly, you can post your thoughts at almost any given developer's site. Is it buggy? Does it rock? Did it almost make the cut? Any of these and more diatribes can be directed at them.

Two sites come to mind at the moment. NeedForSpeed.com (EA) and Codemasters.com. I'm sure there are more, and someone no doubt will let me know. =o)

Alas, here's where the business model of game creation has taken a turn. Sometimes for the better, or for the worse. The avenues of communication are open, but it's up to the gaming company to make those avenues work. Who wants to visit a site or forum, where posts end up lost in the internet landscape? People expect answers to their questions, especially of a technical nature.

Then again, the companies are now faced with a deluge of people almost demanding service or in the case of a new game, their voice and opinions be heard and suggestions implemented. A daunting task for the developer who wants to please the majority of the gamers, but, has perhaps opened the flood gates a bit too much.

In the end, this type of community and communication should exist, but, both sides should consider the other.

Gamers: By all means, post your technical issues, offer suggestions, participate and be of help to others that may be experiencing problems that you either had or have the answer to. But don't trump on their forums, blasting away foulness and demanding the game company to stop what they're doing just to focus on YOU and YOUR issues, suggestions or comments. It's a community after all. You are NOT the center of their universe and tantrums are usually ignored.

Game Companies: Don't put up a board or community site, just because everyone out there has one and it's the "in" thing to do. If all you're going to do is put that site up there, and let the members have a free-for-all, then don't bother. People go to these sites for assistance, or to express their views, frustrations, suggestions, comments, or just co-exist with others with the same interest. Leaving them hanging to fend for themselves or just using the site as a promotional vehicle for your next project or DLC, just doesn't cut it.

Time's are changin', and with the economy not doing so well, companies can't be doing "business as usual". They need to be fluid and dynamic and most of all, be receptive to the customers who HAVE A CHOICE on how to spend their money.

Yes, the pretty eye candy game you developed will entice some people, but in the end, if that candy isn't up to snuff, or the overall perception of your company is taking the money and run, it won't be long before you realize all the candy in the world won't make your bottomline any sweeter.

So, it begins...

2008-12-30T05:21:00.001-06:00

..the trivia of blogging is my domain now.

Welcome to the initial post for Xbox 360 Racing +Happy Goats!

Feel free to peruse my thoughts on racing games; past, present, and future for the Xbox console. Comment to your heart's content.

Heard something about a pending release? New patch for a recent one? Holler!

Meanwhile, check out the "May Contain Gamers" blog... An off-beat, no-holds-barred little blog from the makers of DiRT, GRID, and coming in 2009: DiRT 2 and FUEL.

Who be they? Codemasters of course!