In Real Life

Sad, But True


June 9, 2010

In Praise Of Sticky Friction

I’ve always been quite sensitive to certain types of friction. (I considered writing that sentence 10 different ways, and simply couldn’t make it less risque than that.)


May 20, 2010
In Real Life

Army Schools To Offer Game Design Courses To Military Kids

American universities aren’t the only ones who have noticed the appeal of games design courses; so has the Department of Defence, which will offer them in its vocational programs for kids of enlisted military and civilian workers.


May 8, 2010

Game Design As Make-Believe: Principles Of Generation

Based upon part three of the Mimesis as Make-Believe serial.


May 7, 2010

Game Design As Make-Believe: Props

Based upon part two of the Mimesis as Make-Believe serial.


May 1, 2010

Game Design As Make-Believe: Imagination

Based upon part one of the Mimesis as Make-Believe serial.


March 27, 2010
In Real Life

The Limit

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Yesterday we considered that maybe breaking the rules is the best way to play video games. Because — or despite that — game developers have to set limits. So is this Heavy Rain clip, via reader Syptel, a tolerable limit?


February 4, 2010
News

Mass Effect 2 Sidequests Sometimes Poignant, Often Busywork

What makes a good video game sidequest? The optional diversions in big games like Mass Effect 2 don’t always delight players. Sometimes, they even tick them off. The New York Times, reviewing ME2, seems conflicted:


November 4, 2009
In Real Life

Penny Arcade Awards $US10K University Scholarship

Video game design hopeful Kyla Gorman was awarded the 2009 Penny Arcade Scholarship, which she says she plans to use to pursue a degree in game design at the University of Southern California.


September 1, 2009
News

Oh Good, More Doritos Games For Xbox Live Arcade

Cheesy indie advergaming returns to the 360, as Doritos announces the return of the “Unlock Xbox” video game design competition, calling creators to capture the essence of the snack chip in video game form.