Saturday, April 30, 2011

Vistas of Game Episode 9

Mel the Office Gamer Girl presents Vistas of Game episode 9


Thursday, April 21, 2011

Vistas of Game Episode 8

Mel the Office Gamer Girl presents Vistas of Game Episode 8.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Cheap App Games Aren't Killing the Gaming Industry

App Games may be GOOD for the industry

I recently read an article that claimed that app games, you know, those ones that you can download on your phones for fairly affordable prices, are causing harm to gaming industry. As if short, cheap, enjoyable games are going to cause great financial harm to and/or bring down the big boys of the gaming industry. My first thoughts on this were, Stop being so dramatic! It's not like you don't charge astronomical prices for your games anyhow. As far as gameplay is concerned, perhaps rather than be afraid of app games, the industry should learn a lesson from them. People like these games because they are inexpensive, short, and over all fun. If you didn't dump tons of money in sequels because it's the safe thing to do, or create another shooter/fighter/sandbox clone that's been done a bazillion times before, then maybe you would be less stressed about your financial situation.

One key thing that app games bring to the table is mass appeal. Most people can pick them up and play without worrying about controls that are too complicated, or about where the next save point is. The games also go to show that the game mechanics of yesteryear aren't dead. Sometimes simpler is better. This is something that the modern industry has forgotten throughout the years. We want something new, something exciting, something enjoyable, but this doesn't mean updated graphics and crazy controls. What games need how are fresh creative stories, and exciting new ideas. Think outside the box and grasp our imagination, don't assault it.

Which brings me to my final thought; Games that are cheap to make, make it possible for independent developers to share their ideas with the world. Apps, along with online gaming, are great venues for finding interesting new games and ideas that may not have otherwise been seen or had the massive media coverage as larger video game titles. It takes some time to sift through a lot of terrible games, but the good ones are there if you look hard enough.

In conclusion, the gaming industry should not be afraid of trends in app gaming but rather embrace it as an aid to bring us better games. Learn from it, and work with what you learn. Console gaming isn't dead, and it won't be for years to come so long as you adapt.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Mel the Office Gamer Girl episode 28: Puzzle and Action

Puzzle and Action



This week Mel takes a look at Puzzle and Action Tanto and Ichidant for the Sega Genesis.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Video Games Live!

video games live

Video Games Live


Last night I went to Video Games Live! There's nothing quite like video game music performed live by a full orchestra. Here are some videos I took of the show!







Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Vistas of Game episode 7

Are you a bad enough dude to watch assorted video game clips?

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Eat Sleep Game - Update

gaming in a nutshell

The current state of things

Hi there everyone! As you can see there is no new episode this week. As much as I really wanted to get it done, there were too many time restraints. Editing videos while creating other content and contributing to multiple sites can be very time consuming and since I don't get paid to do this, I must also have a job. I do have some exciting updates though!

Earlier this week I uploaded 4, yes 4, new episodes of Mel After Work, the series about mixing drinks. They can be found up there in the tab that says "Mel After Work". This week's free time has also been spent finishing up PhoenixGamer.com, a site geared at the growing gaming community in the area. There's also a forum where everyone is welcome to contribute so sign up if you want to talk to other gamers in the area or abroad. Lastly, I've been in contact with CADE, a local arcade and art gallery here in town. We've been talking about starting a video game trivia night hosted by yours truly. Not sure when it will start, but it will be on Friday nights, and you can check back for updates and other upcoming events at Phoenix Gamer. Along with video game trivia at CADE, I also hope to have some of my very own video game art displayed at the gallery as well. I have been doing some plastic pixel art and acrylic paintings that I'll share sometime soon.

Well, that's a lot to cover in one blog post, hope it wasn't too long for you. Don't worry about the series though, Mel the Office Gamer Girl is still going strong and should have a new episode up sometime next week. More vistas of game will be posted as well.

PS. I'm thinking about making a DVD. Not sure what it will contain though.
PPS. In case you didn't hear, I quit Space Monkey Mafia Studios. If you want me to contribute to your site send me a message via one of the many ways to contact me.