Virtual Worlds, Real Ads

This recent article from the Financial Times is an absolute must-read for anyone with any interest in virtual worlds for children.

New FusionFall Pics

There's new images added to the FusionFall website gallery. Check 'em out!

EAKS

Richard Bartle developed the categorization system of the (MMO) gamer, who, according to the system, falls into one of four types: Explorer, Achiever, Killer, Socializer. Well, actually, gamers are not just one or the other but a combination of the above, with one or two traits generally dominating. It's a useful system of categorization, but from a designer's perspective it is somewhat disheartening how the theory is treated like gospel...

Anyway, you can take the test for yourself and give it a try. I am EAKS; the explanation follows:

EAKS players often live by the phrase 'The journey is often more enjoyable than the destination.' They are motivated by meeting the challenges of the world, but they are usually in no rush--because seeing the creatures and places of the world is even more fun.

I have to say, this is pretty accurate. But when "achieving" stands in the way of "exploring" I generally find it to be "frustrating".

New Prince of Persia

Cool...Ubisoft has kept this pretty quiet, but a new-gen Prince of Persia is hitting consoles this holiday. According to the press release, "The game is poised to rejuvenate the action-adventure genre in addition to introducing a brand-new illustrative art style." You can keep your action-adventure genre, buddy. I'd like to see this new art style you're talking about. If the previous games from Ubi's Montreal studio are any indication, this could be pretty cool.

Plus, check out the mysterious website that offers no information whatsoever.

Hey, is there a new GTA coming out or something?

Virtual Console Reviews

In honor of one of the greatest games EVAR, River City Ransom, being added to the Wii's Virtual Console, I've decided to load up on Wii points. But what games to download? There sure have been a lot added since launch, and even with my -- dare I say it -- encyclopedic knowledge of games, I don't recognize all of the titles. What to get? Well, good thing there is VC Reviews, a website devoted to intelligent little reviews of the Wii's little games.

Anyway, in addition to River City Ransom, I think I'm also gonna go with Devil's Crush, Breath of Fire II and Kirby's Adventure.

Old School Ha-Ha

Old schoolers will appreciate this clever blog post depicting funny alterations of Atari 2600 game art. (I was actually a big fan of "Gay French Mario Bros" and "Oh! I Say!")

What really gets me is that today's gamers never even touched most of these games. Obligatory "I feel old" comment follows here.

Hwood Reporter on FusionFall

Yes, it's true. FusionFall has been moved back a few months. The Hollywood Reporter has some of the details. Stand by for more.

VMK, RIP

Everyone take off your mouse ears...the Virtual Magic Kingdom is shutting its doors. Sounds like it was planned all along, at least that is how they are spinning it. Thanks to Rob for the head's up.