“We see things as we are, not as they are…” Isaac Asmiov
BBC NEWS | Technology | Xbox 360 set for November launch
And further moves towards digital convergence as Microsoft announce the launch date in Europe (and the rest of the world). Of course the launch is aimed at gamers but I wonder what the push will be by the time of the PS3 launch in Spring 2006?
BBC NEWS | Technology | EA to take on film and TV giants
EA games says it wants to be as big as Disney. Why is that interesting? Becasue it shows how far Electronic games have come in terms of entertainment value and consumers desire to have them and play them.
The increasing trend for children and young adults to surf and play games over watching TV is a distinct trend that should have some broadcasters shaking in their boots unless they can counter using more interactive media?
BBC NEWS | Technology | Half-Life 2 keeps gamers guessing
When, when, when??????
BBC NEWS | Technology | Games showcase hits Los Angeles
The clash between expected new hardware and to be shown software is the central theme of this article on the Beeb. The balancing act between keeping your current punters happy and continuing to extract their money against getting the to ’save’ up for the next technology layer and then take more of their money! I think I am being a little cynical.
There are certainly a number of games I have bought into the hype about: Halo2, Doom 3 and Half Life 2 being the prime candidates.
I guess though that primarily I am awaiting the announcement of the so called 3rd wave gaming technology, to see what additional functionality they wil have that will make me pay attention - impulse purchase of full games over a braodband connection? Pay per view? Make me lunch (or tea) while I game? I don’t expect these answers from E3 this year but still its fun to see what’s coming out.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Halo sequel delayed until autumn
Its always the way with the games you really want to see. Halo 2 being delayed again is a huge disappointment, especially the multi-player online aspects. Oh well, I’ll just have to keep on playing Halo then…
BBC NEWS | Technology | BT promotes broadband for gaming
In three years’ time, an estimated 10.5 million PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles will have been sold in the UK.
About 1.4 million of these are expected to be hooked up to the net, compared to 100,000 consoles online by the end of this year.
The emphasis on online gaming is part of BT’s strategy to move away from simply talking speed and instead thinking about what you can do with it.
Mr Ingram said people wanted more than just a fast internet connection and were now looking at getting value for money out of a broadband service.
ntl have had this Console service (Xbox or PS2) for a while although the promotion has been minimal to say the least. Its not a bad package at all with guaranteed support for your connection. I (obviously) have it as I was part of the trial phase.
BT’s decision to promote this isn’t surprising what is however is ntl’s unwillingness to be seen in the market place. While we have limited (extremely) marketing budgets, it is annoying to see people work very hard to develop something which should get more attention. Unfortunately, even creativity is being squeezed by a lack of time and attention.
New products are coming soon to address the ‘what can I do with it?’ question. I am particularly looking forward to trialing our next product release later this month (assuming I’m still employed). Keep a watch for it, it will be worth the wait.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Game plays politics with your PC
But the writings of Elias Canetti about the nature of power are behind a complex and ambitious game called Republic: The Revolution, which has just gone on sale in the UK.
Republic is a strategy simulation game that puts you in the role of a budding revolutionary, out to overthrow a despotic and corrupt regime.
Much of the artificial intelligence in the game is based on the book, Crowds and Power, by the 1981 Nobel Laureate in Literature.
Ah, two of my favourite topics rolled into one. Games and politics (well the nature of power anyway). I am very tempted to purchase this, not only because it looks like a fascinating game, but also because of the teaching benefits.
If anyone has played it let me know - or buy it now and get back to me 
BBC NEWS | Technology | Games suffer from ‘geek stereotype’
“Games are still too difficult for a mass audience,” she told the Game Developers Conference, held at London’s Earls Court last week. “People don’t focus on gameplay. Instead they make a beautiful game that is no fun.”
One of the main obstacles was the complicated controls of many of today’s games, as well as tough levels which left many players frustrated.
“You want a game that is challenging but never frustrating,” said Ms Fryer.
She urged game makers to come up with titles that would appeal to a hardcore 15-year-old gamer as well as someone older who just wants to have fun.
Absolutely. The figures point to gaming being a mass market phenomena and revenues rising, people are spending more and enjoy the experience but gaming needs to broaden its appeal.
Sony’s Eye Toy for the PS2 is a big step in the right direction. A brillaint idea, with simple, annoyingly addictive games for everyone to play. They may not have the beauty or the depth of something like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City or Halo but my 6 year old can play, even my 2 year old can play and know (roughly) what they are doing, and moe importantly compete against me and their grand parents.
If you have a PS2, I wholehearted recommend the Eye Toy - buy it now!
Well ECTS was every bit as good as I had hoped. Stunning games, great game play and other distractions a plenty.
Games I particularly enjoyed watching and playing were:
XIII from Ubisoft which won several accolades at the show. Cel shading, great gameplay well worth the money and on my list to purchase!
SWAT: Global Strike Team (saw this on the Xbox) - very good team based mission profile game
Metal Gear Solid Snake : Snake Eater from Konami was a very interesting demo and I look forward to that, although I hope it will be a bit more flexible in gameplay than MSG2.
Other things which are probably worth keeping an eye on are:
Half Life 2 (there were queues to see the demo so we didn’t make it)
Nokia’s n-gage looked really good. The games I saw were very impressive considering the size of the machines. My only slight concern would be the battery not holding out.
Vodafone Live! was also enjoyable more for the playing of retro games than anything else!
Anyway, well worth the visit.
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