The document discusses 5 notable events in gaming history:
1) Brown v. EMA - A Supreme Court case that established video games as protected free speech.
2) Formation and closing of Irrational Games - The creators of Bioshock known for story-rich games.
3) The EVE War - An accidental in-game battle involving 28,000 ships, the largest in EVE Online's history.
4) The Corrupted Blood epidemic - A virus in World of Warcraft that spread beyond the game's boundaries.
5) The assassination of Lord British - When a glitch allowed a player to kill an invincible NPC in Ultima Online.
An analysis of open world pvp in lotro’s pvmpToh Weimin
An Analysis of Open World PvP in LOTRO's PvMP presented at the Meaningful Play conference 2014 on 17 Oct 2014 2.30 p.m. at East Lansing, Michigan, United States.
Since the last generation of consoles were released 7 years ago, the gaming industry has been through a seismic revolution with social media and mobile technology creating completely new types of gamer. With the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft likely to be available later this year, we wanted to explore this fragmented gaming audience landscape and measure the challenge that lies ahead for the two giants.
In the first of a two part post, we interview four people from within the gaming industry to understand how they see the landscape and where the power to engage and own gaming audiences lies.
An analysis of open world pvp in lotro’s pvmpToh Weimin
An Analysis of Open World PvP in LOTRO's PvMP presented at the Meaningful Play conference 2014 on 17 Oct 2014 2.30 p.m. at East Lansing, Michigan, United States.
Since the last generation of consoles were released 7 years ago, the gaming industry has been through a seismic revolution with social media and mobile technology creating completely new types of gamer. With the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft likely to be available later this year, we wanted to explore this fragmented gaming audience landscape and measure the challenge that lies ahead for the two giants.
In the first of a two part post, we interview four people from within the gaming industry to understand how they see the landscape and where the power to engage and own gaming audiences lies.
A brief introduction to some of the issues around ethics in Virtual and Augmented Reality. For developers and users, what are the ethical issues around the business, commercial and entertainment uses of VR/AR?
In this material, I have tried to summarize and provide an overview about the video game industry. By defining the main concepts as classification norms including genres, platforms and rating, then providing an introduction about Production Nature,
Production Team, Supply Chain, Marketing Overview (not completed in this version), Sample Games and Sample Egyptian Cartoons.
In part two, I am elaborating more about the video game production through defining the different production stages.
In part 3, i have tried to conclude part 1 and 2, then summarizing my suggested strategy to develop an international level video game industry in Egypt.
Graphic Novels and Video Games by Kosta Patapis and Kara EmertonPublicLibraryServices
Graphic Novels and Video Games by Kosta Patapis and Kara Emerton from KINGS COMICS, presented at the Games and public library seminar at the State Library of NSW, 13 July 2011
Emergent Narrative: What We Can Learn From Dungeons & DragonsFITC
Presented at FITC Toronto 2016
See details at www.fitc.ca
Interactive narrative hasn’t changed much in forty years – it’s still ruled by limited options and predestined outcomes. While digital RPG gameplay has become more sophisticated, the stories remain rather basic (albeit better disguised). Remarkably, we still haven’t matched the tabletop role-playing experience.
We need to approach interactive story from a different angle, one that’s natively digital and that takes full advantage of the new content platform paradigm. It won’t be easy, it’ll take a lot of time… but WE’RE WIZARDS, right?!
Objective
To explore the potential of a truly emergent narrative, and explain how playing tabletop role-playing games can get us there.
Target Audience
Storytellers, creators, writers, game developers, and gamers.
Five Things Audience Members Will Learn
An abbreviated history of interactive storytelling
Different approaches to interactive narrative; their pros and cons
Sneaky tricks good Game Masters use to get players invested in a game
How to convert player agency into dramatic agency (also great for GMs)
That they want to play a tabletop RPG (if they haven’t already).
Rarely does an imitation become more successful than an original. Angry Birds has become one of the most popular multiplatform videogame franchises. However the foundation of their gameplay was quite similar to a previously released game, Crush The Castle.
There were plenty of similarities between the two games, however Angry Birds tweaked some characteristics and became a sensation.
This essay focuses on a comparison between both games to figure out why Angry Birds “Crushed” the Castle.
A brief introduction to some of the issues around ethics in Virtual and Augmented Reality. For developers and users, what are the ethical issues around the business, commercial and entertainment uses of VR/AR?
In this material, I have tried to summarize and provide an overview about the video game industry. By defining the main concepts as classification norms including genres, platforms and rating, then providing an introduction about Production Nature,
Production Team, Supply Chain, Marketing Overview (not completed in this version), Sample Games and Sample Egyptian Cartoons.
In part two, I am elaborating more about the video game production through defining the different production stages.
In part 3, i have tried to conclude part 1 and 2, then summarizing my suggested strategy to develop an international level video game industry in Egypt.
Graphic Novels and Video Games by Kosta Patapis and Kara EmertonPublicLibraryServices
Graphic Novels and Video Games by Kosta Patapis and Kara Emerton from KINGS COMICS, presented at the Games and public library seminar at the State Library of NSW, 13 July 2011
Emergent Narrative: What We Can Learn From Dungeons & DragonsFITC
Presented at FITC Toronto 2016
See details at www.fitc.ca
Interactive narrative hasn’t changed much in forty years – it’s still ruled by limited options and predestined outcomes. While digital RPG gameplay has become more sophisticated, the stories remain rather basic (albeit better disguised). Remarkably, we still haven’t matched the tabletop role-playing experience.
We need to approach interactive story from a different angle, one that’s natively digital and that takes full advantage of the new content platform paradigm. It won’t be easy, it’ll take a lot of time… but WE’RE WIZARDS, right?!
Objective
To explore the potential of a truly emergent narrative, and explain how playing tabletop role-playing games can get us there.
Target Audience
Storytellers, creators, writers, game developers, and gamers.
Five Things Audience Members Will Learn
An abbreviated history of interactive storytelling
Different approaches to interactive narrative; their pros and cons
Sneaky tricks good Game Masters use to get players invested in a game
How to convert player agency into dramatic agency (also great for GMs)
That they want to play a tabletop RPG (if they haven’t already).
Rarely does an imitation become more successful than an original. Angry Birds has become one of the most popular multiplatform videogame franchises. However the foundation of their gameplay was quite similar to a previously released game, Crush The Castle.
There were plenty of similarities between the two games, however Angry Birds tweaked some characteristics and became a sensation.
This essay focuses on a comparison between both games to figure out why Angry Birds “Crushed” the Castle.
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am 17.09.2015 referierte Zeynep Babagadi im Agnes Karll Saal der Stadthalle Neuss zu einem interkulturelle Thema in der Pflege "Die süßen Türken - Besonderheiten im Umgang mit Gesundheit und Krankheit"
A presentation introducing students to the concept of Games and their importance in modern life. Non-technical, and suitable for use in a 'soft skills' module.
Since the last generation of consoles were released 7 years ago, the gaming industry has been through a seismic revolution with social media and mobile technology creating completely new types of gamer. With the next generation of consoles from Sony and Microsoft likely to be available later this year, we wanted to explore this fragmented gaming audience landscape and measure the challenge that lies ahead for the two giants.
In the first of a two part post, we interview four people from within the gaming industry to understand how they see the landscape and where the power to engage and own gaming audiences lies.
Breaking Labels: Core, Casual, and Other Misconceptions -- Casual Connect Eur...emily_greer
As video games become more and more mainstream the industry labels of "core games" and "casual games" become less and less useful. I'll look at the forces that drove the categories, what's breaking them down, and how it changes how we should think about games.
A quick presentation I put together for "Invest in Games 2011" in Stockholm(Sep 6):
1) Intro to King.com
2) Accidental Gamers & Facebook
3) Mobile & Tablet Gaming
4) Investing in Accidental Gaming
The first computer games go back to the 50s when a nought and crosses game was created using an EDSAC computer. An effort at MIT ten years later led to a the multiplayer Spacewar game developed in a PDP-1. Even though these games were primitive, a game industry was born with the first games available in special locations – arcades. Today’s games are produced with modest Hollywood budgets and some are selling more than box-office hits.
Games are powerful. People can spend a lot of time playing games. Games are also great motivators. People do things that don´t even like, if they feel like they are playing game. Gamififcation is the use of game mechanics to motivate people to do stuff they generally would not do.
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philos...Rodney Thomas Jr
#SSAPhilosophy #DjangoUnchained #DjangoFreeman #ExistentialPhilosophy #Freedom #Identity #Justice #Courage #Rebellion #Transformation
Welcome to SSA Philosophy, your ultimate destination for diving deep into the profound philosophies of iconic characters from video games, movies, and TV shows. In this episode, we explore the powerful journey and existential philosophy of Django Freeman from Quentin Tarantino’s masterful film, "Django Unchained," in our video titled, "From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained. The Philosophy of Django Freeman!"
From Slave to Scourge: The Existential Choice of Django Unchained – The Philosophy of Django Freeman!
Join me as we delve into the existential philosophy of Django Freeman, uncovering the profound lessons and timeless wisdom his character offers. Through his story, we find inspiration in the power of choice, the quest for justice, and the courage to defy oppression. Django Freeman’s philosophy is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding drive for freedom and justice.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to SSA Philosophy for more in-depth explorations of the philosophies behind your favorite characters. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest videos. Let’s discover the principles that shape these icons and the profound lessons they offer.
Django Freeman’s story is one of the most compelling narratives of transformation and empowerment in cinema. A former slave turned relentless bounty hunter, Django’s journey is not just a physical liberation but an existential quest for identity, justice, and retribution. This video delves into the core philosophical elements that define Django’s character and the profound choices he makes throughout his journey.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/GszqrXk38qk
Skeem Saam in June 2024 available on ForumIsaac More
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Episode 241: Sergeant Rathebe nabs a top scammer in Turfloop. Meikie is furious at her uncle's reaction to the truth about Ntswaki.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Episode 242: Babeile uncovers the truth behind Rathebe’s latest actions. Leeto's announcement shocks his employees, and Ntswaki’s ordeal haunts her family.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Episode 243: Rathebe blocks Babeile from investigating further. Melita warns Eunice to stay clear of Mr. Kgomo.
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Episode 244: Tbose surrenders to the police while an intruder meddles in his affairs. Rathebe's secret mission faces a setback.
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Episode 245: Rathebe’s antics reach Kganyago. Tbose dodges a bullet, but a nightmare looms. Mr. Kgomo accuses Melita of witchcraft.
Monday, June 10, 2024 - Episode 246: Ntswaki struggles on her first day back at school. Babeile is stunned by Rathebe’s romance with Bullet Mabuza.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - Episode 247: An unexpected turn halts Rathebe’s investigation. The press discovers Mr. Kgomo’s affair with a young employee.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Episode 248: Rathebe chases a criminal, resorting to gunfire. Turf High is rife with tension and transfer threats.
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Episode 249: Rathebe traps Kganyago. John warns Toby to stop harassing Ntswaki.
Friday, June 14, 2024 - Episode 250: Babeile is cleared to investigate Rathebe. Melita gains Mr. Kgomo’s trust, and Jacobeth devises a financial solution.
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Episode 251: Rathebe feels the pressure as Babeile closes in. Mr. Kgomo and Eunice clash. Jacobeth risks her safety in pursuit of Kganyago.
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Episode 252: Bullet Mabuza retaliates against Jacobeth. Pitsi inadvertently reveals his parents’ plans. Nkosi is shocked by Khwezi’s decision on LJ’s future.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Episode 253: Jacobeth is ensnared in deceit. Evelyn is stressed over Toby’s case, and Letetswe reveals shocking academic results.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Episode 254: Elizabeth learns Jacobeth is in Mpumalanga. Kganyago's past is exposed, and Lehasa discovers his son is in KZN.
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Episode 255: Elizabeth confirms Jacobeth’s dubious activities in Mpumalanga. Rathebe lies about her relationship with Bullet, and Jacobeth faces theft accusations.
Monday, June 24, 2024 - Episode 256: Rathebe spies on Kganyago. Lehasa plans to retrieve his son from KZN, fearing what awaits.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Episode 257: MaNtuli fears for Kwaito’s safety in Mpumalanga. Mr. Kgomo and Melita reconcile.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Episode 258: Kganyago makes a bold escape. Elizabeth receives a shocking message from Kwaito. Mrs. Khoza defends her husband against scam accusations.
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Episode 259: Babeile's skillful arrest changes the game. Tbose and Kwaito face a hostage crisis.
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Episode 260: Two women face the reality of being scammed. Turf is rocked by breaking
From the Editor's Desk: 115th Father's day Celebration - When we see Father's day in Hindu context, Nanda Baba is the most vivid figure which comes to the mind. Nanda Baba who was the foster father of Lord Krishna is known to provide love, care and affection to Lord Krishna and Balarama along with his wife Yashoda; Letter’s to the Editor: Mother's Day - Mother is a precious life for their children. Mother is life breath for her children. Mother's lap is the world happiness whose debt can never be paid.
Tom Selleck Net Worth: A Comprehensive Analysisgreendigital
Over several decades, Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with charisma. From his iconic role as Thomas Magnum in the television series "Magnum, P.I." to his enduring presence in "Blue Bloods," Selleck has captivated audiences with his versatility and charm. As a result, "Tom Selleck net worth" has become a topic of great interest among fans. and financial enthusiasts alike. This article delves deep into Tom Selleck's wealth, exploring his career, assets, endorsements. and business ventures that contribute to his impressive economic standing.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Foundation of Tom Selleck's Wealth
Born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His journey towards building a large net worth began with humble origins. , Selleck pursued a business administration degree at the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. But, his interest shifted towards acting. leading him to study at the Hills Playhouse under Milton Katselas.
Minor roles in television and films marked Selleck's early career. He appeared in commercials and took on small parts in T.V. series such as "The Dating Game" and "Lancer." These initial steps, although modest. laid the groundwork for his future success and the growth of Tom Selleck net worth. Breakthrough with "Magnum, P.I."
The Role that Defined Tom Selleck's Career
Tom Selleck's breakthrough came with the role of Thomas Magnum in the CBS television series "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988). This role made him a household name and boosted his net worth. The series' popularity resulted in Selleck earning large salaries. leading to financial stability and increased recognition in Hollywood.
"Magnum P.I." garnered high ratings and critical acclaim during its run. Selleck's portrayal of the charming and resourceful private investigator resonated with audiences. making him one of the most beloved television actors of the 1980s. The success of "Magnum P.I." played a pivotal role in shaping Tom Selleck net worth, establishing him as a major star.
Film Career and Diversification
Expanding Tom Selleck's Financial Portfolio
While "Magnum, P.I." was a cornerstone of Selleck's career, he did not limit himself to television. He ventured into films, further enhancing Tom Selleck net worth. His filmography includes notable movies such as "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). which became the highest-grossing film of the year, and its sequel, "Three Men and a Little Lady" (1990). These box office successes contributed to his wealth.
Selleck's versatility allowed him to transition between genres. from comedies like "Mr. Baseball" (1992) to westerns such as "Quigley Down Under" (1990). This diversification showcased his acting range. and provided many income streams, reinforcing Tom Selleck net worth.
Television Resurgence with "Blue Bloods"
Sustaining Wealth through Consistent Success
In 2010, Tom Selleck began starring as Frank Reagan i
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In the vast landscape of cinema, stories have been told, retold, and reimagined in countless ways. At the heart of this narrative evolution lies the concept of a "remake". A successful remake allows us to revisit cherished tales through a fresh lens, often reflecting a different era's perspective or harnessing the power of advanced technology. Yet, the question remains, what makes a remake successful? Today, we will delve deeper into this subject, identifying the key ingredients that contribute to the success of a remake.
As a film director, I have always been awestruck by the magic of animation. Animation, a medium once considered solely for the amusement of children, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its evolution from a rudimentary form of entertainment to a sophisticated form of storytelling has stirred my creativity and expanded my vision, offering limitless possibilities in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Maximizing Your Streaming Experience with XCIPTV- Tips for 2024.pdfXtreame HDTV
In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment lives. Among the myriad of options available, XCIPTV stands out as a premier choice for those seeking seamless, high-quality streaming. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and user experience of XCIPTV, illustrating why it is a top contender in the IPTV industry.
Panchayat Season 3 - Official Trailer.pdfSuleman Rana
The dearest series "Panchayat" is set to make a victorious return with its third season, and the fervor is discernible. The authority trailer, delivered on May 28, guarantees one more enamoring venture through the country heartland of India.
Jitendra Kumar keeps on sparkling as Abhishek Tripathi, the city-reared engineer who ends up functioning as the secretary of the Panchayat office in the curious town of Phulera. His nuanced depiction of a young fellow exploring the difficulties of country life while endeavoring to adjust to his new environmental factors has earned far and wide recognition.
Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav return as Manju Devi and Brij Bhushan Dubey, separately. Their dynamic science and immaculate acting rejuvenate the hardships of town administration. Gupta's depiction of the town Pradhan with an ever-evolving outlook, matched with Yadav's carefully prepared exhibition, adds profundity and credibility to the story.
New Difficulties and Experiences
The trailer indicates new difficulties anticipating the characters, as Abhishek keeps on wrestling with his part in the town and his yearnings for a superior future. The series has reliably offset humor with social editorial, and Season 3 looks ready to dig much more profound into the intricacies of rustic organization and self-awareness.
Watchers can hope to see a greater amount of the enchanting and particular residents who have become fan top picks. Their connections and the one of a kind cut of-life situations give a reviving and interesting portrayal of provincial India, featuring the two its appeal and its difficulties.
A Mix of Humor and Heart
One of the signs of "Panchayat" is its capacity to mix humor with sincere narrating. The trailer features minutes that guarantee to convey giggles, as well as scenes that pull at the heartstrings. This equilibrium has been a critical calculate the show's prosperity, resounding with crowds across different socioeconomics.
Creation Greatness
The creation quality remaining parts first rate, with the beautiful setting of Phulera town filling in as a scenery that upgrades the narrating. The meticulousness in portraying provincial life, joined with sharp composition and solid exhibitions, guarantees that "Panchayat" keeps on hanging out in the packed web series scene.
Expectation and Delivery
As the delivery date draws near, expectation for "Panchayat" Season 3 is at a record-breaking high. The authority trailer has previously created critical buzz, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the continuation of Abhishek Tripathi's excursion and the new undertakings that lie ahead in Phulera.
All in all, the authority trailer for "Panchayat" Season 3 recommends that watchers are in for another drawing in and engaging ride. Yet again with its charming characters, convincing story, and ideal mix of humor and show, the new season is set to enamor crowds. Write in your schedules and prepare to get back to the endearing universe of "Panchayat."
Are the X-Men Marvel or DC An In-Depth Exploration.pdfXtreame HDTV
The world of comic books is vast and filled with iconic characters, gripping storylines, and legendary rivalries. Among the most famous groups of superheroes are the X-Men. Created in the early 1960s, the X-Men have become a cultural phenomenon, featuring in comics, animated series, and blockbuster movies. A common question among newcomers to the comic book world is: Are the X-Men Marvel or DC? This article delves into the history, creators, and significant moments of the X-Men to provide a comprehensive answer.
Scandal! Teasers June 2024 on etv Forum.co.zaIsaac More
Monday, 3 June 2024
Episode 47
A friend is compelled to expose a manipulative scheme to prevent another from making a grave mistake. In a frantic bid to save Jojo, Phakamile agrees to a meeting that unbeknownst to her, will seal her fate.
Tuesday, 4 June 2024
Episode 48
A mother, with her son's best interests at heart, finds him unready to heed her advice. Motshabi finds herself in an unmanageable situation, sinking fast like in quicksand.
Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Episode 49
A woman fabricates a diabolical lie to cover up an indiscretion. Overwhelmed by guilt, she makes a spontaneous confession that could be devastating to another heart.
Thursday, 6 June 2024
Episode 50
Linda unwittingly discloses damning information. Nhlamulo and Vuvu try to guide their friend towards the right decision.
Friday, 7 June 2024
Episode 51
Jojo's life continues to spiral out of control. Dintle weaves a web of lies to conceal that she is not as successful as everyone believes.
Monday, 10 June 2024
Episode 52
A heated confrontation between lovers leads to a devastating admission of guilt. Dintle's desperation takes a new turn, leaving her with dwindling options.
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Episode 53
Unable to resort to violence, Taps issues a verbal threat, leaving Mdala unsettled. A sister must explain her life choices to regain her brother's trust.
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Episode 54
Winnie makes a very troubling discovery. Taps follows through on his threat, leaving a woman reeling. Layla, oblivious to the truth, offers an incentive.
Thursday, 13 June 2024
Episode 55
A nosy relative arrives just in time to thwart a man's fatal decision. Dintle manipulates Khanyi to tug at Mo's heartstrings and get what she wants.
Friday, 14 June 2024
Episode 56
Tlhogi is shocked by Mdala's reaction following the revelation of their indiscretion. Jojo is in disbelief when the punishment for his crime is revealed.
Monday, 17 June 2024
Episode 57
A woman reprimands another to stay in her lane, leading to a damning revelation. A man decides to leave his broken life behind.
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Episode 58
Nhlamulo learns that due to his actions, his worst fears have come true. Caiphus' extravagant promises to suppliers get him into trouble with Ndu.
Wednesday, 19 June 2024
Episode 59
A woman manages to kill two birds with one stone. Business doom looms over Chillax. A sobering incident makes a woman realize how far she's fallen.
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Episode 60
Taps' offer to help Nhlamulo comes with hidden motives. Caiphus' new ideas for Chillax have MaHilda excited. A blast from the past recognizes Dintle, not for her newfound fame.
Friday, 21 June 2024
Episode 61
Taps is hungry for revenge and finds a rope to hang Mdala with. Chillax's new job opportunity elicits mixed reactions from the public. Roommates' initial meeting starts off on the wrong foot.
Monday, 24 June 2024
Episode 62
Taps seizes new information and recruits someone on the inside. Mary's new job
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog EternalBlog Eternal
Crazyjamjam, the TikTok star everyone's talking about! Uncover her secrets to success, viral trends, and more in this exclusive feature on Blog Eternal.
Source: https://blogeternal.com/celebrity/crazyjamjam-leaks/
Meet Crazyjamjam - A TikTok Sensation | Blog Eternal
Events in Gaming
1.
2. Brown v. EMA
June 27, 2011
A Supreme Court case between the governor of California
and the Electronic Merchants Association, where
Schwarzenegger, et al. tried to put into effect a law that
would prevent sales of certain games to anyone under
eighteen.
The U.S. Supreme Court sat down in 2010 to discuss the
standing California District ruling. Before the case, it
seemed that the course was going to be all about
whether or not videogames are a form of free speech and
how that will affect parents’ decision towards violent
games. They ended up removing the ban, treating video
games with equal free speech protection as movies or
novels.
3. Brown v. EMA
The impact of this event is
more about what would’ve
happened had it failed.
Software developers would
have to constantly monitor the
amount and type of violence in
games and millions of dollars
would hang every ESRB rating.
The ruling also finally set some
sort of precedent for video
games as free speech.
Hopefully, if any more
sensationalist groups try to
label videogames or whatever
the next medium is as the new
evil, this court case will help to
protect free speech in art.
• Were I a designer working today,
this court case would ensure that I
could publish pretty much
whatever level of realism on any
sort of subject I want in any game
as easily as I could write a novel,
produce a play, or film a movie
about it.
4. Irrational Games
Opens (1997) Closes (2014)
The creators of the Bioshock franchise, Irrational
Games has long been a leader in the industry for
mixing genres and adding incredible depth to the
story and social commentary behind its games.
This event is two-pronged in a way. I will be
discussing not only the formation of Irrational, but
its upcoming dissolution. In 1997 Irrational was
founded by a close knit of developers trying to make
outstanding games for a diehard fans, without a care
for the casual gaming crowd.
5. Irrational Games
Irrational’s formation and
subsequent games have
gone in directly the opposite
direction of general trends;
while Zynga and similar
companies crank out cutesy
simple retellings of the same
games with different user
interfaces, Irrational Games
made games that push
further into what a designer
can do with a story. I think
that the Irrational Games
marked a return to writing
games where stories matter,
and that their close will lead
to an end of an era.
• If I were a developer, Irrational’s
founding would’ve given me
cause to give my two weeks
notice and head for Boston. The
closing of Irrational games
would make me, as a developer,
try to keep up the slack in the
current gaming community and
try to put even more story and
immersive worlds into the game.
6. The EVE War
January 6, 2013
A player in the MMORPG EVE accidentally started a small
war. The player, Dabigredboat, accidentally sent his
Battlestar-esque Titan, the space equivalent of an aircraft
carrier, right into the middle of a swarm of enemies. The
resulting battle was the biggest in the MMORPG’s history.
EVE is a space themed MMORPG with numerous
opportunity for PvP (player against player) showdowns.
Players can group themselves into guilds and have ended
up becoming, in essence, two main factions.
Dabigredboat, a player from one of the factions, ended
up teleporting his Titan into the middle of an enemy fleet
and dragged twenty-eight thousand ships from both
factions into an impromptu war.
7. The EVE War
In terms of the effect of this
event to the gaming industry
on the whole, Dabigredboat’s
actions were just the latest in
any number of events in which
one player ended up turning
the whole game world on its
head. I think it marks an
evolution in games where
games with freeform PvP, like
Eve, will begin to take
advantage of that fact and
market whole MMO games
more on combat and team
deathmatch style showdowns,
than lore and character-driven
plot.
• As a designer working last
year, I would have taken this
as a sign of how much un-
tapped gameplay value there
is in massive online battles.
Games like Call of Duty and
Battlefield show that players
will spend a lot of money to
take part in virtual wars. This
event might even inspire me
to invent a new genre, the
MMOTBS: The Massive
Multiplayer Online Team
Based Shooter.
8. The Corrupted Blood Epidemic
September 13, 2005
In 2005, Blizzard put out an expansion that allowed players to
raid the dungeon Zul’Gurub. However, part of the trials of the
dungeon was that players contract a terrible illness, Corrupted
Blood, that has the ability to spread from one character to
another. Typically, players were supposed to either die deep in
the jungles around the dungeon, or find a cure long before
returning to civilization.
Blizzard designed their latest dungeon with an ingenious trap
at the end: a spell that not only kills the players’ character, but
also all their friends. What Blizzard, the creator of the game,
didn’t count on was players’ reactions to the virus. Players
found a loophole around the limitations of the disease by
teleporting their infected characters right into the most
populous areas of the map. Eventually the “infection” became
so serious that Blizzard had to reset all the servers to rid the
game world of the deadly plague.
9. The Corrupted Blood Epidemic
September 13, 2005
To developers of MMORPGs
of the time, this was
something almost unheard
of. Players aren’t supposed
to be able to use simple
spells and abilities to turn
entire servers on their heads.
This incident showed game
designers to be extremely
careful in what they put into
their games, to balance
extreme powers, good or
bad, and to never
underestimate that one
gamer who just wants to
burn the game to the
ground.
• With every game I made
after this incident, I would
make absolute certain
that there are no
loopholes that give
players the ability to use
scripted actions to kill low
level characters within
seconds. I cannot stress
enough the importance of
never underestimating
players who want to
watch the world burn.
10. The Assassination of Lord British
August 8, 1997
In one of the biggest examples of interactivity between players and the
world in an MMORPG, Lord Britain, one of the NPC rulers in Ultima Online,
was assassinated by an unruly player. Under normal circumstances, Lord
Britain was completely invincible to any player attacks, so players usually
don’t even try. However, earlier in the day, an error caused the Ultima
servers to reset and left Lord British vulnerable.
It was a typical night on Ultima Online. The renowned Lord British made an
appearance alongside his jesters, surrounded by adoring subjects.
Suddenly, flames engulfed the magistrate and with a single, “Ugh!” he fell
to the ground. Suddenly the castle was engulfed in madness as the castle
guards tried to find and kill everyone responsible for their master’s
demise. Or, in other words, one of the people responsible for ensuring the
game runs smoothly forget to flag Lord British as invincible. A player then,
whether role-playing or on a whim, cast a spell that would usually just
make the guards angry. Without meaning to, he ended up committing the
biggest crime in Ultima Online history.
11. The Assassination of Lord British
August 8, 1997
To developers at the time, I think this
was just one example of a company,
Origin, trying to pioneer a style of
gaming. Ultima Online wasn’t the first
online game, but it was definitely one
of the first MMORPGs that can be
resemble the genre as we know it
today. Games where the mechanics
and rules were always changing, being
used, and completely interdependent
on the players hadn’t existed before. I
think that, overall this showed that,
while developers of traditional single
player games could get away with
glitches because they would only affect
one players experience, developers of
online games had to be doubly certain
to prevent issues because they can
result in a political leader being
murdered before a crowd of onlookers
and completely throw a game of its
story.
• As a designer, this is another
incident that would drive me to
put safeguards on my game. It
also shows that any designer
needs to remember that players
will do anything they want, even
if they don’t expect to get away
with it.
12. References
Brown v. EMA - Before the Court: The Justices Weigh in During Oral Arguments.
Supreme Court Debates [serial online]. December 2010;13(9):49-52. Available from:
Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 18, 2014.
Irrational Games- SERWER A. BLAST FROM THE PAST. Mother Jones [serial online].
July 2013;38(4):55-57. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA.
Accessed February 18, 2014.
The EVE War- Lough, Chris. Last Saturday, Over 2800 Spaceships Clashed in a Battle
Costing Thousands of Dollars. TOR.com. Jan 28 2013. Accessed 2/20/2014
http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/01/eve-online-2800-spaceships-clash-costing-over-
thousands-of-dollars
Corrupted Blood- Blue, Laura. World of Warcraft: A Pandemic Lab? Time.
http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1655109,00.html August 22, 2007.
Accessed 2/20/2014
The Assassination of Lord British- Lord British was assassinated in Ultima Online
Beta. Bird In Forst’ Blog. April, 2009. Accessed 2/18/2014.
http://www.birdinforest.com/blog/2009/04/12/lord-british-was-assassinated-in-ultima-
online-beta/
13. Links
Brown v. EMA-http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-06-
27-supreme-court-violent-video-games_n.htm
Irrational Games- http://irrationalgames.com/new-featured/a-message-
from-ken-levine-2/
EVE War- http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/01/eve-online-2800-spaceships-
clash-costing-over-thousands-of-dollars
Corrupted Blood- www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/76182-
Scientists-Using-World-of-Warcraft-to-Study-Real-World-Pandemics
The Assassination of Lord British-
http://www.birdinforest.com/blog/2009/04/12/lord-british-was-
assassinated-in-ultima-online-beta/