Sunday, March 27, 2011
Top Ten Old School Rumors That Were Really True
I don't have much to talk about. The Minecraft Marathon ended up raising around 10000$ for Japan. For that I will provide you with a link: http://www.gamespy.com/articles/115/1157331p3.html
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Minecraft for Japan
For 20$, you can go for 3 hours in this minecraft server and hang out. The money will be donated to rebuilding Japan. There is a live stream and more info here: http://extralives.org/
Into The Future
The video gaming industry is one of the youngest industries in the world at only about 40 years old. These entertaining (usually) little romps (or epics) let us go deep into our minds to imagine that you are in the video game. But why stop there. It hasn't been that long and already we have gone from this:
to this:
The last one could nearly be mistaken for a movie. Imagine 40 more years into the future. With the projection quality in 40 years, and the already motion sensored Kinect, we could probably be able to step into the game at that point. Imagine a MMO where you can even eat in there and taste it for real. The only bad thing is that this is pretty much promoting being addicted to MMOs. What are your thoughts on this?
Recommended Reading: http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/08/future-video-games-tech-future07-cx_mn_de_0211game.html
to this:
The last one could nearly be mistaken for a movie. Imagine 40 more years into the future. With the projection quality in 40 years, and the already motion sensored Kinect, we could probably be able to step into the game at that point. Imagine a MMO where you can even eat in there and taste it for real. The only bad thing is that this is pretty much promoting being addicted to MMOs. What are your thoughts on this?
Recommended Reading: http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/08/future-video-games-tech-future07-cx_mn_de_0211game.html
Video Games In The Operating Room
A group of Toronto surgeons from the Sunnybrook Hospital are using the Xbox Kinect in their hospital. When I first heard about this, I thought they were using it as training tools, but that is not the case... They use it to insert information in the computer without touching their mouse, which makes sense. With this they save hours in surgery.
“What this was able to do is take away that last barrier and remove the mouse, remove the interface . . . and now I just give it hand signs,” said Dr. Calvin Law, a surgical oncologist. “We’re able to control the computer without actually touching anything.”
Link: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/960393--surgeons-use-xbox-to-keep-hands-sterile-before-surgery
“What this was able to do is take away that last barrier and remove the mouse, remove the interface . . . and now I just give it hand signs,” said Dr. Calvin Law, a surgical oncologist. “We’re able to control the computer without actually touching anything.”
Link: http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/960393--surgeons-use-xbox-to-keep-hands-sterile-before-surgery
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Bad Effects Of Video Games
(Warning: This was not witten by me. It was written here with permission.)
For decades, video games have been a great past time for most families worldwide especially in the developed countries. From the world of non-colored computer games to the now 3D versions of human like video games. Playing this kinds of games has transcend how people entertained themselves at home. But is there really a health threat when we play video computer games?
Video games are mostly played by teens but as we go further to the beauty of technology, age does not matter at all as more adults and women are addicted to video games. There have been more worries by the health experts about the bad effects of video games to people's social, emotional, cultural and health perspectives.
Today, playing games can be done in various platforms - Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, personal computers, PSP, arcades and many more. Most of the games are not child friendly were obscene, violence, bloody and many more worst graphical figures are just usual. These kinds of media are not good for your child. Let me site some of the worst effects of playing visual games.
Aggressive Behavior
Although not fully linked to the overall behaviors of any child, experts say that video games do play a big role to act strangely and aggressively. Children imitates what they see in the games. A research shows that children who are more exposed to television and other graphic media such as video games does have higher tendencies of abrupt aggressive behavior than those children who love to read books and studies well.
Long Term Depression
Too much exposure to games has higher risk of having long term depression when they get older. People who suffers from this syndrome often has feelings of non satisfaction maybe because they are not satisfied with the game, did not able to finish the game and many more factors. Playing games in hours are also proven to cause depression in adults.
Eye Problems
People who are addicted in video games has higher risk of eye problems. This includes higher eye grades, cataracts and eye stress. Eye problems are caused by too much concentration in the television monitor which is very stressful to the eyes.
Obesity
Video games are often played alone in a room. This is accompanied mostly by too much munching when playing games. Actually, playing games disrupts your regular eating habits where you tried to eat too much in certain time just to extend your playing hours much longer without the worry of starving. Too much food while sitting in your couch for much longer period of time can cause more production of excess fats in your bellies. Almost 65% of video game addicts are considered obese.
Other effects of playing computer games are lower health status physically and mentally, poor lifestyle and less social life. This bad effects can also be acquired by too much television, music, watching movies and many more.
Video games also has beneficial effects if you try to use it moderately. Nintendo Wii for example can boost immune system and cardiovascular health by moving your body parts just like a normal exercise. I recommend that you choose the best games for your children and avoid adult oriented games that can mold your child's mind incorrectly. Limit their playing time and guide them when playing, don't leave them alone. Video games can be harmful if we let it harm us so stay informed and be watchful all the time.
For decades, video games have been a great past time for most families worldwide especially in the developed countries. From the world of non-colored computer games to the now 3D versions of human like video games. Playing this kinds of games has transcend how people entertained themselves at home. But is there really a health threat when we play video computer games?
Video games are mostly played by teens but as we go further to the beauty of technology, age does not matter at all as more adults and women are addicted to video games. There have been more worries by the health experts about the bad effects of video games to people's social, emotional, cultural and health perspectives.
Today, playing games can be done in various platforms - Sony Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, personal computers, PSP, arcades and many more. Most of the games are not child friendly were obscene, violence, bloody and many more worst graphical figures are just usual. These kinds of media are not good for your child. Let me site some of the worst effects of playing visual games.
Aggressive Behavior
Although not fully linked to the overall behaviors of any child, experts say that video games do play a big role to act strangely and aggressively. Children imitates what they see in the games. A research shows that children who are more exposed to television and other graphic media such as video games does have higher tendencies of abrupt aggressive behavior than those children who love to read books and studies well.
Long Term Depression
Too much exposure to games has higher risk of having long term depression when they get older. People who suffers from this syndrome often has feelings of non satisfaction maybe because they are not satisfied with the game, did not able to finish the game and many more factors. Playing games in hours are also proven to cause depression in adults.
Eye Problems
People who are addicted in video games has higher risk of eye problems. This includes higher eye grades, cataracts and eye stress. Eye problems are caused by too much concentration in the television monitor which is very stressful to the eyes.
Obesity
Video games are often played alone in a room. This is accompanied mostly by too much munching when playing games. Actually, playing games disrupts your regular eating habits where you tried to eat too much in certain time just to extend your playing hours much longer without the worry of starving. Too much food while sitting in your couch for much longer period of time can cause more production of excess fats in your bellies. Almost 65% of video game addicts are considered obese.
Other effects of playing computer games are lower health status physically and mentally, poor lifestyle and less social life. This bad effects can also be acquired by too much television, music, watching movies and many more.
Video games also has beneficial effects if you try to use it moderately. Nintendo Wii for example can boost immune system and cardiovascular health by moving your body parts just like a normal exercise. I recommend that you choose the best games for your children and avoid adult oriented games that can mold your child's mind incorrectly. Limit their playing time and guide them when playing, don't leave them alone. Video games can be harmful if we let it harm us so stay informed and be watchful all the time.
About the author Noah Mark Rodolfo is an alternative natural healthcare practitioner and is committed to bring the best health and wellness information online. Get the most updated news about health, diseases, weight loss and proper nutrition on his website at http://www.healthtalkbuzz.com/. |
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Bad-Effects-of-Video-Games&id=4655481
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| Now everybody and their cats are playing Video Games. |
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Video Game Live Returns To Canada
On April 13th and 14th, the Video Game Live concert is going to Vancouver. Run by Tommy Tallarico, it is a concert that features all kinds of video game music from Mario to Halo. Along with that, there will be video, lighting and even maybe some audience participation. I have never went so I don't know much about it but what I do know is that tickets are on sale now, and after they visit Vancouver, they are heading across Canada for more shows, so check out their website as it might visit you.
Link: http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=home
Link: http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=home
Game Designers And Gamers Gotta Stick Together
You have probably already heard about the huge earthquake in Japan, and the Tsunami and Nuclear problems that followed, but you might not have heard of this. The gaming industry is raising money for the victims of this tragedy.
Popcap is holding a sale on games like Bejeweled and Plants Vs Zombies, and all the proceeds go to Japan.
EA will match employee donations and send them to Japan. An EA Canadian campus is teaming up with Kids Against Hunger to send food overseas. EA is also adding the option to donate to Japan on websites like Ultima Online and The Sims.
Direct2Drive is having a sale and marking games down, and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross. Also, they are dropping 20 percent of the price of some new FPS games like Bulletstorm this weekend if you enter the code SPECWAR5 at the checkout.
Then there is Sega, who is lowering the prices of their iOS games and sending the raised money to Red Cross. That sale ends Monday.
Mastiff will donate $100 to the Red Cross, for every 100 likes on their facebook page.
Maybe this will help non-gamers realize that this young industry is maturing. So donate to help Japanese gamers and game designers so they can rebuild lives in their darkest hour.
Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/video-game-industry-helps-raise-money-for-japans-earthquake-victims-2011-3
Popcap is holding a sale on games like Bejeweled and Plants Vs Zombies, and all the proceeds go to Japan.
EA will match employee donations and send them to Japan. An EA Canadian campus is teaming up with Kids Against Hunger to send food overseas. EA is also adding the option to donate to Japan on websites like Ultima Online and The Sims.
Direct2Drive is having a sale and marking games down, and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross. Also, they are dropping 20 percent of the price of some new FPS games like Bulletstorm this weekend if you enter the code SPECWAR5 at the checkout.
Then there is Sega, who is lowering the prices of their iOS games and sending the raised money to Red Cross. That sale ends Monday.
Mastiff will donate $100 to the Red Cross, for every 100 likes on their facebook page.
Maybe this will help non-gamers realize that this young industry is maturing. So donate to help Japanese gamers and game designers so they can rebuild lives in their darkest hour.
Link: http://www.businessinsider.com/video-game-industry-helps-raise-money-for-japans-earthquake-victims-2011-3
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What Do Kids Learn From Video Games?
I have been thinking, and I believe kids may indeed learn from video games. While games like Call Of Duty might not be super realistic, other games can be.
1.) Math. Turn-based battle systems in RPG feature numbers and math. One attack might do 25 to 50 damage to the ogre, but with the swordfire spell, it might multiply that by 2, making it 50 to 100 damage.
2.) Critical Thinking. The lego games series are big on this, as they are with creativity. They use different characters with different powers, and you must figure out how to use them.
3.) Strategic Thinking. RTS and other similar games require strategic thinking. Should I deploy more soldiers or just build a couple tanks?
4.) History. History can also be taught with video games such as Civilization and can be fun if done right.
5.) Creativity. Some video games like Spore offer endless customization, as does the Sims, and it lets kids make a character that they would like to play. Ha! Raise that nose a bit and my Spore character will look like a cat!
6.) Hand-Eye Coordination. Did you ever hear that fact about surgeons who play video games are better at their jobs? (And less dangerous?) Case closed.
Post your thoughts on video games as learning tools below. What do you think?
1.) Math. Turn-based battle systems in RPG feature numbers and math. One attack might do 25 to 50 damage to the ogre, but with the swordfire spell, it might multiply that by 2, making it 50 to 100 damage.
2.) Critical Thinking. The lego games series are big on this, as they are with creativity. They use different characters with different powers, and you must figure out how to use them.
3.) Strategic Thinking. RTS and other similar games require strategic thinking. Should I deploy more soldiers or just build a couple tanks?
4.) History. History can also be taught with video games such as Civilization and can be fun if done right.
5.) Creativity. Some video games like Spore offer endless customization, as does the Sims, and it lets kids make a character that they would like to play. Ha! Raise that nose a bit and my Spore character will look like a cat!
6.) Hand-Eye Coordination. Did you ever hear that fact about surgeons who play video games are better at their jobs? (And less dangerous?) Case closed.
Post your thoughts on video games as learning tools below. What do you think?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Newest Bestselling Game In History
The newest bestselling game in history is now Call Of Duty: Black Ops. The previous contender was Wii Play. Black Ops was the bestselling game in February and by now, it sold 13.7 million copies in the U.S. alone.
At least Black Ops had a little advantage, because it was released on more than one system, and obviously Wii Play was only released for the Wii.
At least Black Ops had a little advantage, because it was released on more than one system, and obviously Wii Play was only released for the Wii.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Addiction Based Game Design For MMORPGs
The inventors of the MMORPGs really struck a chord, and they certainly know how to grab you in and never let you go. Here are 5 reasons in no particular order how MMORPGs are so addicting.
1.) The leveling system. You level and level and level so you are better than everyone else. With that, you are glued to the chair, trying to get past level 22 so you can get a fire spell.
2.) The economic system. You kill and loot and kill and loot, and you get enough money to buy a new sword. In your mind, eventually you will have the most powerful weapon in the game. But until then, the wizards tied you to the chair.
3.) The social aspect. A lot of people return to playing just so they can socialize with friends. The way that glues you in is the reason WoW has never been defeated yet. Because, when your friends are still playing WoW and you want to play City Of Heroes, you can't have as much fun in there without your friends who refuse to quit WoW. So, with that, you continue playing WoW.
4.) The gameworld. Some people are explorers. So instead of constantly leveling, they decide to take a trip to Mount Kalaboobe (just an example). They travel for days seeing the sights and don't want to leave till they arrive.
5.) The content. Some people love doing quests. They could do them for ages and never log off.
Upon these principles, addictive games arrive. And also, some of these principles are used in single-player rpg design.
 |
| City Of Heroes |
The inventors of the MMORPGs really struck a chord, and they certainly know how to grab you in and never let you go. Here are 5 reasons in no particular order how MMORPGs are so addicting.
1.) The leveling system. You level and level and level so you are better than everyone else. With that, you are glued to the chair, trying to get past level 22 so you can get a fire spell.
2.) The economic system. You kill and loot and kill and loot, and you get enough money to buy a new sword. In your mind, eventually you will have the most powerful weapon in the game. But until then, the wizards tied you to the chair.
3.) The social aspect. A lot of people return to playing just so they can socialize with friends. The way that glues you in is the reason WoW has never been defeated yet. Because, when your friends are still playing WoW and you want to play City Of Heroes, you can't have as much fun in there without your friends who refuse to quit WoW. So, with that, you continue playing WoW.
4.) The gameworld. Some people are explorers. So instead of constantly leveling, they decide to take a trip to Mount Kalaboobe (just an example). They travel for days seeing the sights and don't want to leave till they arrive.
5.) The content. Some people love doing quests. They could do them for ages and never log off.
Upon these principles, addictive games arrive. And also, some of these principles are used in single-player rpg design.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Sniffing Out the Good Games
 |
| Look at these attractive things. |
At the GDC (Game Developer's Conference) this week, two different companies (Sensory Acumen and Scent Science) showed off their products. Using a USB port and individual cartridges, these babies can put scents into the air depending on what's going on in the game.
But what if your playing Left 4 Dead or something. Ummm... Zombies smell good. And would this mean there will be sections of video game stores devoted to scent cartridges now? Either way, they cost between 60$ and 70$ US.
Would you ever buy this?
Link: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110304/add-smells-list-video-game-peripherals/
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