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In which GameCola writers and the videogame world at
large talk about what's up in gaming.
This month in Versus Mode we've got:
JOHN SWIDERSKI VS. BRITNEY BRIMHALL
John Swiderski is
the President of Mean
Hamster Software, a company that develops games for a variety of
platforms, including the Pocket PC, Smart Phones, PDAs, Sony PSP, and
Windows PC, as well as retro games for Amiga and Atari. Recent
projects include casual PC title
Pet Shop Hop,
in which you take control of your family's pet store and try to save
it from being taken over by a big-time company. This is John's second
appearance in Versus Mode, having written previously with
Brian Vanek.
Britney Brimhall is the
Chairman and CEO of Himalaya Studios, which developed and published PC
point-and-click adventure game Al
Emmo and the Lost Dutchman's Mine. She's also recently worked on AGD
Interactive's
remake of Quest for Glory II, which was released a few months ago. This is
Britney's second appearance in Versus Mode, having written previously with
Christian Porter. 1.
Videogame companies should profit from used game sales.
John:
This makes no sense to me. I think some players are thinking,
what if you install the game, then sell it used, but continue to use
it. This is usually not the case. Most
games require the CDs to be
Britney:
Although I would personally enjoy
profiting from used game sales, I believe expecting it is wishful thinking. Once money exchanges hands, I feel ANY item sold belongs to the
purchaser. They have the right to do whatever they'd like to do with
their purchase. If they want to sell it, I feel it is their right to
keep all the profits. If they want to donate it to me, I will
certainly allow that, too.
2.
Six Guitar Heros in one year would be way too many.
John:
Developers and publishers are always trying to find ways to get extra
money out of an IP before it becomes "not cool," so, on one side of
the token, I say this is way too many and will cause a burnout earlier
than they could expect. On the other side of the token, it helps
everyone maximize the profits now, but I
don't think it helps them in the long run.
Britney:
I like having options. If you don't like 'em, don't buy 'em.
3.
Politicians should not admit to videogame obsessions.
John:
True. Plain and simple. Playing
games or admitting you like to play games once in a while is OK, even
for politicians. Anything that's an obsession or addiction is another
story. If the person was addicted to "hard work" or "being ethical,"
I'd would say those were good obsessions. Now in the news clipping
above, the politician in this case says he plays every night. Night
would be his free time; if he wants to play WOW or Halo in his free
time, that's his business. I don't think it was anything he should be
proud to admit in his candidacy unless he was going for the average
videogame player as his voting market.
Britney:
Nonsense. My mom admitted that she got a sporting injury playing the Wii. I
gained respect for her and was finally proud to call her mom. Any
politician who openly admits to playing videogames will earn, at the
very least, my respect...and possibly even my vote.
4.
DLC should never be released the same day a game is released; it
should just be included in the game.
John:
DLC SHOULD be released the same day a game is released. At
least one or two pieces so the players are not
disappointed. It gives them something to look forward to or buy
Britney:
I don't see a problem with this. If people are looking forward to the game, it's nice to be able to
find additional goodies while the excitement is at its highest.
For instance, if I want a puppy, and ask for one for Christmas, I do
not expect to receive a collar, leash, dog dishes and food with the
puppy. Part of the fun is going out and getting those items later that
day.
5.
Random capitalization in videogame names is annoying.
John:
If it's a marketing ploy naming convention, gimmicks like that have
been used for years. It
is a little annoying, yes. I
suppose if the E or whatever letter they picked was really important
to gameplay or to the story, it would be more acceptable. Just to make
the logo look cool or for marketing is silly.
Britney:
Annoying—perhaps. But it's pure marketing genius, too. By annoying us, we are now talking about it. By talking about it,
we'll remember it. Hopefully for the publishers, we won't remember
that it was annoying.
-- John Swiderski and
Britney Brimhall
{11-2008}
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| Do you own a videogame Web site or blog? Are you involved in the videogame industry? Do you...at least work at GameStop, or something? Well then, you're just what we're looking for! E-mail pfranzen@gamecola.net for more details about participating in Versus Mode. |
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Past Editions of Versus Mode:
October 2008:
Alex Jedraszczak vs. Michael Ridgaway |