AIIIRRR — Guuuuhhhhh!!!
Ok, ok, so there are less dramatic ways to say that I’ve stopped playing World of Warcraft.
Uhh, unless like me you’re not particularly creative. So we’re sticking with frantic gasping for air, alright? Alright.
It’s been a busy week and weekend, and not just because I averaged about 5+ hours of gaming per day since starting up that Blood Elf Paladin. For one, I just wrapped up an article that entailed interviewing a spattering if great minds in game studies. In particular, Ted Castronova, Henry Jenkins, Jeff McNeill, Florence Chee and Aaron Delwiche. My editors at Gamasutra have the article, and I should have some more info soon on when that’s likely to get posted. Today I also saw a show at the Sacramento Public Library, put on by Wizard megaband Harry and the Potters. These guys know how to rock the heck out, and I’d recommend them to rockers of any age, whether magical or muggle. On the research side - it’s so fascinating to see a fan culture blend with musical, book and movie genres. I wouldn’t presume to study such highly concentrated rock, but I would go so far as to once again recommend the band to any and all with a taste for such things. This weekend I also began making plans to attend the State of Play Conference in Singapore. This is a major committment for me, as I generally live on a very deliberate budget. It is, however, a choice highly driven by the ideology of the conference’s location, as I strongly support cooperation and collaboration across venues that are often thought to be ‘too foreign.’
Back to WoW for a second. Without really getting into or bemoaning the journals that I kept while gaming, I will say that the emotional gain that I got from playing was quickly dwarfed by many of the time constraint problems introduced by “keeping up with the Joneses.” Thanks to Villainelle for introducing me to that time-honored expression. For those of you who might be looking for a finished and professionally made game that lasts 30 seconds (or thereabouts), then check these out:
“This Blood Elf Has a Great Resume”
“Will the Real Dark Lord Please Stand Up?”
On another note, I was completely thrilled to see that Dr. Jerald Block was published with his article on the Columbine Shooters, Harris and Klebold. The meat of this pdf is 25ish pages long, but it is a must read for anyone who wishes to speak with any kind of authority on issues of games and violence. I have hosted it at this link here, and expect it to be on his site here shortly.
All in all, a lot is happening. Expect more pointed posts with regard to Dr. Block’s publication and my attendance at the State of Play Conference.
Neils Clark :: Jul.02.2007 :: Games ::
