Want to get a cool iPhone/Pod/Pad game and support Child's Play in the process? Then simply head over to the iTunes store and grab the game Fly vs Car, by Snow Day Games. Half of all sales go in quartely payments to Child's Play.
You get a fun game and Child's Play gets money to support children in hospitals with games.
I call that a pure Win-Win.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Operation PIP (Pew-Pew In Pink)
You may have noticed a few posts by me talking about gamers helping those in need. It's something I really believe in and think there is an incredible amount of power yet to be tapped with gamers. I wanted to share this idea I came up with to support awareness of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have no real money to organize an event, but I thought I and other gamers could help raise awareness by doing something in the virtual world. Let me know what your thoughts and feelings and if it sounds good, to get the word out and see if we could get other gamers on board.
OPERATION P.I.P (Pew-pew In Pink)
Operation P.I.P involves getting gamers for the month of, or a specific day in, October to show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How would they do this? By logging into to their favorite MMO and get their game on...wearing something pink. It could be clothes, armor, weapons, vehicles, houses, pets, whatever. Just get out there and show that they care. If they have visible profiles maybe they could explain what they are doing and encourage folks to donate to their local Cancer Hospital. You could organize pink raids, pink parties, pink crafting, pink guild events, there are a ton of possibilities with this. It wouldn't cost anyone anything, heck if anything crafters could see a small market open up for a bit. Raise awareness and have fun in game at the same time, a win-win!
Now what does it take to do organize this? Simple, word of mouth through forums, blogs, twitter, etc. Its simple, easy to organize and can be supported across multiple platforms and can raise awareness and (hopefully) increase donations to a worthy cause.
Thoughts?
OPERATION P.I.P (Pew-pew In Pink)
Operation P.I.P involves getting gamers for the month of, or a specific day in, October to show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How would they do this? By logging into to their favorite MMO and get their game on...wearing something pink. It could be clothes, armor, weapons, vehicles, houses, pets, whatever. Just get out there and show that they care. If they have visible profiles maybe they could explain what they are doing and encourage folks to donate to their local Cancer Hospital. You could organize pink raids, pink parties, pink crafting, pink guild events, there are a ton of possibilities with this. It wouldn't cost anyone anything, heck if anything crafters could see a small market open up for a bit. Raise awareness and have fun in game at the same time, a win-win!
Now what does it take to do organize this? Simple, word of mouth through forums, blogs, twitter, etc. Its simple, easy to organize and can be supported across multiple platforms and can raise awareness and (hopefully) increase donations to a worthy cause.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Gamers helping others: BlizzCon Charity Dinner
I just wanted to help get the word out for another great cause by the gaming community for helping kids. This times it's the BlizzCon® 2010 Dinner to Benefit Children's Foundation
Here are the details:
"Before the BlizzCon festivities begin, we’re inviting you to join us for an evening of good food and good conversation -- all for a good cause. On Thursday, October 21, Blizzard will be hosting a special dinner to benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation, where guests will have an opportunity to meet and chat with game developers, artists, executives and other folks from Blizzard Entertainment.
From July 15 through July 17, we'll be holding an online drawing to determine who can win an opportunity to purchase tickets to this event. A total of 200 tickets will be available for $500 USD each (limit two per person), and the proceeds will benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation. In appreciation of your donation, you'll receive:
* Dinner and an opportunity to converse with executives, artists, developers, community managers, and others from Blizzard Entertainment
* A signed print featuring Blizzard Entertainment artwork
* One BlizzCon 2010 ticket (a $150 USD value)
The BlizzCon 2010 benefit dinner will take place Thursday, October 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim hotel. To opt in to the ticket drawing and view the official rules for this opportunity, visit the official BlizzCon website between July 15 and July 17."
Unfortunately, being in Europe, I will be unable to attend so I'm doing what I can to spread the word for this. If you or someone you know whats to help a great foundation and get the get tickets to BlizzCon and other gifts, make sure to visit the site between 15 July and 17 July for you chance.
Good luck!
Here are the details:
"Before the BlizzCon festivities begin, we’re inviting you to join us for an evening of good food and good conversation -- all for a good cause. On Thursday, October 21, Blizzard will be hosting a special dinner to benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation, where guests will have an opportunity to meet and chat with game developers, artists, executives and other folks from Blizzard Entertainment.
From July 15 through July 17, we'll be holding an online drawing to determine who can win an opportunity to purchase tickets to this event. A total of 200 tickets will be available for $500 USD each (limit two per person), and the proceeds will benefit the CHOC Children's Foundation. In appreciation of your donation, you'll receive:
* Dinner and an opportunity to converse with executives, artists, developers, community managers, and others from Blizzard Entertainment
* A signed print featuring Blizzard Entertainment artwork
* One BlizzCon 2010 ticket (a $150 USD value)
The BlizzCon 2010 benefit dinner will take place Thursday, October 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim hotel. To opt in to the ticket drawing and view the official rules for this opportunity, visit the official BlizzCon website between July 15 and July 17."
Unfortunately, being in Europe, I will be unable to attend so I'm doing what I can to spread the word for this. If you or someone you know whats to help a great foundation and get the get tickets to BlizzCon and other gifts, make sure to visit the site between 15 July and 17 July for you chance.
Good luck!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
EVE: Taking risk to the next level
CCP has decided to move into a new arena in MMO rules, the potential to loose real world money for being attacked. In a recent EVE Dev Blog CCP has decided to unlock restrictions originally placed on PLEX. PLEX or Pilot License Extension is an item converted from a EVE Time Card that adds 30 days of game time to your EVE Online account. So, if you bought say a 60 day time card you can convert it into two thirty day PLEX blocks. Players can buy PLEX with the in-game currency (ISK) from other players, though its only sold in NPC stations and cannot be moved to other stations.
So what are the changes? Well lets let CCP explain, from the blog:
"What does that mean specifically
• We will remove the restriction on undocking from a station with a PLEX in your cargo hold
• We will remove the restriction that PLEX cannot be put into courier contracts
• We will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be redeemed into NPC stations
• We will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be reverse-redeemed from NPC stations
• We will remove the restriction that ETC can only be converted into PLEX while inside an NPC station
If you blow up a ship that happens to be carrying PLEX, it may drop the PLEX as loot or it may be destroyed in the conflagration (much like any other item in a ship's cargo hold). The refund policies for PLEX will not be any different from any other item."
This, in a word is..... AWESOME.
EVE is now saying, based on your actions in game have a potential to loose subscription time . Think about that, to put that kind of risk into the game brings out so many options and potential scenarios. Smugglers now have extremely lucrative and deadly market to smuggle PLEX in and out of areas, pirates have more reason to attack, merc's hired to protect more convoys and people, business can use PLEX as a currency, etc. The possibilities are endless.
This kind of innovative shows to me that CCP is serious about sticking to its roots. It is an unforgiving world environment that you can become incredibly rich or dirt poor in the matter of a few mouse clicks. Alliances can become king of the hill one day and fall to its knees the next. There simply is no other game out there that puts everything into the players hands like this.
It will be intriguing to watch the outcome of this decision. EVE is known for its grandiose drama but what will the story be like when that first player looses months of subscription time because they were ganked at a jump gate or were double crossed in a deal?
EVE just raised the bar on risk taking in MMO's to a whole new level and I applaud them for it.
So what are the changes? Well lets let CCP explain, from the blog:
"What does that mean specifically
• We will remove the restriction on undocking from a station with a PLEX in your cargo hold
• We will remove the restriction that PLEX cannot be put into courier contracts
• We will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be redeemed into NPC stations
• We will remove the restriction that items (including PLEX) can only be reverse-redeemed from NPC stations
• We will remove the restriction that ETC can only be converted into PLEX while inside an NPC station
If you blow up a ship that happens to be carrying PLEX, it may drop the PLEX as loot or it may be destroyed in the conflagration (much like any other item in a ship's cargo hold). The refund policies for PLEX will not be any different from any other item."
This, in a word is..... AWESOME.
EVE is now saying, based on your actions in game have a potential to loose subscription time . Think about that, to put that kind of risk into the game brings out so many options and potential scenarios. Smugglers now have extremely lucrative and deadly market to smuggle PLEX in and out of areas, pirates have more reason to attack, merc's hired to protect more convoys and people, business can use PLEX as a currency, etc. The possibilities are endless.
This kind of innovative shows to me that CCP is serious about sticking to its roots. It is an unforgiving world environment that you can become incredibly rich or dirt poor in the matter of a few mouse clicks. Alliances can become king of the hill one day and fall to its knees the next. There simply is no other game out there that puts everything into the players hands like this.
It will be intriguing to watch the outcome of this decision. EVE is known for its grandiose drama but what will the story be like when that first player looses months of subscription time because they were ganked at a jump gate or were double crossed in a deal?
EVE just raised the bar on risk taking in MMO's to a whole new level and I applaud them for it.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
My Avatar's Dog Ate My Homework
Why don't we use gaming more as a tool for education? This seems, to me, like a waste of an incredibly powerful medium just sitting there being used to farm gold or run raids with. This is something that
Here's my idea:
A child wanders into first grade. They are scared, unsure of whats going to happen. The teacher helps the kids to their desks where a laptop sits. On it is a program that lets each student create their own avatar. The avatars are human, about the same age as the kids creating them. They can design them as they want in whatever styles they see fit. These avatars are now the virtual representation of the student that will be used throughout their school years. Yup, you read that right, these are avatars that will follow the students and be a permanent tool that goes with them from First grade through high school. Hell, even college and beyond, why not?
Once the avatars are created they are used in a school run environment where the teacher controls the world, conditions, etc. Suppose the teacher wants to show what it was like when dinosaurs were around. The teacher could select a pre-made world populated with dinosaurs and have the students log in to explore the world. As the teacher is instructing verbally the students are seeing and interacting with the virtual dinosaur world. The dinosaurs could be scaled to show how big they are next to their avatar, watch as they hunted or roamed around. After that the teacher moves on to math, the students, still logged in and learns their math tables in in an interactive presentation. Almost all subjects are taught, partially , through the online site.
Homework can be assigned and uploaded in the "virtual school". Grades can be assigned and seen online. Students can get this info at home and if they wish to stay and explore the school world they can. I should note now that this world would be a closed environment, only registered students/parents and teachers/school personnel allowed. There would also be a lot of parental controls and monitoring of chat and actions.
Want to study the old west and try to experience what it was like? Maybe the teacher loads in an old west setting and tasks each student to try and survive as they did back then. American government could be taught by creating a virtual Congress and assigning each student as a virtual Congressman to learn how they pass bills, etc. How about learning to budget your check book while living in a virtual apartment with virtual bills? Students can select what they want (electricity, cable, food, etc) and see the consequences of overindulgence and learn to make their money work for them. Biology class could get interesting. Instead of using real dead animals, you could dissect virtually. Studying the human body, say the skeletal system? The teacher could load in functions so your avatar can be seen as a skeleton. Now I know what some will say, well what happens when they hit the subject of reproduction/sex/etc? Subjects like that would be taught offline, face to face with the teachers.
Is your school unable to afford field trips to museums, plays and such? Why not go virtual and explore it at your desk?
Moving to a new school...in another state? Not a problem! Student can log in and select the new school they are going to and explore the virtual campus, talk to other students and teachers and get the general feel of the real world school all before they even get there. Student administrators simply ask the parents for their students ID number, log in and can instantly see grades, homework and assignments that the student has done throughout their school life.
As the student moves on to higher grades the avatar follows you. You move to a new class, sit down at your desk and log in to your student. You may notice that your avatar has grown and aged just like you have. You continue your studies with your virtual self like nothing ever happened.
Look, the possibilities are endless folks. Space exploration, world religion, science, math, music, history, business, government, foreign languages, etc. Its all possible to teach and explore this in virtual worlds. So why don't we see anybody out there trying to do this? I've seen a few educational sites, and while some are good, they are all one way. That is the student simply sits there while the computer instead of the teacher lectures them.
It's time to get innovative. Time to really sink some serious money and thought into developing this. Its time to put our talents in game design and passion for virtual worlds in a very worthy cause..the education of our future leaders.
Here's my idea:
A child wanders into first grade. They are scared, unsure of whats going to happen. The teacher helps the kids to their desks where a laptop sits. On it is a program that lets each student create their own avatar. The avatars are human, about the same age as the kids creating them. They can design them as they want in whatever styles they see fit. These avatars are now the virtual representation of the student that will be used throughout their school years. Yup, you read that right, these are avatars that will follow the students and be a permanent tool that goes with them from First grade through high school. Hell, even college and beyond, why not?
Once the avatars are created they are used in a school run environment where the teacher controls the world, conditions, etc. Suppose the teacher wants to show what it was like when dinosaurs were around. The teacher could select a pre-made world populated with dinosaurs and have the students log in to explore the world. As the teacher is instructing verbally the students are seeing and interacting with the virtual dinosaur world. The dinosaurs could be scaled to show how big they are next to their avatar, watch as they hunted or roamed around. After that the teacher moves on to math, the students, still logged in and learns their math tables in in an interactive presentation. Almost all subjects are taught, partially , through the online site.
Homework can be assigned and uploaded in the "virtual school". Grades can be assigned and seen online. Students can get this info at home and if they wish to stay and explore the school world they can. I should note now that this world would be a closed environment, only registered students/parents and teachers/school personnel allowed. There would also be a lot of parental controls and monitoring of chat and actions.
Want to study the old west and try to experience what it was like? Maybe the teacher loads in an old west setting and tasks each student to try and survive as they did back then. American government could be taught by creating a virtual Congress and assigning each student as a virtual Congressman to learn how they pass bills, etc. How about learning to budget your check book while living in a virtual apartment with virtual bills? Students can select what they want (electricity, cable, food, etc) and see the consequences of overindulgence and learn to make their money work for them. Biology class could get interesting. Instead of using real dead animals, you could dissect virtually. Studying the human body, say the skeletal system? The teacher could load in functions so your avatar can be seen as a skeleton. Now I know what some will say, well what happens when they hit the subject of reproduction/sex/etc? Subjects like that would be taught offline, face to face with the teachers.
Is your school unable to afford field trips to museums, plays and such? Why not go virtual and explore it at your desk?
Moving to a new school...in another state? Not a problem! Student can log in and select the new school they are going to and explore the virtual campus, talk to other students and teachers and get the general feel of the real world school all before they even get there. Student administrators simply ask the parents for their students ID number, log in and can instantly see grades, homework and assignments that the student has done throughout their school life.
As the student moves on to higher grades the avatar follows you. You move to a new class, sit down at your desk and log in to your student. You may notice that your avatar has grown and aged just like you have. You continue your studies with your virtual self like nothing ever happened.
Look, the possibilities are endless folks. Space exploration, world religion, science, math, music, history, business, government, foreign languages, etc. Its all possible to teach and explore this in virtual worlds. So why don't we see anybody out there trying to do this? I've seen a few educational sites, and while some are good, they are all one way. That is the student simply sits there while the computer instead of the teacher lectures them.
It's time to get innovative. Time to really sink some serious money and thought into developing this. Its time to put our talents in game design and passion for virtual worlds in a very worthy cause..the education of our future leaders.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Hello old friend...it's been awhile
So, since I'm on assignment I don't have the opportunity to play on my PC or PS3. I've been chained to my laptop, which can't handle much. Wizard101, EQ2 (on lowering settings), and a handful of other games seem to be it. Walking around the BX (Base Exchange) yesterday I ran across an old favorite of mine...Battlefield 1942. For $8, it was mine.
Now, I have sunk some time into that game. Serious time. Maybe more than all my MMO's...combined, I mean I freakin' love this game. To me it was the perfect gaming mix. WW2 setting, all fighting, multiplayer with out the leveling for extra gear and most importantly COOP. Everyone has the same gear so it was all on a level playing field for the entire game. A day one player oculd take out the most seasoned vet within minutes. Another big plus for me when I first bought the game those many years ago was the ability for players to mod the game. BF1942 modders had some of the best news maps, skins and zones bar none. the mod "Desert Combat" was my favorites. This turned everything into modern day. instead of US vs Germany/Italy or Japan it was US v Iraq. Vehicles, weapons, outfits were all modern day. heck they even have helicopters which are a pain to learn to fly at first but alot of fun. The battles back then were massive and team work was essential to winning the round. I loved it.
So today I spent the better part of an afternoon loading the games, the maps and updates and getting reacquainted with this old friend. Some of my favorite servers still exist which makes the return even better. I'm amazed that there is still over 400 servers for this 7 year old FPS. It's nice to see so many others enjoying this fantastic game.
I can sooooo see myself getting lost in this game again.
Now, I have sunk some time into that game. Serious time. Maybe more than all my MMO's...combined, I mean I freakin' love this game. To me it was the perfect gaming mix. WW2 setting, all fighting, multiplayer with out the leveling for extra gear and most importantly COOP. Everyone has the same gear so it was all on a level playing field for the entire game. A day one player oculd take out the most seasoned vet within minutes. Another big plus for me when I first bought the game those many years ago was the ability for players to mod the game. BF1942 modders had some of the best news maps, skins and zones bar none. the mod "Desert Combat" was my favorites. This turned everything into modern day. instead of US vs Germany/Italy or Japan it was US v Iraq. Vehicles, weapons, outfits were all modern day. heck they even have helicopters which are a pain to learn to fly at first but alot of fun. The battles back then were massive and team work was essential to winning the round. I loved it.
So today I spent the better part of an afternoon loading the games, the maps and updates and getting reacquainted with this old friend. Some of my favorite servers still exist which makes the return even better. I'm amazed that there is still over 400 servers for this 7 year old FPS. It's nice to see so many others enjoying this fantastic game.
I can sooooo see myself getting lost in this game again.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
PAXtra Life Party...Gamers helping others
You may have noticed the large picture to the right showing the link to the PAXtra Life Party. This is a gaming event will be to get gamers together, have a some fun and support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals around the world. Whether its great events like this or annual Child's Play Charity drives we gamers should use every opportunity to use our hobby to get the word out on great causes like this that help others in the world.
I highly recommend anyone who could can attend to do so. From the Sarcastic Gamer site:
"Tickets to this special evening go on sale on Tuesday, June 1st at 12:01am through the Sarcastic Gamer Store. For $30, gamers get access to the event, tons of great swag and prizes, open bar, the free limited-edition t-shirt designed by Nate Voss and several HUGE surprises that haven’t been announced just yet."
Get your tickets fast though, because once they are sold out, that's it. Don't miss out on what looks to be a great party.
Unfortunately, being in Europe, I will not be able to attend. However, that still doesn't mean I can't show my support for such a great cause and encourage other companies and gaming sites out there to follow in Sarcastic Gamers footsteps. We gamers can do wonderful things when we put our minds to it. Lets continue to use our hobby as a tool to help those that need our help, it's the right thing to do.
I highly recommend anyone who could can attend to do so. From the Sarcastic Gamer site:
"Tickets to this special evening go on sale on Tuesday, June 1st at 12:01am through the Sarcastic Gamer Store. For $30, gamers get access to the event, tons of great swag and prizes, open bar, the free limited-edition t-shirt designed by Nate Voss and several HUGE surprises that haven’t been announced just yet."
Get your tickets fast though, because once they are sold out, that's it. Don't miss out on what looks to be a great party.
Unfortunately, being in Europe, I will not be able to attend. However, that still doesn't mean I can't show my support for such a great cause and encourage other companies and gaming sites out there to follow in Sarcastic Gamers footsteps. We gamers can do wonderful things when we put our minds to it. Lets continue to use our hobby as a tool to help those that need our help, it's the right thing to do.
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