MetaFilter posts tagged with gaming

Lost Souls

chuckdarwin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:24:37 -0800

According to a new report, children in Sweden are becoming increasingly concerned by their parents' internet habits. "This summer she has been sitting up all day and all night and she forgets what's important to me. And when she's not at the computer she's like a lost soul. She just looks straight ahead and says nothing. I'm not doing so well." Dr Jerald Block from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland is pushing for internet addiction (and its three subtypes: excessive gaming, sexual preoccupations and e-mail/text messaging) to be included as a common disorder in the next update of the DSM (DSM-V). "The relationship is with the computer. It becomes a significant other to them. They exhaust emotions that they could experience in the real world on the computer... It's much more acceptable for kids to talk about game use, whereas adults keep it a secret. Rather than having sex, or arguing with their wife or husband, or feeding their children, these adults are playing games..."

You know less about Tetris than you think

silby — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:02:04 -0800

Tetris has changed over the years. The latest game mechanics are well-documented and allow for techniques more complicated than those of us used to earlier iterations could possibly imagine. And of course, you can have it any way you want it. [via]

Gamers rejoice

misha — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:28:49 -0800

At last, a study on video games that is grounded in common sense. Two scientists say their results can best be summed up in one word: relax. It's okay for kids to play videogames. What's more, parents can enjoy gaming with their kids. The relationship between videogames and violence is anything but causal. One interesting finding: those middle school boys most likely to bully others are the ones who play no videogames at all.

Yellow sign on the line which is dotted

Artw — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:05:12 -0800

Delta Green - be part of the conspiracy. The latest sourcebook for Delta Green, the cult modern day Call of Cthulhu setting, is being financed via fundable. If the target for funding is not met it’s release will be delayed... if it is released at all. A niche setting within a niche system in a hobby in decline, Delta Green is still intensely well loved by those who know about it, making them a good target for the ransom model. Will thinking outside the usual publishing business models save pen and paper RPGs?

The System loves you for your money, not your soul.

Kattullus — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:40:15 -0800

In this way, Lu Yang became one of the "RMB gamers" she disdains. More than 10,000 RMB was quickly and nearly imperceptibly spent. In the game, the "queen" possessed fearsome power. She carried out vengeance for herself and her friends, she accepted entreaties, and she protected the caravans of the kingdom. At the same time, she went out with the heroes to invade other kingdoms. Her reputation spread far and wide. [...] "Long live the Queen!" People bowed to her in submission. That was the high point for Lu Yang on ZT Online, and for that one fleeting moment, she felt that the time and money she had spent was worth it.

The System is a translated Chinese article examining ZT Online, an MMORPG that has taken fleecing gamers to a new level.

Los Angeles libraries offer video games to kids

Argyle — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:57:50 -0800

Los Angeles libraries offer video games to kids - Yes, they play Guitar Hero in the library these days. Over half of the LA public libraries are offering video game nights to encourage kids to visit libraries. Also, this Friday is 'gaming @ the library day', part of the effort to get children more comfortable at the library.

Let's go Nintendo

dhammond — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:56:22 -0800

Everything you need to know about playing Nintendo.

Super Epic Video Game News

BartFargo — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:44:22 -0800

Super Epic Video Game News. Several Channel 101 alumni are bringing their own distinctive style to game and tech journalism. Perfect for those who love video games, but hate the people that play them. The YouTube comments are an even split between impotent rage and people who get the joke. For those who don't like Channel 101 or video game news, you have been warned.

Child-Men?

Argyle — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:30:06 -0800

Female educator & writer comments on male culture - describing video gaming males in their 20s as 'child-men', delaying traditional responsibility by decades compared to previous generations (NPR interview). Inevitable response by gaming community and others in their 20s. Further example on the change in societal isolation that leads to bowling alone, or a new social community structure being born? I hesitated to post this for fear of a boyzone flame war. Please keep the discussion civil and respectful.

Dice!

Demogorgon — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:10:00 -0800

Looking for something unique to bring to your next gaming session? Star-spawn will cringe in fear when they see you have shown up to battle bearing these long-lost relics of R'lyeh. The dwarves have toiled long in the mines and quarries of Khaz Modan, and even crafted the bones and teeth of great ancient beasts to create deadly weapons for your gaming arsenal. Perhaps most impressive and prized of all these unique equipages is this rare trophy of the cold and frozen north. Trap dice. Kama Sutra dice. Monster dice. Cheat dice. Cyberdice. Some awesome knucklebones and hand-made period dice replicas. Pizza topping dice! Also be sure to check out the website of Kevin Cook, the man who boasts the Guiness World Record for largest collection of dice in the world (warning: ugly website). You can browse the dice by theme or look at all of them on a single page.