The Generational Gap: A response to Corpsealot's thoughts on the matter

Corpsealot; Harbinger of games put up a video on his You-tube channel expressing his opinion on “the generation gap”. 

He believes there is a distinction between the first generation of gamers and the teenagers of today, picking up the hobby for the first time. He sees a trend toward hand-holding of the consumer seen in most games today. The following is what I started to write in the comment section in response to the video. After realizing that this might be a better article on my own thoughts then just a comment lost in a sea of You-Tube comments I selected all and copied it into a Word document.

Writer Tip: If you find that something sticks a cord with you that you find yourself writing a response that is more than a few hundred words and aren't mashing the keyboard for hours on end in self indulged rage, you might have something.   

I'm kind of in the middle of the gap. I grew up in the 80's and 90's. When I was around six or seven the NES came out. I remember actually beating a game to be somewhat of a feet. From watching You-Tube videos of people playing games from this era like the Video Game Nerd as well as talking to friends we do recall video games to be frustrating. Though that was because the gaming industry was taking its frame of reference from arcades that had to make things a little out of reach so you would (the consumer) feed it more quarters.

I cannot comment on how computer games of the past differed from today, seeing that I only discovered them a few years ago.

 Looking at older games I missed, mostly in the RPG category. I am floored by the complex systems one can engage; Never Winter Nights 2 and Ever Quest as examples.
As for the younger generation being hand feed experience, they will grow out of a 'milk' stage and want more 'meat' if they stick with playing games. Games gated toward kids today are a tailored experience. It's easier to know what to do and how to advance. My generation would try and retry a certain jump over and over till we got it. Sometimes this dedication would pay off. Telling people you beat a certain game at school gave you a certain cool cred among your friends and peers. I don't think beating a game has the same kind of value unless it’s something like Dark Souls, which is known to be punishing.

From over hearing younger friends and their kids I get the impression that leader board placement and ranks have the challenge and attainment they seek, e-sports anyone? League of Legions, Hearth Stone, and Dota 2, are massively popular. The challenge of the game designer is not about creating a puzzle for the player to solve. Instead it’s about creating balance and creating opportunities for players to outwit each other.
Gamers growing up in 2014 have games like Mind craft and to a smaller extent Little big planet. These sandbox games give people tools to make their own challenges for their friends to overcome.  Instead of trying to beat the final boss they are creating that final boss and learning about game design in the process.
Corpsealot is right there are a lot more hand holding for this new generation though that is because the designers of games today where the players of those older generations. We didn't know as much as we know today in how much a player will tolerate before giving up or what is fun then just punishing.  Players still want challenge and new ways to interact with the game involvement.
When I was creating the above illustration of a person enjoying games I was thinking, this generation has something that mine didn't growing up, there parents probably know what video games are and experienced the fun they bring. Some of them have parents that Game.

My parents know that myself and my brother enjoy them though to them games are just another toy. 

G.I. Joe figures where some of my brother's and I favorite toy when we where growing up in the late 80's so was video games. We both still play video games and the G.I. Joes are in a bag in the attic.
There is a place where games can get parents and children talking. Maybe through communication the gap can be closed or at lest build a bridge between both sides?

Victorian Woman looking at nothing

Hello Folks. I don't normally put my art work up on this blog, though I think this blog might be going through some changes. Maybe not so much, really I just put up here stuff I was doing like the reviews and articles I did around games with some book reviews sprinkled in for good measure.
I see this blog as a stream of consciousness. With that said expect to see more verity and more definitely more Art. I'm a painter, it's what I do.  Thanks for reading.

Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by Ollie Johnson Review

Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by Ollie Johnston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I got this book when I was around ten. I wanted to be a Disney Animator more then life its self growing up. My aunt bought me this book one Christmas.
Through the years I devoured it. Teaching the fundamentals of traditional animation it is a most have for any one interested in the subject.
Though it doesn't deal with the digital age, lots have changed, I still recommend it. The basics have not changed and the wisdom and history of the animation process is something any animator or animation student needs.

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What Inspires Game Developers?

What Inspires Game Developers?

It was a dark cold night, the museum was silent. Within seconds a parade of mean looking characters in black jackets caring loud boom boxes came prancing in.  They start to spray paint over priceless works of art.  In the middle of the group is the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson.

After a few minutes of this display of disrespect and vandalism the cold crusader comes swooping in.  He uses an array of gadgets like bat-a-rangs and grappling hooks to deal out justice.  After he disarms the vigilantes he alerts the cops.  Signaling the Bat car, he makes a dramatic exit and leaves the posse of bad guys to the authorities.

The Joker looks over a balcony and says the iconic line “where does he get all those wonderful toys?”

So what can a scene from this classic Batman movie (Batman, Warner Brothers, 1989) have to do with video games?

To continue reading the rest of the article over on Game Skinny please click this link.

EA's New Mystery Box

EA's New Mystery Box

Recently EA has announced its new subscription program called EA Access.  It is in beta for the Xbox One.  Sony has decided to opt out of the deal saying they don’t think it is right for their customers.  Many believe this is trying to keep EA from offering their new subscription that would serve as competition to PlayStation’s Plus program.

To continue reading this article over on Game Skinny please click this link.

The Card Game That Made Me Howl

The Card Game That Made Me Howl

“Bob get over here, we're playing cards,” my friend called over.

I walked over by the log cabin where my friend, his wife (a good friend as well) and coworker were setting up a roundtable. After helping them pull out the table and set some plastic chairs around it I asked “so what are we going to play?”

To continue reading this article over on Game Skinny click this link.

When Games Didn't Blow; You Blew Into Them

When Games Didn't Blow; You Blew Into Them

We all made promises of cleaning our rooms, taking out the trash, walking the dog and a host of other duties. Things that you've neglected to do start to get done in hopes that your parents might notice. Yes, even devoting your whole Saturday to replacing that C with an A in history class become part of the routine of (as my family called it) ‘sucking up’. This charade served one purpose and one purpose only; in hopes that you might find a long rectangle shaped box under your Christmas tree or in a stack of presents wedged between birthday cake and Aunt Rueda’s socks she knitted you every year.

To continue reading this Article on Game skinny follow this link.

Gaming with a Disability

Gaming with a Disability

Pac-Man really wants to play his own video game. This is the original Pac-Man, a disk with a slice cut out of him, not the cartoon version with arms and legs. He has no hands to control the stick. How can he avoid the ghosts? He is gonna have to use his face. More importantly his chin. To continue reading this article over at Game Skinny please follow this link.

The SnowMan is Melting!

Yes, This is another let's Draw. I had fun doing the first one I decided to do it again. This time the snowman is at the beach getting some rays. Enjoy my rantings as I talk about the image, my process and some thoughts on painting.

Lets build a snowman!

Do you want to build a SnowMan?

I am happy to pronounce my very first youtube video. Watch as this loveable image of a snowman comes to life right before your very eyes though the power of photoshop. Yes I know I'm not the first to put up a painting video, though I am proud of my efforts.
Thankyou for reading this post and hopefully watching this video.
Also, Happy 4th of July to my readers.

The Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn: An Impression

While on Wattpad (I) came across a story entitled the Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn.  It is not a very long story.  That does not seem to matter.  The author has created a very convincing and realistic, believable character.  I found the story by looking through the SCI Fi user page on Wattpad.  It lists different types of stories under the common banner of science fiction.  It does a good job at putting different types of science fiction stories into their own lists.  There was a list for general science fiction, science fiction that took place in outer space, steam punk stories, and a list entitled “time and eternity” where I found this story.

Though this is not about Wattpad and its efforts to help users find content, this is about my first impressions of the story the Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn written by the username: EvelynDangerfield.

I really can’t tell you much of events that happened in the story, seeing how the whole thing is only four pages long.  Though what I can say is that the author does an excellent job of using facts of the time and uses them in a way that is relevant to her main character.  Anne Boleyn is struggling with the most important time of her life when King Henry is wooing her.  From reading the story you feel less like the author is dropping main events and important details to give you a sense of history and place.  What the author does is write from Anne’s perspective and filters the information from what she knows about and would be most concerned off.

From reading historical fiction books, many will simply insert historical facts like chocolate chips on a cookie.  They feel like they are there on the surface but are not a part of the DNA of the story.

If you enjoyed reading my impressions of the story I highly encourage you to seek this out on Wattpad.  Here’s a link to the story.

My Dog Prefers Reality TV

Yes, it’s true; my dog does prefer reality TV.  His version is much more true to life.  The neighbors probably have no idea how much entertainment they give my happy little pooch each and every day.  Normally it’s just watching them go to and from their cars.  Picking up their little grandson and allowing him to run around in the yard. Though, today the little puppy got a special treat.  They decided to have a yard sale.  You should've seen his little eyes light up as people got out of their cars and didn't disappear into the yellow house but instead were on full display looking at different items in the driveway.
I often wonder what he sees?  A leaf blowing in the wind is enough to send him racing.  I have seen him go nuts over a speck of dust being carried in the wind.
Being a dog and confined to your owner’s house for much of your existence must put a different emphasis on what’s important in life.  He doesn't care about advancements, money, or being online all he wants is to go for a walk, get a treat or just be by your side.
Watching this little dog set in front of the window reminds me of my Grandfather.  You see, he died several years ago.  I loved him dearly and I think of him from time to time.  Like most people would over a loved one who passed.  I am reminded of what he taught me.  One of those things was something called people watching.
You see my grandfather, whom I’d call Pops would sit for hours on park benches and more notably in the mall while my grandmother shopped.  I remember doing this with him.
I asked him “what are you doing we just sitting here, you don’t talk much?”
His response, “look around you, you’ll notice things better.  Like what people are wearing and their body language”
To a budding artist nothing is as valuable as that information.  Since that time, probably a little bit before it but I'm not keeping records, I started to sketch.  Going out to malls and Parks to draw was a favorite pass time.  Bringing my little sketchbooks everywhere I went, noticing things about people. Not things like phone numbers, security numbers, or personal information but, what clothes they had on and how they held their body. Valuable information for any Artist.
I stood there with him (the dog), looking out at the neighbors watching them.  Much like I did before noticing how they moved.  It’s funny how simple dog can bring back such deep and thoughtful advice and happy memories.

A first impression of The Other Teddy Roosevelts by Mike Resnick

The Other Teddy Roosevelts by Mike Resnick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Please note: this review is not a complete assessment of the work. I only read half of the book. I do plan on going back and reading the rest. Frankly I’m too excited not too. Though I want to give my impressions on are still fresh in my memory.
I’m not expert on the genre. I’m just a guy that found this book and is enjoying his time with it.
As the title suggests you’re introduced to different Teddy Roosevelts. In this collection of short stories the author Mike Resnick asks questions like what if Roosevelt stop jack the ripper, or battled aliens found in HG Wells war the world’s. At this time I’m in the middle of the story where Roosevelt, after leaving the responsibilities of being the president United States and looking at a life as an Ex-president, decides to ‘civilize the Congo’ and make it into democracy.
To be honest, before I started reading the stories I was unsure how I would take a bunch of stories with no merit to the historical significance or facts surrounding Roosevelt’s life. I was surprised how much these stories leaned on events in Roosevelt’s life. The characters constantly remind you of Roosevelt being the Harvard champion at boxing and that he wrote countless best Sellers on natural subjects such as birds.
I must admit this gets a little daunting after some time. Though it is a great way to remind yourself of what the man actually did. I could see if I was a high Schooler writing a paper on Roosevelt this book would help me remember his real accomplishments.
The imaginative elements are somewhat farfetched. Though, this is a little bit to be expected. We know Teddy Roosevelt did not do these things that the book claims he did. The author is in the writing a biography of the man. He’s just asking simple questions and playing out in the fiction what that might look like and what events might follow.
The writing style reminds me of an action adventure story or pulp novel. There are things happening all the time. It’s a bit cheesy. Luckily for me I like cheese. All in all it adds to the fun. As I stated in the paragraph above, the author is in making some big statement about Roosevelt he’s just interjecting the wonderful character of the man into some of the most beloved an interesting set things he can think of.
If you’re looking for a group of stories that don’t take themselves too serious and you have a sense of humor and I really enjoy this. If you’re young person, whom is interested in science fiction and fantasy or history you might want to give this book a try. I wish I discovered it when I was 15.

UPDATE: I Have finished the book.

From reading the rest of it I still have the same impression of the book that I did when I wrote the review I labeled as my reading observations. The book is a fun read and one I would recommend people picking up if they are into alternative histories or and American history.


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