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It’s time for that eclectic jumble of articles also known around these parts as Bitmob’s weekend Spotlight! Cassandra Brabon reflects on her gaming roots, and an early obsession with finding and trading secrets. Paul Kelleher-Smith is next; he outlines the case for simulated violence as catharsis and tension relief rather than inspiration for real-world actions.
Frank Anderson is frustrated with the overuse of the word noob, while Daniel Feit takes another look at The Road as possible source material for a video game. Like Frank, Zach Niblick is also mad as hell and not going to take it anymore, but about Microsoft threatening to ban players who exploit in-game glitches.
Finally, Nick Giunta asks, “Are gamers narcissistic?”
Funny How Word Travels Fast: the Discovery of Gaming Secrets
By Cassandra Brabon
Before downloadable content, tricks and secrets were a game’s biggest source of replay value. Players could rush straight through, but the complete experience came with the discovery of Easter eggs and hidden rooms. Cassandra relates her first experiences with this, and wants to hear yours.
Video Game Pacifism
By Paul Kelleher-Smith
Worried parents and fear-mongering politicians are quick to promote the idea that violence in video games corrupts the children. Paul injects some sense i
nto the debate with the idea that on-screen brutality is cathartic rather than influential. Playing Grand Theft Auto and Left 4 Dead ultimately relieves tension rather than propagating destructive behavior, he argues.
Do You Use the Word ‘Noob’?
By Frank Anderson
The use of “noob” is getting out of hand. Where once the term described an inexperienced gamer plowing shamelessly into a world of players twice as skilled, it’s now an all-encompassing term for anyone deemed unseasoned. What’s your stance?
Gamer Book Report: On the Road
By Daniel Feit
Influenced by an article from Tyler Miller comparing the novel The Road to Fallout 3, Daniel decides to examine the novel and determine whether or not it would work as a game. The Capital Wasteland has proven its lasting appeal, but would a game in which the wasteland always won be as interesting?
Banning for In-Game Glitches?
By Zach Niblick
Just as the anger surrounding the lack of dedicated server support in the PC version of Modern Warfare 2 started to die down, Microsoft went public with their stance on users exploiting the Javelin glitch. Even though they’re not cheating through console modification, glitches are apparently still punishable offenses, and the guilty party could find their account banned for a day to a week. Zach isn’t a big fan of Microsoft’s policy.
Are Gamers Narcissistic?
By Nick Giunta
On the heels of the latest Xbox Live update, Sony has also opted to make Facebook spam a hot new feature. Now you can link your account and send (likely unwanted) updates to your friends as you unlock trophies. Is our hobby more about showing off achievements these days, rather than actually enjoying a game?