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Blast from the Past: Benefits of a “Retro” Look

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The technological advances of modern game consoles like Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 allows the player the luxury of top notch graphics and online play. For younger gamers, consoles like the PS3 are the norm of gaming. However, for those who were around 20 years ago, they remember a simpler time in video games. What old time gamer could forget the console that started it all? The original Nintendo Entertainment System revolutionized video games.

This was the time when video games composed of game play that was simple and straight forward, and only required the use of a directional pad and two buttons. Even more memorable was the eight bit graphics and simple background music. Games at the time also came in a bulky cartridge.

Other forms of old school gaming were arcades. Arcades are now nearly extinct, though they can still be found in some places. The typical retro arcade was box shaped with a joystick and several buttons. For a quarter, players could keep themselves entertained for 10 minutes while away from home.

Game creators would benefit by taking advantage of the game nostalgia from gamers that were around during the original Nintendo era. No amount of awesome graphics or sophisticated gameplay could ever replace the memories of those who experienced the simplicity of early gaming.

The Best Ways to Deter Game Piracy

admin — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Gaming piracy has skyrocketed in recent years, and the industry has begun to suffer. Games that take tens of thousands of dollars to make are being downloaded for free online and installed on ‘modded’ systems or played through the computer. The anti-piracy practices of the day are only as good as the people who enforce them. Those people are you. Keep your ears open for website where you hear that games are being downloaded and write them down. Then you can go to the the Entertainment Software Association’s website and provide them with the website. You may do this anonymously if you choose or submit an email address. You may also go to the gaming manufacturer’s website and send them the information directly. If you suspect you may have bought a hard copy of a pirated work, distinguishable by a low quality box or CD label, you may contact the same people where they will provide further instructions on how to proceed. Unfortunately, they will not be able to offer you a replacement for a possibly pirated game, but you can no doubt report the individual or establishment who committed the crime. Do this or your future gaming may suffer.

Should DLC Be Available at Launch?

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

While having a few special pieces of DLC available at launch may be a great way to attract customers to purchase special collectors editions, in general DLC shouldn’t be available at the launch date. Because DLC generally costs a lot of extra money, game companies will do nothing but anger their customers should they make DLC available on launch date. Why will this make customers angry? Because they will just feel that they are already paying for the game why should they have to pay extra for content that should have just been included in the game that was launched.

In addition to avoiding angering customers, by delaying the availability of DLC you can keep the interest of the customers longer. By offering DLC after the video game has been out for a few months, you can draw the player’s interest back into the game by giving them new things to do. Often times the added content in the game will draw the players back into the game and can give the game extended replay value. One thing to keep in mind about DLC is to keep the price appropriate for what is being added into the game. Customers won’t want to pay half the price of the game itself just to get a few extra quests or costumes.

When Does DLC Add to a Game?

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder why, when in a online matchmaking room, you get kicked out because you don’t have the right map? Well, it could be you are suffering from a lack of downloadable content. DLC not only provides you with the latest maps in all your favorite first person shooters, there are hundreds of extra goodies that could be added to your favorite games. Once purchased from the online store in your gaming system, your downloadable content must be installed. Some games will automatically install the DLC when you select it from an in game menu and said characters, worlds, costumes, or whatever will be installed directly. Other times, the download appears as a demo or file ready to be installed under the game’s section of your system. Simply select the download and it should self install, providing you with whatever you happened to pay for. Typically your game must be the most updated version of the game in order for the DLC to install, however, it is tough to avoid updating a game on most systems if you ever choose to play online. While DLC typically costs a money, there are many free goodies to add to your favorite games.