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Evaluating Dynamic Difficulty Adaptivity in Shoot'em up Games
SBC - Proceedings of SBGames 2013 Computing Track – Full Papers Evaluating dynamic difficulty adaptivity in shoot’em up games Bruno Baere` Pederassi Lomba de Araujo and Bruno Feijo´ VisionLab/ICAD Dept. of Informatics, PUC-Rio Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil [email protected], [email protected] Abstract—In shoot’em up games, the player engages in a up game called Zanac [12], [13]2. More recent games that solitary assault against a large number of enemies, which calls implement some kind of difficulty adaptivity are Mario Kart for a very fast adaptation of the player to a continuous evolution 64 [40], Max Payne [20], the Left 4 Dead series [53], [54], of the enemies attack patterns. This genre of video game is and the GundeadliGne series [2]. quite appropriate for studying and evaluating dynamic difficulty adaptivity in games that can adapt themselves to the player’s skill Charles et al. [9], [10] proposed a framework for creating level while keeping him/her constantly motivated. In this paper, dynamic adaptive systems for video games including the use of we evaluate the use of dynamic adaptivity for casual and hardcore player modeling for the assessment of the system’s response. players, from the perspectives of the flow theory and the model Hunicke et al. [27], [28] proposed and tested an adaptive of core elements of the game experience. Also we present an system for FPS games where the deployment of resources, adaptive model for shoot’em up games based on player modeling and online learning, which is both simple and effective. -
Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21St Century
An occasional paper on digital media and learning Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century Henry Jenkins, Director of the Comparative Media Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Katie Clinton Ravi Purushotma Alice J. Robison Margaret Weigel Building the new field of digital media and learning The MacArthur Foundation launched its five-year, $50 million digital media and learning initiative in 2006 to help determine how digital technologies are changing the way young people learn, play, socialize, and participate in civic life.Answers are critical to developing educational and other social institutions that can meet the needs of this and future generations. The initiative is both marshaling what it is already known about the field and seeding innovation for continued growth. For more information, visit www.digitallearning.macfound.org.To engage in conversations about these projects and the field of digital learning, visit the Spotlight blog at spotlight.macfound.org. About the MacArthur Foundation The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition.With assets of $5.5 billion, the Foundation makes grants totaling approximately $200 million annually. For more information or to sign up for MacArthur’s monthly electronic newsletter, visit www.macfound.org. The MacArthur Foundation 140 South Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, Illinois 60603 Tel.(312) 726-8000 www.digitallearning.macfound.org An occasional paper on digital media and learning Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century Henry Jenkins, Director of the Comparative Media Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Katie Clinton Ravi Purushotma Alice J. -
Xbox LIVE Arcade Game Development Katie Stone Perez
Xbox LIVE Arcade Game Development Katie Stone Perez Sr. Game Program Manager Microsoft Endless Fun is Just a Download Away! Agenda What is Xbox LIVE Arcade The Growth of Xbox LIVE Arcade What’s New Portfolio Goals Questions What is Xbox LIVE Arcade? Xbox Live Arcade is a destination for users to download, try and buy broad appeal content on Xbox 360 High-visibility placement in every console (Games Blade) Deep Marketplace integration (download, purchase, licensing) Available to both Silver & Gold Xbox Live Subscribers Arcade-specific banner placements drives awareness of new titles Rich around-the-game feature set drives retention & repeat play What is an Xbox LIVE Arcade Game? Full game experience No pieces of games Must stand on its own Smaller in size <150 MB (most games <50 MB) Playable without physical media or other dependencies No instruction manual required Approachable pickup & play Free Trial Version with limited but entertaining gameplay Must up-sell to unlocked “full” version In-game promotional up-sell Plugs into Xbox Live Arcade around-the-game experiences Out-of-game Leaderboards Achievements & Gamerscore Cross-game invites Growth Of Xbox LIVE Arcade 25M games downloaded Instant hit on the Xbox 360, with nearly 70% of all connected consoles already downloading and playing Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. Widespread recognition of XBLA as a “key differentiator” for Xbox 360 Broad recognition of individual titles Over 600K search results for “Cloning Clyde” or “Assault Heroes” Rapid growth of XBLA publisher ecosystem Ultimately means more great games! Top Arcade Titles to Date Street Fighter II' HF Bankshot Billiards 2 Marble Blast Ultra UNO® DOOM® Xbox LIVE Arcade- What’s Next? Size Limit increase to 150 MB Additional Achievements and Gamerscore for PDLC (Paid Downloadable Content) 3 Additional achievements available for a total of 50 additional Gamerscore. -
DESIGN-DRIVEN APPROACHES TOWARD MORE EXPRESSIVE STORYGAMES a Dissertation Submitted in Partial Satisfaction of the Requirements for the Degree Of
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ CHANGEFUL TALES: DESIGN-DRIVEN APPROACHES TOWARD MORE EXPRESSIVE STORYGAMES A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in COMPUTER SCIENCE by Aaron A. Reed June 2017 The Dissertation of Aaron A. Reed is approved: Noah Wardrip-Fruin, Chair Michael Mateas Michael Chemers Dean Tyrus Miller Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Copyright c by Aaron A. Reed 2017 Table of Contents List of Figures viii List of Tables xii Abstract xiii Acknowledgments xv Introduction 1 1 Framework 15 1.1 Vocabulary . 15 1.1.1 Foundational terms . 15 1.1.2 Storygames . 18 1.1.2.1 Adventure as prototypical storygame . 19 1.1.2.2 What Isn't a Storygame? . 21 1.1.3 Expressive Input . 24 1.1.4 Why Fiction? . 27 1.2 A Framework for Storygame Discussion . 30 1.2.1 The Slipperiness of Genre . 30 1.2.2 Inputs, Events, and Actions . 31 1.2.3 Mechanics and Dynamics . 32 1.2.4 Operational Logics . 33 1.2.5 Narrative Mechanics . 34 1.2.6 Narrative Logics . 36 1.2.7 The Choice Graph: A Standard Narrative Logic . 38 2 The Adventure Game: An Existing Storygame Mode 44 2.1 Definition . 46 2.2 Eureka Stories . 56 2.3 The Adventure Triangle and its Flaws . 60 2.3.1 Instability . 65 iii 2.4 Blue Lacuna ................................. 66 2.5 Three Design Solutions . 69 2.5.1 The Witness ............................. 70 2.5.2 Firewatch ............................... 78 2.5.3 Her Story ............................... 86 2.6 A Technological Fix? . -
The Maw Free Xbox Live
The maw free xbox live The Maw. The Maw. 16, console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live. Free Download to Xbox Go to Enter as code 1 with as time stamp 1 Enter as code 2 with as time stamp 2. Fill out. The full version of The Maw includes a bonus unlockable dashboard theme and free gamerpics for beating the game! This game requires the Xbox hard. In this "deleted scene" from The Maw, Frank steals a Bounty Hunter Speeder and Be sure to download this new level on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Steam. Unredeemed code which download the Full Version of The Maw Xbox Live Arcade game to your Xbox (please note: approx. 1 gigabyte of free storage. For $5, you could probably buy a value meal fit for a king -- but you know what you couldn't get? A delightfully charming action platformer. EDIT: Codes have all run out now. I can confirm this works % on Aussie Xbox Live accounts as i did it myself. Basically enter the blow two. Please note that Xbox Live Gold Membership is applicable for new Toy Soldiers and The Maw plus 2-Week Xbox Live Gold Membership free. Xbox Live Gold Family Pack (4 x 13 Months Xbox Live + Free Arcade Game "The Maw") @ Xbox Live Dashboard. Avatar Dr4gOns_FuRy. Found 11th Dec. Free codes for XBLA games Toy Soldiers and The Maw, as well as more codes for day Xbox Live Gold trials for Silver/new members. 2QKW3- Q4MPG-F9MQQFYC2Z - The Maw. -
Y Be Reduced by Taking the Following Precautions: 16 Acquiring Piñatas • Sit Farther from the Television Screen
Return to garden Save game/ Zoom out Adjust controls Zoom in Information Move cursor Y(highlight a Piñata) (click for fast cursor) B Discard/Cancel X Main Menu A Action/Select Tools shortcuts Highlight Move camera smo q an Alert (click for top view) 0906 Part No. X12-64838-01 WARNING Before playing this game, read the Xbox 360 Instruction Manual and any peripheral manuals for important safety and health information. Keep all manuals for future reference. For replacement manuals, see www.xbox.com/support or call Xbox Customer Support. ImportantHealthWarningAboutPlaying VideoGames 2 Welcome to Piñata Island 3 Deeds to the Garden Photosensitive Seizures A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to 4 Garden Personalities certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have 6 Meet the Piñatas an undiagnosed condition that can cause these “photosensitive epileptic seizures” while watching video games. 8 Quick Start Guide These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, 0 Advanced Game Controls disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling 2 Game Screen down or striking nearby objects. Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of these 3 Starting and Saving a Game symptoms. Parents should watch for or ask their children about the above symptoms—children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience 4 Tools and Resources these seizures. -
Game Developer Index 2012 Swedish Games Industry’S Reports 2013 Table of Contents
GAME DEVELOPER INDEX 2012 SWEDISH GAMES INDUSTRY’S REPORTS 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 WORDLIST 3 PREFACE 4 TURNOVER AND PROFIT 5 NUMBER OF COMPANIES 7 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 7 GENDER DISTRIBUTION 7 TURNOVER PER COMPANY 7 EMPLOYEES PER COMPANY 8 BIGGEST PLAYERS 8 DISTRIBUTION PLATFORMS 8 OUTSOURCING/CONSULTING 9 SPECIALISED SUBCONTRACTORS 9 DLC 10 GAME DEVELOPER MAP 11 LOCATION OF COMPANIES 12 YEAR OF REGISTRY 12 GAME SALES 13 AVERAGE REVIEW SCORES 14 REVENUES OF FREE-TO-PLAY 15 EXAMPLE 15 CPM 16 eCPM 16 NEW SERVICES, NEW PIRACY TARGETS 16 VALUE CHAIN 17 DIGITAL MIDDLEMEN 18 OUTLOOK 18 SWEDISH AAA IN TOP SHAPE 19 CONSOLES 20 PUBISHERS 20 GLOBAL 20 CONCLUSION 22 METHODOLOGY 22 Cover: Mad Max (in development), Avalanche Studios 1 | Game Developer Index 2012 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Game Developer Index maps, reports and analyzes the Swedish game devel- opers’ annual operations and international trends by consolidating their respective annual company accounts. Swedish game development is an export industry and operates in a highly globalized market. In just a few decades the Swedish gaming industry has grown from a hobby for enthusiasts into a global industry with cultural and economic importance. The Game Developer Index 2012 compiles Swedish company accounts for the most recently reported fiscal year. The report highlights: • Swedish game developers’ turnover grew by 60 percent to 414 million euro in 2012. A 215% increase from 2010 to 2012. • Most game developer companies (~60 percent) are profitable and the industry reported a combined profit for the fourth consecutive year. • Job creation and employment is up by 30 percent. -
Data-Dating-Galeriecharlot-F6kb87.Pdf
Curator Valentina Peri Data Dating 18.05 - 25.07.2018 Galerie Charlot 47, rue Charlot 75003 Paris, France Curator Valentina Peri Production Valérie Hasson-Benillouche Galerie Charlot - Paris/Tel Aviv galeriecharlot.com Graphic design Valentina Peri Rayane Ferrahi Editor Galerie Charlot Editions Data Dating What does it mean to love in the Internet age? How are digital interfaces reshaping our personal relationships? What do new technologies imply for the future of the romantic sphere? How do screens affect our sexual intimacy? Are the new means of connection shifting the old paradigms of adult life? The advent of the Internet and smartphones has brought about a split in the romantic lives of millions of people, who now inhabit both the real world and their very own “phone world”. In terms of romance and sexual intimacy these phenomena have generated new complexities that we are still trying to figure out. By bringing together the work of several international artists, the exhibition Data Dating attempts to explore new directions in modern romance: new forms of intimate communication, the process of commodification of love through online dating services and hookup applications, unprecedented meeting and mating behaviors, the renegotiation of sexual identities, and changing erotic mores and taboos. Over the past century, the history of dating practices has shown that the acquisition of new freedoms is often accompanied by suspicions and stereotypes: what appears disturbing to one generation often ends up being acceptable for the next. From the early computers algorithms of the 1960s, to the video cameras of the 1970s, the bulletin board systems of the 1980s, the Internet of the 1990s, and the smartphones of the last decade, every new format of electronically mediated matching has faced a stigma of some kind. -
Threat Simulation in Virtual Limbo Preprint
This is a preprint of the article “Threat simulation in virtual limbo: An evolutionary approach to horror video games” by Jens Kjeldgaard-Christiansen and Mathias Clasen, Aarhus University. The final, published version has been published in the Journal of Gaming and Virtual Worlds and is available at https://doi.org/10.1386/jgvw.11.2.119_1. Page 2 of 33 Threat Simulation in Virtual Limbo: An Evolutionary Approach to Horror Video Games Keywords: horror, Limbo, game studies, evolution, simulation, evolutionary psychology Abstract Why would anyone want to play a game designed to scare them? We argue that an alliance between evolutionary theory and game studies can shed light on the forms and psychological functions of horror video games. Horror games invite players to simulate prototypical fear scenarios of uncertainty and danger. These scenarios challenge players to adaptively assess and negotiate their dangers. While horror games thereby instil negative emotion, they also entice players with stimulating challenges of fearful coping. Players who brave these challenges expand their emotional and behavioural repertoire and experience a sense of mastery, explaining the genre’s paradoxical appeal. We end by illustrating our evolutionary approach through an in-depth analysis of Playdead’s puzzle-horror game Limbo. Page 3 of 33 Introduction Imagine this: You are a little boy, lost somewhere deep in the woods at night. You do not know how you got there or how to get out. All you know is that your sister is out there, somewhere, possibly in great danger. You have to find her. The ambiance is alive with animal calls, the flutter of branches and bushes and a welter of noises that you cannot quite make out. -
Playstation's Coronavirus Contribution: Stay Home and Play Free 'Uncharted,' 'Journey' PS4 Video Games 16 April 2020, by Mike Snider, Usa Today
PlayStation's coronavirus contribution: Stay home and play free 'Uncharted,' 'Journey' PS4 video games 16 April 2020, by Mike Snider, Usa Today The game maker's Play At Home initiative also includes a $10 million fund to support independent game developers, Ryan said. "Independent developers are vital to the heart and soul of the gaming community and we understand the hardships and financial struggles that many smaller gaming studios are facing," he said. The Uncharted games—"Uncharted: Drake's Fortune," "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves," and "Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception"—are action- adventure games starring treasure-hunting hero Nathan Drake. Originally released between 2007 and 2011 for the PlayStation 3, each has been remastered for the PS4. Credit: CC0 Public Domain "Journey" is a single-player exploration game from thatgamecompany, in which the player navigates a nondescript cloaked character through a magical Need some video game pursuits to keep you desert world. "The game's life-affirming message is occupied during the stay-at-home measures to timeless and perhaps more important now than combat the spread of the coronavirus? Sony has a ever before," Ryan said. giveaway for PlayStation 4 players. Sony is working with internet service providers in Starting Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, PS4 the U.S. and Europe to manage download traffic, owners can download "Uncharted: The Nathan so game downloads "may take a little longer," he Drake Collection" and the game "Journey" for free. said. Once you download the games, you can keep them. But you must download the games by May "During these days of physical distancing, fans 5. -
The Unity Glue Principles and Strategies for a Maintainable Unity Project Structure
Zurich University of the Arts Game Design Orientation C The Unity Glue Principles and strategies for a maintainable Unity project structure. Author: Mentors: Goran Saric René Bauer May 22, 2017 Mela Kocher 1 Abstract Today game developers can find hundreds of tutorials on the internet covering specific topics for the popular game engine “Unity”. However, there is a lack of corresponding literature to explain how to integrate all of these different topics together into one big, scalable, and maintainable project. Moreover, Unity’s application program interface was not designed to follow a specific workflow: game developers have the freedom to work in various ways. I personally think this open setting is especially good for fast prototyping production processes, but when it comes to larger projects, where multiple people have to work together productively, the overly flexible engine can easily lead developers to organization problems and bugs. To address this problem, my master’s thesis focuses on project structures within Unity 5.6. In order to first get an overview of existing practices, I interviewed individual developers and game studios. By analysing different methods and approaches for organizing assets and source code, I developed a reliable workflow for my current Unity game “FAR: Lone Sails” [l1]. The results of my research are a “cookbook” that helps to create a maintainable project structure for teams working on a collaborative basis in Unity. 2 Contents 1 Introduction 5 1.1 Thesis structure 5 1.2 Context 6 1.2.1 -
Art Games Applied to Disability
Figure 1. Thatgamecompany. PlayStation 3. (2009), Flower. Figure 2. Thatgamecompany. PlayStation 4. (2013), Flow. Esther Guanche Dorta. Phd student. [email protected] Ana Marqués Ibáñez. Teacher. [email protected] Department of Didactics of Plastic Expression. Faculty of Education. University of La Laguna. Tenerife. Art Games applied to disability. Figure 3. Thatgamecompany. PlayStation 3. (2012), Journey. THEME 4 – Technology – S3 DT Art Games, Disabilities, Design, Videogames, Inclusive education. Art Games applied to disability. Videogames are an emerging medium which represent a new form of artistic design, creating another means of expression for artists as well as different educational context adapted to people with dissabilities. Abstract This is a study of several examples of artistic videogames which can be 1. Art Games and Indie Games Concept The MOMA2 arranged an exhibition on the 50 years of videogame history, made a used to improve the quality of life of persons with impairment, for those review about the design and has added the most significant games to its permanent with specific or general motoric disabilities and mental disabilities in Art Game is an art object associated to the new interactive communications media exhibition, such as those of the Johnson Gallery with 14 videogames, which have order to bring them closer to art and design studies. As well as to develop new approaches in order to include this medium in artistic and a subgenre of the so-called serious videogames. The term was first used in been increased to around fifty. productions, study the impact of these images in Visual Culture and its academic circles in 2002, and referred to a videogame designed to boost artistic and construction by designing.