csi-ny
Latest
The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television
While 1982's Tron explored what virtual life might be like inside a massive video game, it wasn't until fairly recently that real MMOs have crossed the divide between niche and mainstream to be referenced in television and films. Depending on how you see it, this mainstream acceptance of geek culture can be a thing to be either celebrated or shunned. What's for certain, however, is that we've only started to see the beginning of such mentions. In today's Perfect Ten, I cobbled together a list of the first 10 MMO references that I know of from movies and TV shows. Some might be nothing more than a background detail or a throwaway line, while others are completely centered around the advertisement, er, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. I tried hard not to use "cheats" such as fake MMOs featured in shows like The Guild, so this list is all about real-world titles with no sugar substitutes. Ready? Insert quarter and hit player one!
CSI finally returns to Second Life
According to CSI fan website CSI Files, April 2nd will see the second part of the 2-part CSI:NY/Second Life adventure, previously reported. The site gives a plot description based on script drafts, and cautions that the details could change at any time, but the investigation of the murder that began in 'Down the Rabbit Hole' will continue.From the plot synopsis, however, it doesn't sound like the show's characters will return to SL itself necessarily, but given that the assassin's identity was taken from a resident, there has to be some sort of connection. 'Down the Rabbit Hole' will re-air on March 26th, presumably to let viewers revisit the plot to avoid confusion.[Thanks, Elle!]
Cinemassively: CSI:NY Virtual Experience Mystery Game #4
It looks like Anthony Zuiker and the Electric Sheep Company have made good on their promise to deliver fresh mysteries in the CSI sims of Second Life. Last month's episode revolved around an unidentified man that was murdered by one of three potential suspects. SL's most famous contract killer, Venus, may have been the culprit.This month could get interesting, as Chris Carella, of ESC, blogged that the Venus storyline that aired in October will air again on February 27th. They will be temporarily increasing the amount of CSI sims in anticipation of new signups. In addition, they have a new Valentine's mystery for you to check out, as well as two new mysteries on the 27th.However, I'm really curious as to when the conclusion will air. Was it affected by the Writers Guild strike? Don't leave us hanging, CBS!
Second Life ranked 8th Most Effective Placement on TV in 2007
According to hollywoodreporter.com, Second Life enjoys the 8th Most Effective Placement on TV this year, behind Nexxus on the show 'Shear Genius', and in front of Visa on the show 'What Not to Wear'. Interestingly, according to the graphic, this is the public's response to SL's appearance on The Office, even though said appearance was virtually 1% of the entire content of the show, as opposed to the CSI: NY episode, in which SL is the subject of the plot.Now, what this means to you and me is probably not a whole lot. As I understand it, this measures how the product is perceived by John Q. Public, and in this case, being on The Office means that SL has gained some respect by merely rubbing shoulders with that popular sitcom. Perhaps if Fury had been able to swing a mention ... nah, some things you just can't save. [Thanks, Neptune!]
Electric Sheep Company lays off 1/3 of their staff
var digg_url =http://digg.com/tech_news/CBS_contractor_Electric_Sheep_Company_lays_off_1_3_staff; In a shocking blog entry today, Jeremy Flagstaff noted that the Electric Sheep Company has laid off approximately one-third of their staff, or about 22 people. It has been previously noted that ESC had to cut back on the number of islands for CSI: NY, and now both AOL Pointe and Pontiac are pulling out of Second Life. This news should come as no surprise, but it's still heartbreaking to hear that it happened so close to Christmas.While it is not known at this time exactly why the layoffs occurred, Jeremy speculates that they will be focusing on technology like OnRez. Joel Greenberg, whose job status is unknown at this time, announced on Twitter that ESC is shutting down their virtual ad network project. In a prophetic blog entry written last week by Rez Menoptra, he speculated on how long builds will last in virtual worlds and who will remember them.Massively will update you with the latest news on this topic as we hear it. Stay tuned!
Cinemassively: CSI New York Mystery Game #1
When the CSI:NY episode featuring Second Life came out in October, Second Life Insider offered extensive coverage of not only the commercials, but also the mystery games. Now, CBS is releasing their own teaser trailer for one of the mysteries. Having scaled down their islands due to lowered traffic, one wonders if they're trying to milk one last visit out of you.However, with that said, the Machinima is thoroughly entertaining. They offer up snippets of clues to reel you in, as well as highlight a bit of the process. If you haven't checked out the four-sim clusters of CSI:NY goodness, now would be the time!
