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  • Spotify wants to show us 'what's next' on November 30th

    by 
    Brian Heater
    Brian Heater
    11.21.2011

    Hey, we like Spotify quite a bit already, but we're not ones to begrudge a music streaming site for working on bettering itself. The site sent out an invite this morning for an event that will be held on the 30th, presided over by none other than CEO Daniel Ek and "a special guest or two." If the above image is any indication, the big news isn't a new logo. Either way, we'll find out for sure next week.

  • Disillusionment with MMOs

    by 
    Jeremy Stratton
    Jeremy Stratton
    06.29.2010

    Because I never studied nor considered studying psychology, you may doubt my words, but I will still tell you that many people go through a phase in life in which things become less shiny for them. What, there really is no Santa Claus? Those awesome space battles on TV are just tiny plastic miniatures hanging from fishing-line? World of Warcraft didn't invent Naga? Sooner or later the curtain will be pulled back on something you found new or fascinating in your life. Losing that sense of excitement from something you thought was different or new can leave a gaping hole of disillusionment. The short history of MMOs is not immune to providing plenty of room for players to become disillusioned. Like television, movies, and books, MMOs don't use 100% new content that developers invented out of thin air. I've been on many MMO forums and have seen players at different stages of disillusionment seemingly frothing at the mouth about being sick of elves in fantasy MMOs, and accusing one MMO of stealing a name or even a similar-sounding name from an MMO they would defend as "more original." The fact is that most concepts and ideas have already been done, and it can just be hard to deal with. Who doesn't get a little disillusioned when he grows up and finds out his dad or mom really isn't the smartest or strongest person in the world? If I haven't disappointed you enough then follow along as I spoil even more of your favorite MMOs -- but hopefully I can also show you that disillusionment isn't the end.