Blake Snow

Blake Snow is founder, managing partner, and director of business development for Griffio Consulting (www.griffio.com). He has over 5 years experience as a web consultant and has worked in the IT industry for over 9 years. Blake has also worked as a freelance developer, IT Manager, and marketing consultant to a variety of clients. He holds a bachelors degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University.

Articles by Blake Snow

10 games that are really hard to beat
What are the hardest games to beat? IGN takes a stab at the question with a listicle of 10 doozies. Devil May Cry 3, Battletoads, MDK2 (awesome game), F-Zero GX, and Mega Man (take your pick) all grace the list. But the crown goes to non other than good 'ole Contra sans the Konami code, of course. If these were the only games to feature Achievement Points, you'd be broke.
Analyst: DS could end up being the greatest of all-time
Look out, PS2. One analyst says the DS may give you a run for your 115 million units-sold money. "The DS has the potential to be the best-selling interactive entertainment platform ever," predicted DFC analyst David Cole in a recent report on the expected growth of handheld gaming. But the lil' DS has a long way to go; it has only sold 40 million units to date. Cole also suggested that handhelds could ultimately outsell consoles by 2011 lead by the dual-screener. But will it happen?
Why some gamers act like punks during online play
According to one report, griefer complaints make up 25% of all game-related customer service calls. Said punks sabotage teammates, talk like dirty sailors, hail Hitler, and are in your screen, ruining your game. So what encourages such anti-social behavior? GamePro's aptly named Vicious Sid talks with a psychiatrist to get some answers.The gist of griefer existence boils down to rogue leaders looking for attention. They are either a "defiant leader" not knowing where to align their objectives, or a black sheep (also called a "scapegoat leader") looking to disrupt a game's cadence or simply annoy. So what should you do next time you encounter one? Be nice or at least patient. That'll usually diffuse their desire contrary to reacting negatively. Read on for the full analysis.
Bill Gates can't play soccer games (or he's a good faker)
During a promotional event celebrating Microsoft's twentieth anniversary in Mexico, Bill Gates lost to professional Mexican soccer player Rafael Marquez 2-1 in a virtual game of soccer on the 360 (FIFA?). The game was played in front of a crowd of Microsoft employees on three jumbo trons. We bet it was thrilling. And in proper fashion, the two exchanged signed product after the match; Gates giving Marquez a 360 with wired controllers, and Marquez giving Gates a Barcelona camiseta. Yet another example of rich/famous people getting more free stuff.
Capcom confirms Resident Evil Wii in 2007; unannounced games coming soon
One of the greatest and bestest third-party devs revealed some good news for Wii owners yesterday in speaking with Game|Life's Chris Kohler. First up, Capcom confirmed the release of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles this year. The game was first announced at last year's E3 alongside the most ridiculously short, 3-second muddy video. But that's three seconds more than nothing.In addition to confirming RE, the company said there is "at least one" unannounced Capcom game coming to Wii in 2007. Gamers can expect the unveiling within the next few weeks. Don't you just love teasers?
Analyst expects PS3 price cut of $100 this October
In a note to investors today, Goldman Sachs analyst Yuji Fujimori predicted that Sony will drop the price of the PS3 by $100 dollars this October. So how will the price cut be justified? Volume! Kidding, Fujimori cites the reduction of good ole fashion parts; the fewer there are, the cheaper it is to manufacture.For example, PSX was originally manufactured with 700 components, later reduced to 200. The PS2: 2,000 parts reduced to 600. A smaller cell processor should help reduce costs as well. So for those still sitting on the fence, would a $100 PS3 price drop sway you into buying; or would it take more than that?
How to tell if you're obsessed with video games
Just because mainstream press won't entertain the alternative ("Maybe games don't 'cause all the world's problems..."), doesn't mean we can't. No, we're not suggesting that games kill, but you're foolish if you don't recognize the addictive power of gaming goodness.Enter a 1UP feature examining the give-aways that you might be, um, playing games a little too much. The piece also offers advice on how to tame the beast if you have a problem. So, you might be obsessed with video games if... You forgo paying the electric bill in favor of buying a new game or wait four days in line for a shiny new box (questionable priorities) You read a newly purchased game manual while driving home from the store (lapses in judgment) You throw a controller at the TV. In the olden days, you would have also hit reset right before your buddy was about to beat you in Tecmo Bowl. (anger issues) Click over for the full list of signs. Gamers anonymous starts now... in the comments.
Study: Racing games may spur risky driving
According to a new study by German researchers (who also make damn fine automobiles), people who play racing games with realistic driving environments are more likely to get into an actual wreck than those who don't play video games. The study questioned 198 men on women on their willingness to take driving risks. The ones that played driving games ended up taking greater risks and were more prone to reckless driving according to the study. Believe it or not.[Thanks to all who sent this in]
New games this week
Happy Monday, gamers. Got a healthy list of new releases for you this week. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hits just about every platform under the sun, Elder Scrolls Oblivion makes its way to the PS3, and hardcore gamers will be pleased to know that Cooking Mama has finally arrived on Wii. Finally. Check out the full list of games out this week:Xbox 360TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesUEFA Championships League 2006-2007Tetris EvolutionArmored Core 4Earth Defense Force 2017Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Shivering Isles Expansion PackVirtual Tennis 3PS3Armored Core 4Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionThe Godfather: The Don's EditionVirtual Tennis 3WiiBlazing Angels Squadrons of WWIICooking Mama: Cook OffKororinpa: Marble ManiaThe Godfather: Blackhand EditionTMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesWing Island
How do you decide what games to buy?
Amazon's Game Room has an interesting post exploring all the different factors that go into making a game purchase, outside of game play that is. Items for consideration include genre format, review scores, price, replay value, ESRB rating (for those with offspring), and loyalty (aka nostalgia or the fondness factor) to name a few. Click over to see the full description of all 12, and for the sake of discussion, which non-game play determinants influence your purchasing power? Be honest.
Celebrate the PSP's second b-day with its 10 best games
In commemoration of the PSP's second birthday here in the states on Mar 24, GamePro profiles 10 games they say you should either own or add to your library. LocoRoco and Lumines are at the top of the list including some honorable mentions. When the portable isn't flogging or trying to differentiate itself as a unique platform, it's busy selling shipping a solid 25 million systems, more than any other non-Nintendo handheld to date.
Digg consensus says WoW won't help you score a lover
We're not sure if 1,816 comment Diggs rank as the most ever as this Diggster claims, but it sure is a lot. So just what do these 1,816 commenters share in common? They believe playing World of Warcraft won't help you score a significant other, contrary to what the opening thread alleged (click for full image). "Buried as inaccurate," is their mantra, sung in one accord.
Nintendo makes annoying "fun" again; sticking to game specific Wii friend codes?
Like the DS before it, it appears Wii will only support title-specific friend codes for online play according to GameSpy PR folk in an interview with Falafelkid from Wii: Definitive Speculation. When asked via email if Wii friend rosters were console specific (read: logical, usable, accessible, you know, fully operational), a representative from Nintendo's online partner replied by saying, "for the Wii friend lists are game specific."Were not just talking certain games that also connect to DS here (i.e. Pokemon Battle Revolution), we're talking all games. Our team on the inside has yet to penetrate the GameSpy vault to confirm or deny the rumor, but what a rancid, partially substantiated rumor this is. Keep hope alive?[Thanks to all who sent this in]
Nintendo.com grows 91% as Playstation.com shrinks 8%
Wii's recent popularity (likely amplified by the online folk) helped increase Nintendo.com's unique visitors by 91% over last year, this in stark contrast to Playstation.com's 8% decrease of total unique visitors according to a Nielsen/NetRatings report released today. Xbox.com saw a 47% traffic increase over last year. Site Feb '06Feb '07 YOY Growth Nintendo.com 856 1,631 91% Xbox.com 827 1,218 47% PlayStation.com 1,105 1,016 -8% That's a good metric showing how both Nintendo's and Microsoft's online audiences have grown as PlayStation enthusiasm (at least to its proper website) has dwindled. Web junkies click onward for the full skinny on all that traffic jazz. [Image: zerosign.net]
Zelda to make online debut on DS
Zelda co-creator Eiji Aonuma (pictured) confirmed in an interview with Game Informer on Friday that Phantom Hourglass will feature an online multi-player mode. Without disclosing any deets, Aonuma simply replied "Yes" when asked if the game would support "online battles over the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection." Strangely, GI failed to press the issue for more information. Note to self: If/when Nintendo ever confirms online multiplayer for Wii in an interview with Joystiq, just say "okay" and move on to the next question.[via TG Daily]
Black Xbox 360 Premium rumor for $299 will not die
According to German gaming site Xbox-Archiv, the much rumored black Xbox 360 Premium is in fact coming, despite constant efforts to diffuse its existence and dash gamer hopes. The site claims a little bird told them the new system is coming this May, at a lower $299 price replacing the useless Core model in the process. Also included are a 120 GB hard drive and HDMI outputs. Spring is the time for price drops, and our golden gut tells us Microsoft will more than likely run with something come this May...UPDATE: A little clarification - the rumor suggests the current premium will take the place of the Core and its $299 price with the souped up Premium Pro costing $400 or more.[Thanks to all who sent this in; 360 Fanboy]
Ten things to make the PS3 worth buying
After coming off probably the first positive week of PS3 news for the better part of a year (has it been that bad?), GameSpot stays optimistic recommending 10 things they believe Sony must do to reach the PS3 tipping point; that pesky phenomenon when something unique becomes common place.All the predictable arm chair strategy is here: secure more exclusives, fix online fundamentals before going "Home," drop the freakin' price, and fix web browsing, because... after all, isn't that why people should buy the PS3? An unbelievable web browsing experience?
New games this week
Well here there are; new games shipping for the week of March 12, 2007. The PS2 sees perhaps its last AAA bastion, God of War 2. And what a last bastion it's looking to be. Other highlights include Tiger Woods '07 for Wii, College Hoops 2K7 for PS3 just in time for March Madness, a couple of Call of Duty remixes for 360 and PSP, Top Spin 2 on PC, and Mind Quiz DS for you touch generation peeps. Have at 'em.PS2God of War 2WiiTiger Woods PGA Tour 07360Call of Duty 3 Gold EditionPS3College Hoops 2K7
Poll results: Wii, PS3, 360 playing habits
Last week we asked how much time 'Stiq Nation spends playing Wii, PS3, and 360. After more than 55,000 votes, the results are in. We'll point out some obvious trends and let you peeps cover additional angles in the comments below.First up, the Wii. More than 70% of voters own the console and it appears you either like the Wii as a primary gaming system, or you don't. Also, those who voted "as much as other systems" did more so on Wii than either the PS3 or 360. Surely that doesn't mean fewer unbridled fanboys, especially for a Nintendo console...
Can next-gen graphics hinder storylines?
In speaking with GamePro, designer Warren Spector (Deus Ex) explains how high graphic expectations can possibly hinder game story lines. "Hardware is not the solution to our story problems [in game development]," said Spector. "In fact, it may be that next-gen hardware is going to make it harder for us to work on story development and character interaction."Spector believes that next-gen graphics require more attention, thus more time. That's time less spent on stories he says. "People expect a certain level of graphical quality, and reaching that takes time away from story elements." Right. But a focus on anything outside of stories will ultimately hurt plot development.So even though most would agree that games on the whole have lousy stories, the question then becomes how important are stories to games? Light on story, heavy on gameplay? Vice versa? How about both? Mmmm. That sounds nice (when applicable, of course).

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