The Matrix
Latest
Warner's 2008 Blu-ray release plan
Now that Warner (somehow related to Engadget) has dedicated its movies to Blu-ray, they're getting serious about delivering and it all starts with a plan. Of course as we know all too well, thing don't always go according to plan -- you know like HD DVD's that are supposed to be delayed by three weeks showing up on stores shelves. Anyways, the plan for '08 is to release a Blu-ray disc day and date with every new release, and every DVD special edition. At the same time Warner is planning on catching Blu-ray up to HD DVD with some of their most sought after titles including, Batman Begins (Q3), V for Vendetta and yes of course The Matrix trilogy-- no dates on these, just another promise of "this year."
Why Fantasy, and not Science Fiction, Part Eleventy-Billion
As my compadre Eli writes here, there is reasoning available that Fantasy MMOs have flourished due to there being a greater preponderance of Fantasy titles, in various media, upon which to draw inspiration to sustain an MMO. The lack of substantive Science Fiction titles of the time, therefore, leads to the correlating dearth of such MMOs. However, this argument only mentions in passing what I think is the more crucial element, which is this:Fantasy titles are about the Hero's Journey, or the Epic. Science Fiction titles are about exploration of ideas. One of these story types makes for better adaptation to immersive gameplay. Guess which?Now, I will back up a bit and acknowledge that as a blanket statement, what I said does not (and should not be considered to) cover every Fantasy or Science Fiction title everywhere. Clearly, Star Wars is the most well-known Epic SF story, but then again, Lucas based the plot almost entirely on Joseph Campbell's monomyth, which was itself formulated around the epic myths and stories of history. And perhaps one of the finest Fantasy titles ever written, John Crowley's Little, Big, uses Fantasy tropes to examine the idea of the complexity of human relationships, rather than one character's journey to overcome evil. But having made those concessions, let me make my case.
The Soloist: Why I do it
After this post, I had it in mind to think through why I prefer to solo, and whether the reasons why are valid ones, given that I'm playing in a genre meant to provide a social experience. I'm going to try to list as many reasons as I can think of in favor of grouping and playing with buddies, and provide a counter-argument if I can. Bear in mind, this is not me telling you that you should go solo; this is just me trying to 1) explain why I do it, and 2) understand for myself whether my reasons hold water.Enough said; excelsior!
Gamers of tomorrow: brains in vats [update 1]
From my favorite (private) discussion group comes this summary of Chalmers and Bostrom, written by a lawyer friend of mine: "Have you considered that if we assume computers can at some level of technology run an accurate simulation of the universe, then it's a virtual certainty that at some time somewhere in the universe, models will eventually be running? He continues, "Indeed, it's in fact likely that many models [of the universe] will eventually run, such that the odds that we're living in the "real" universe are exceedingly small. In other words, assuming that a computer network could eventually model the operation of ten million universes -- and there's probably no reason to assume that it couldn't -- consider how low the chances are that we're in the single real one." /em takes a deep hit, then croaks, "So you're saying that today's game designers are tomorrow's gods of universes? Whoa." But what form might this "living" take? At first, we'll consciously choose to spend some portion of our waking lives in these virtual worlds. That's happening now when gamers play World of Warcraft. Then we'll spend time in them out of habit, as we spend time today on the internet without really thinking about it. Eventually, we'll figure out how to engage our minds in these worlds even as we sleep. Once we've achieved that, some will choose never to wake, figuring it more fun to set their body to rest while their minds romp in well-designed simulations. Brains in vats. That's where gaming's headed. Brains in vats! [Update 1: Changed Bostron to Bostrom. The simulation updated his birth certificate instantly.]
Wild industry statements to prepare you for tomorrow
In just a few short hours, Ken Kutaragi will take center stage at a Sony press event (previously open only to third-party licensees) and drop some details about the PS3.As the only thing we're fairly sure of at this point is that the system will be delayed for a few months, we want everyone to be prepared for the massive spin and boisterous boasting that will surely ensue.That's why it's important that you gird yourself for the worst by reading IGN's Top 10 list of the wildest statements made by industry veterans, 'cuz once you read everything that Ken and company have had to say in the past, nothing will seem all that outrageous in the future. We think... "Starting from next year, you can jack into The Matrix!" Before the PS2. Not as metaphysical as living Peter Moore's lucid dream, but still... wow.See also: PlayStation 3 in Tokyo tomorrow, Sony confirms Breaking News: PS3 delayed until November!
