Next Generation – Can Games Make You Cry?

Sorry for the brief reblog, but I’m neck deep in some code right now. 🙂

I’ve talked before about how all forms of media are heading from commodity towards utility at various rates — music being the most obvious example, what with services now offering “all you can listen to for a flat monthly fee plus some extras for additional cost” business plans very much like a utility bill.

I didn’t quite expect, however, for games to get there this quickly. But as usual, Korea is a harbinger.

Read More “The Korea Times : Gamers Flip Through Online Games”

Looks like Ted has gotten his Synthetic Worlds Initiative off the ground.

The history of Monopoly is an interesting one. Its origins are mildly controversial, having begun as a folk game that was popular on the East Coast and even connected with the Quaker community. Then it became a bit of a political statement, its “dressing” and its theme becoming something of an ironic commentary on moneygrubbing landlords. Then it was allegedly plagiarized or co-opted by big business. Then it became a cause celebre in the hippie days, the subject of heavily ironic major lawsuits against monopolistic practices. Finally, it became a “skinnable” board game, where you can now get it flavored with everything from your local town’s streets to Scooby Doo.

Now, it’s a game with a credit card instead of cash.

Read More “Games reflecting their times”