The Future of Gaming | My Concerns

As a gamer, and game reviewer I've gotten to see the industry and industry offerings from all points of view. I've seen the good, and bad side of things. In this current generation alone I've witnessed what could best be described as a decline in gamer friendly business. Whether it be microtransactions, politics, pandering, poor online management, or the lack of a quality experience for the price there is an obvious trend towards not caring about the gamer. The industry big wigs, in their desperate search for continuous growth, have all but forgotten what made video games so great. They've forgotten who got them where they are. They've cut corners, ignored fans' pleas, and have done business in the worst sorts of ways. Their bottom line being the money to be made.

Xbox One: First Impressions

Some of you know by now that Santa Clause gifted me an Xbox One for Christmas last year. I had been a good boy (Not really xD), and was found fit enough to receive a second new-gen console for my many good deeds. Since I received the Xbox One I've honestly not felt compelled to play it at all though. It could be the limited game selection I've amassed for it, or the simple fact that the UI (User Interface) is as complicated to navigate as Microsoft's Windows 8. Either way I've not spent much time playing it, and haven't really felt the desire to ...

2015 Is Just Around The Corner ...

It has definitely been a disappointing year for gaming in many ways. The year 2014 has brought with it MANY gaming problems including half-assed products, money mooching to the extreme, and even the latest hacking fiasco. Some gaming studios along with gamers have felt the hurt of poorly made decisions all across the board. In fact some gaming studios are on the brink of self-destruction as we speak due to such poor choices. With the way things are going it's hard to tell if gaming will survive the hard hits it's been dealt, and continues to be dealt. I personally hope gaming companies, and certain gamers get their shit together in 2015. The trolling, modding, cheating, and hacking seriously needs to stop. The younger generation of gamers in particular needs to lay off the stupid sauce, and get educated on how to act in a social environment. While hopes, and dreams for a better year of gaming may seem foolish, and far fetched I'm gonna hang onto the hope that things will improve.

Staying Socially Relevant & Other Stuff ...

Socially relevant, I shall stay socially relevant. That's what I keep telling myself. Honestly, though my coverage of gaming is fading due to several different factors. For one thing I find that games worth reviewing, or talking about are becoming fewer, and further between. Most games are half-assed pieces of shite that never live up to the hype. Some are even blatant rip-offs meant solely for cheating gamers out of their hard earned money. In light of these blasphemous gaming developments my review requesting has waned, and rightfully so. I've found my passion for covering such games, and gaming topics dwindling. Gaming in general has become aggravating for me on so many levels. The online multiplayer experience that I once loved is being snuffed the f**k out by hackers, and is leaving a lot to be desired in it's wake. Even the offline only games are leaving a lot to be desired with their half-baked delivery. Seeing as new-gen consoles are mostly built for the online experience the consoles themselves are also posing a potentially threatening problem for the future of gaming. Where does a passionate journalist go from here? What does one do when they've reached a realization of what is truly happening to one of their most beloved hobbies? It's a question that I'm going to have to answer for myself before the new year comes into light as I may, or may not continue on this journalistic path due to the oppressing factors that weigh so heavily on me now. Heck I might even go retro before it's all over.

Game Developers, Half-Assed Releases & What To Do About the Issue

Okay. So, this is going to be a slight rant. It's directed solely at game developers, and content creators ...

We all know as gamers that everything from video games to patches/updates have been being botched, and released regardless of their unsatisfactory condition. This has got to stop. What it all boils down to is pure laziness, a lack of commitment to the product, and a lack of willingness to supply the funds needed to make things right. If you are going to make a game set in an online environment, or even an offline game it is imperative that you get things right from the start, and that you work out all the kinks before it hits shelves. There's no if's, and's, or butt's (I typed it that way on purpose) about it. If you are not willing to fund a team who can get such a job done then you do not need to be releasing the game, or patch in the first place. While I could point fingers, and call names all day I'm going to go a different route, and offer up a viable suggestion that will help get the development process back on the right track, and no it does not require more money to do ...

Microsoft to Ban Campers

Recently during my browsing of my favorite Youtube channels I happened across a disturbing commentary by "ReviewTechUSA". In it the commentator stated that Microsoft's decision to ban gamers who camp in "Call of Duty" games was an "Awesome" move. His reasoning behind this was simply that he despised being killed off by campers. I think we can all agree that being killed off by campers in-game sucks, but at the same time I personally do not agree with his brand of thinking. There's ways around the "Camper" phenomenon, but there's no way to combat the immense amount of hacking that is the true threat to online CoD. Microsoft, and Sony both do not want to deal with the nagging complaints from gamers such as myself who constantly remind them that hacking is a prominent threat in online gaming. Not only do these corporate bigwigs want to pass the buck off to some other issue such as 'Camping", and ignore hacking altogether, but they are also ill-equipped to handle the ever-growing issue that is hacking.

Let's Talk - "Game & Console Sales Statistics"

Ever since the next-gen consoles have come into play the gaming industry, and those who are supporting it's various offerings have been throwing out huge numbers like nobody's business. Microsoft sold so many millions of Xbone consoles, Sony sold so many millions of PS4 consoles, and now "Killzone: Shadow Fall" has sold 2,500,000 copies!!! Wow folks, just wow. I'm here tonight to tell you that while numbers mean a lot in this world of ours they don't always speak the truth. Sure Microsoft, and Sony did good for themselves in selling millions of units, and sure Guerrilla Games sold a lot of copies of the latest Killzone entry. It doesn't mean jack sh*t to us gamers though. You have to take a look at certain underlying factors to really see how these companies did with their sales, and how well they did in impressing their audience. Sony, and Microsoft for example want you to forget that some of their freshly shipped, and consumer bought consoles met an early demise due to hardware failures. They also want you to overlook the fact that both consoles, while new are currently lacking in the game department, and that gamers are often times ditching the "Next-Gen" experience for some retro gaming as a result. Not everyone is happy in next-gen wonderland as it may seem, and I can guarantee you a lot of gamers aren't satisfied with the latest offerings regardless of their purchases. The question in the end is how good are these products, really.

Weekend Wrap Up - 1/26/2014

As you probably noticed this article before you is an entirely new addition to my gaming blog. My friend @oOScottyBOo over at Twitter inspired me to make this weekly feature, and make it a mainstay here at "OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno". You might be asking yourself what the heck is a "Weekly Wrap Up"? The "Weekly Wrap Up" is basically going to be a weekly article that I'll post each Sunday containing an insight on my week's worth of gaming activities. The topics I cover can range from rants to talks about the various games that I've spent my time playing, and what I thought about them. I might also mention games that I've picked up during the week, and let you know if they are worth your time, and money. For sh*ts & giggles I might also throw in a funny gaming story, or something humorous that I encountered in that particular week. Seeing as this is the first entry in my "Weekly Wrap Up" series I'll be covering a lot of things about my gaming activities during this week in order to give the series a proper jump start. Keep in mind though that these articles will vary in length, and can be anywhere from a few paragraphs to more than 10. It all depends on how much time I choose to spend on it. I hope that you enjoy this series of sneak peeks into my personal gaming life, and that it gives you something to think, or talk about until next weekend's post. Enjoy!

The Inferno's "Top 10 of 2013"

2013 has been an eventful year to say the least. The world has witnessed many tragedies, many political catastrophes, and has even seen some worldly war threats. Amongst all the chaos though I, as many of you have found a safe retreat in the world of gaming. Game developers, and console makers alike have worked their asses off to bring to us these noteworthy experiences which were worth our time, and our hard earned money often time gambling their own hard earned money in the process. While there was the occasional flop gaming for the most part has been truly exceptional this year. Being the privileged journalist that I am I was lucky enough to experience a lot of these noteworthy offers that the developers brought to the table. As such I feel obligated this year to bring to your attention my "Top 10" list, so that you can seek out the games for yourself, or for your loved ones. I feel that narrowing the list down to 10 makes the list more special for the developers who sought out my critiques, and that it helps you to narrow down your choices when you go to the local game retailer for your holiday shopping. Along with the "Top 10" you will find that I have also included some honorable mentions as well. I feel it is only fair to do so, because I have played and reviewed many games this year. While the honorable mentions will be more of a list, and less than an explanation as to why I chose them they will serve as a reference in case you want to go back, and check out the reviews I have given. Without further adieu though let us get into this list, so that you can get those presents that need to be gotten!

POS - "Piece Of Silver, Less Than Gold"

This my friends is an open letter to the online gaming community, and the companies that make the online gaming experiences possible. I have personally reached the point to where I'm about to give up on fighting games entirely, and possibly even online gaming. This possible future decision of mine is due to the POS (Piece of Shit) gamers out there who think it's alright to ruin the online experience with their BS antics. The fact is that many people in the gaming community have begun to think that this hacking, lagswitching, and cheap play is an acceptable thing since it has become so commonplace. I see more an more gamers giving into the cheaper side of gaming as a result. It's like a bad f*cking pandemic that's spreading like wildfire. Well I'm here to tell you differently. IT IS NOT OKAY! Just because a million gamers across the globe choose to act like trolling jackasses doesn't make it an acceptable trend. I don't think it's alright, and you shouldn't either. In fact as consumers we should be bitching about this with our wallets, and with our words. Until something effective is done about the matter no one should spend one damn cent. Someone in the industry needs to step up to the plate, and do something about this growing problem. I, myself have given advice on numerous occasions as to what could be done, but sadly my expert advice is falling on deaf ears. I believe it would take a million of us saying the same thing to get the point across, and unfortunately that sort of percentage lies with the ones causing the issue.

Lets' Talk - "Youtube's Copyright Apocalypse"

This morning while doing my usual Youtube browsing I happened upon one of the most unnerving videos ever related to the gaming/entertainment industry. Boogie2988, the great Youtuber that he is decided to give us fair warning about Youtube's copyright policy change, and did so in a well spoken and professional manner. He was to the point with his argument, and everything he said was relevant. For that I'm truly thankful. I myself have been hit in the past by copyright claims, an would hate to have to pony up a serious amount of dough for legal purposes for my continued inactions. Being hit by a copyright notice earlier in the week was enough I to make me take the hint, and clean out my own Youtube channel this morning. I think deep down I knew this day was coming, especially seeing as the gaming industry as a whole has become one large greedy cesspool. There's no doubt in my mind that game developers, console makers, and entertainment providers alike are going to see this thing through to it's bitter end. All they are concerned about is getting rich, and they don't care how they go about it. You better believe that these creators of the gaming/entertainment industry could care less about the consumer, and more about themselves.

The Inferno is Looking For Some Review Material ...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Art of the Month Update & Special Review Opportunity

In this blog update I have two new things that I need to discuss. First of all the lovely, and very talented UK artist 'Danielle Tunstall' has agreed to be this blog's official artist of the month. This means that every month, from now until the end of the blog's life span readers will be privileged to see 6 new pieces of her art. They will be located in the usual spot for ease of access. Danielle sells her art often in the form of prints, and even amazing toys called "Dunnys". Anytime I see her share info about her products on Twitter I will retweet them, so that you can make the most of her often times discounted deals. From time to time I will even provide links to her Ebay items as well as other Danielle Tunstall art related links. She's an amazing artist, and it truly is an honor to be able to share her art with you on a monthly basis.

XboxOne: "Enhanced Reputation And Enforcement"

During my routine browsing of majornelson.com today I ran across an article about the XboxOne's "Enhanced Reputation and Enforcement". Basically this article tries to confuse the gamer by throwing in a few glamorized sentences, and some fancy words while practically stating that the reporting system will be handled exactly the same way it already is. This same old "judgement by peers" system will still take in account how you negatively, or positively affect other gamers, just as it always has. The only significant difference this time around (According to what I can interpret from Microsoft's play on words) is that instead of simply allowing other gamers to be the final judge on your behalf your own in-game actions will also be monitored, and you will judged accordingly.

When I read this I thought to myself "How the f*ck is that supposed to work!?". Perhaps with Microsoft's/XboxOne's all seeing eye, otherwise known as the next-gen Kinect? Anyways, the article on Major Nelson's site states that such things as grieving, and even the joining of certain higher ranked lobbies with the intention of disrupting them will result in reputation demotions. What the hell!? What if I wanted to join a veteran lobby without the intention of disrupting it? How's Microsoft going to know my intentions? It's this type of uneducated nonsense, and half-assed solutions that have me worried about the future of gaming altogether.

Xbox One: "Where I Stand"

Okay. Many of you will likely think after reading my latest Xbox One email breakdown that I'm sold on the offerings of the console, that I'm a "fanboy" of it. This couldn't be more wrong. In fact my opinions about the Xbox One are completely the opposite, and "Hell No!" I'm not just saying this to jump in with the bandwagon of haters out there. The fact is that my last Xbox One article was meant to spark an open-ended discussion about the offerings of the console, nothing more and nothing less. I DO NOT for one second think that "Always Online", or any of the game practices implemented by Microsoft for this Next-Gen console are good. One thing people forgot to mention is WTF happens if your power goes out, and you cannot access your internet!? Power outages are a commonplace occurrence here in the United States. The fact that Microsoft added such a feature is BULLSHIT! Why the fuck can't a gamer go back, and download an update, and be done with it!? It's an easy solution, that could easily be applied to the console. This along with the "Always On" Kinect is what makes me believe all the Microsoft spying comments floating around the interweb.

"Xbox One: How it Games"

I was doing my  routine email check this evening, and happened upon an interesting email titled "Xbox One: How it Games". Naturally this peaked my curiosity, and I had to click on it to see if Microsoft had finally let any significant details out of the bag. It turns out that the email, as brief as it was did bring to attention some details about the Xbox One that I did not know. Things concerning achievements, graphics, and matchmaking were explained in vague details. I'm going to use this article to discuss my thought on each of the topics explained in the email. You, of course can chime in, and comment on what I've said if you wish to do so. It will be an open discussion as long as there are no trolls that add there two cents worth in.

Next-Gen Console Discussion w/OtakuDante

Okay. So here I am sitting in front of my PC as mother nature takes a proper sh*t on my day. I figure why not type up my thoughts about the Xbox One, and the PS4 while I await my untimely demise. As most of you are aware I've been very opinionated these past several months with the way gaming in general has turned out. I've bought game after game for both the PS3 & Xbox 360 in hopes of finding something worth my time and money. Unfortunately with each game purchase I've found nothing but half-assed releases, and games that are almost immediately overrun by the worst sorts of gamers (hackers, lagswitchers ...). It is this growing trend of game development half-assery, and online tomfoolery that have me worried the most about the offerings of next-gen consoles. Are the console developers, and main gaming companies going to be able to produce noteworthy products/titles? Are they going to be able to offer a secure online experience with a proper reporting/banning system, or is it going to be a repeat of what we are experiencing now? These are the things that concern me. Sure the blocking of used games is a bummer, and always online seems a little fishy, but my worries lie mainly with the social aspects of gaming consoles.

The Fall of the Video Game Industry: "Things That Will Spell Certain Doom For Gaming"

Over the past few years I've witnessed a very concerning trend that has impacted the video game industry, and the potentially fun experiences that it offers. As most of you know by now hacking is all the rage these days. You see Hacktivists like Anon making headlines, and other global hackers advancing to the forefront with their thieving tomfoolery. On the sideline of this ever growing fad are the delinquent little sh*t heads who have nothing better to do than waste legitimate gamer's time with cheap gameplay, and unfair hacks. These fudge packers have ultimately become a prominent part of gaming culture, and use their hacking BS to heckle us honest gamers. As an avid gamer with years of experience under my belt I have come to loathe this situation with a burning passion. Often times I spend $60 for a new online game only to find elementary school, and middle school aged f*cktards bragging about their hacking victories in online lobbies. I report these fools religiously, and as I often as I do I still run into them online. Game developers, and console developers stand idly by letting these degenerate lowlifes dominate the world of online gaming. They could easily implement a proper reporting, and banning system, but instead are so money hungry that they could care less about fixing the problem.

"Francis Says Fix Xbox Live!!!"

Today a friend of mine (@icecreamdee) took the time out of his day to share with me one of the most hilarious, and very true videos relating to Microsoft's Xbox Live membership practices. Anyone who has ever owned an Xbox 360 knows that a yearly membership fee can add up to a lot in the long run. Not only do you pay retail price for a game, but you also have to pay to be able to play it online. Francis pointed this fact out as well as some other very true statements. I'd like you to look past his rage, and think for a moment about what Francis is saying. He tells it like it is as hilarious as it may be. I think Microsoft definitely needs to reconsider their whole Xbox Live membership policy. Times are tough, and money is tight for a lot of us. Eventually gamers won't be able to continue supporting their Xbox Live gaming hobby. Help spread Francis' word by sharing this article, and video.

We Made It!!! It's 2013!!!

Greetings to all my readers! I realize I'm a little late in delivering my new years greeting, but I figured it's the best way to let you know my plans for this year. As most of you know I mentioned back in December 2012 that I would possibly be doing PSN reviews as well as the usual Xbox 360 reviews since I got a new PS3 for Christmas. I still plan on following through with that, but at the current time there are no noteworthy PS3, or PSN games being released. In fact I'd go so far as to say the selection of new games for the PS3 pales in comparison to that of Microsoft's Xbox 360. Hopefully things will pick up soon though, because I want to try out delivering some of those PS3/PSN reviews.