Call of Duty | Corporate Capitualtion Circa 2020 ... Somewhat Redacted

I am a man of honesty. As brutal as that might seem at times. Sometimes I do get things wrong, and I will go back to correct what I've said. Before you jump to conclusions, and assume I'm redacting what I said about in-game politics and my stance thereof just know that that is not the case. That that is a personal gripe with the direction the company is taking the franchise. What I am taking back though is my thoughts on Black Ops Cold War's visuals. They don't look as dated as I recalled, and the character models aren't complete sh*t if you don't account for the horrible rubber banding rag doll death animations. 

Call of Duty | Corporate Capitualtion Circa 2020

Over the years I've taken a liking to the Call of Duty franchise. I've enjoyed the arcade military shooter, and it's interesting assortment of mechanics and modes. That, and the story plot twists. It's brought worthwhile entertainment to me even though some of that entertainment was at the expense of helpless run & gunners who fell victim to my many camping traps. Not saying some didn't deserve it, because some of those cheating f**kers definitely did. That aside the routine release has been what I've come to expect from the series. The decline of online quality and all. That is until this travesty of a year reared it's ugly head. 

Like all entertainment producing studios Activision, and their elite team of developers have bent the knee on numerous occasions to political ideology through in-game design and offerings. Sometimes in the guise of supporting the right side of history, and other times not so much. There have been some additions to the gameplay elements that have definitely caught my attention. The inclusion of BLM supporting ads at the loading screen, and the latest DLC Revolutionary bundle in Modern Warfare which featured a double hammer emblem that was very similar to Russia's hammer and sickle. Needless to say this and the inclusion of certain burka wearing middle eastern characters has raised plenty of red flags. It tells me that Activision is supportive of communism, marxism, and islam. That they aren't for the American way of life. The freedoms, and human rights that so many wish they had.  

"The Gamer's Brain": How Neuroscience, and UX Can Impact Video Game Design by Celia Hodent

As a gamer we are mostly aware now of the mental gymnastics taking place within the corporate side of the gaming industry due to informative journalistic leaks regarding questionable moneymaking efforts. We are aware of the mental manipulation that takes place, and the UX (user experience) tactics that experts utilize to create lucrative business endeavors. As we are aware so too are the game developers, and publishers. Developers, and publisher who hire UX experts like Celia Hodent (Epic Games/Fortnite, Ubisoft ...) to be a panel adviser. While this particular book, "The Gamer's Brain", isn't directed at us as gamers in that regard I feel it can still serve a dual purpose for both gamers, and game creators alike if they care to learn a little more about the industry they partake of. The book is very telling in it's detailed breakdown of how the gamer brain works on a neurological/psychological level, and how to best work that knowledge into game design for profit sake, and business sustainability. Using college level explanations, and various graphic references to backup information such as data pertaining to neuroscience, and UX understanding Celia Hodent unveils the inner workings of the user experience through her own personal industry experience. Broken up into two parts that each span seven chapters Celia eases the reader into things like perception, attention, cognitive bias, and eventually methodology as well as application in the processes of the creation of successful video games. It's more or less a comprehensive guide for a better business perspective.

Ninja, Twitch, and Manufactured Idols

I'm going to do it. I'm going to go there. I'm going to tell you some harsh truths that will undermine eSports, eSports legends, and the industry that promotes said things. First, and foremost Ninja is a manufactured idol. His popularity was created, or rather manufactured by the eSports business PR to sell product. That product was, and is still Fortnite. He was a tool just like all the other tools in business. Bought out, and sold out to the idea of hype peddling. Tell me, if you can, what makes Ninja any better than other streamers? Is it his cool blue hair? His personality? His skills? Nope, nope, and HELL NO! What it is, is his connections. Like so many spotlighted gaming heroes Ninja makes bank on association. His fandom flocks to him like idol worshipers to be associated themselves. It's the cool crowd syndrome. Kind of like in school where following the cool kid around earned you cool points in a sort of social hierarchy. For Ninja his coolness is earned in a similar way. By being associated with big name industry bigwigs, and sponsors his cool factor is elevated. Only for that reason.

Grabbed by the EULA ~ The Coming EULA Apocalypse

Have you ever stopped to think about how many terms of service, and privacy policies you have agreed to on binding legal terms? From simply using a Windows computer to browsing the internet, and even doing blogging like I am now we have all signed our rights away to companies who could, if they deem it necessary, sue us in a court of law. Ultimately sending us off to prison, or fining us to the point of bankruptcy. Between the lines there are so many words, and loopholes that allow for even the smallest companies to secure their business, and even in some cases abuse their ability to conduct business with you. The usual line where it says the company reserves the right to change the agreement you agreed to at any point during your use of their service, or product leaves you open to all sorts of potential legal problems. Stuff, that once you sign on for, will cost you the right to contest said agreement, and anything that is legally binding within it, indefinitely.

The Parable Of The Farmer And The Rabbits And How It Pertains To The Gaming Industry

These days the gaming industry providers, and creators are so wholly focused on the money making aspect of what they do that they are losing creativity, originality, and quality in their greedy pursuit. It is this reason that I shared on Twitter a short parable with a moral breakdown regarding what such a focus can, and will do to big business. I urge you to share the parable, and for industry persons to take heed of it. It's a valuable lesson even though it's mildly applied. Enjoy the read!

What if games are being created to grief & cheat you?

Did you ever feel like the odds in competitive games were unfairly stacked against you? That certain things seemed so blatantly, and obviously placed in the AI's or other players' favor that it was more than just a coincidence? Well, you are not alone. It has been speculated by many gamers that certain games are being manipulated for one reason or the other. In Destiny, for example an overwhelming community majority thinks Bungie has purposefully ignored complaints about unfair adjustments, and that through their disregard for the gamer have made things purposefully unfair. Some claim the matchmaking is intentionally geared to pair top tier players against players doing questionable things online. Often times it's the gamers who are calling out Bungie on these things in their forums that see the greatest negative impact to their k/d. Not only that, but Bungie moderators also remove posts that make them out to be guilty, and sometimes ban complainers from the forums entirely.