Mad Mack: How Not To Screw Up A Video Game – 4 Simple Steps
Fed-up with uninspired experiences, exploitative DLC and restrictive DRM, disgruntled gamer and professional business consultant Dave ‘Mack’ McConkey offers developers and publishers four crucial rules for avoiding disaster – and launching a genuinely great game. In my last article a few weeks ago, I discussed (in an uncharacteristic effort to at least pretend to be a legitimate journalist) some of the reasons why we will always suffer... Read More
Mad Mack: The Four Worst Kinds Of DLC
With downloadable content for major titles continuing to attract controversy, disgruntled gamer Dave ‘Mack’ McConkey takes a look at four types of DLC that he absolutely loathes – and explains why every one of them is nothing less than abhorrent. So. DLC. I know I have tackled this topic in the past, and some of you may be thinking: “Yes, we know you’re not a fan of the business tactics Dave, but what do you have to say... Read More
Opinion: Does It Matter That Dead Space 3 Is Aimed At A Wider Audience?
Controversy continues to surround high-profile sequel Dead Space 3, with fans taking aim at changes apparently designed to make it appealing to a larger consumer-base. Ahead of the game’s release next week, Mark Butler asks whether EA and Visceral Games should be saluted for trying to evolve the series, or condemned for selling it out. A few days ago, I posted an article which quoted Dead Space 3 producer John Calhoun as saying that the use... Read More
Opinion: Four Ways Gaming Grew Up In 2012
Detractors of gaming have often sought to brand it as childish and immature, and even its champions have often had to acknowledge its shortcomings as a relatively ‘young’ industry. However, last year saw some fantastic developments that will help gaming grow up for good. Jacques Voller takes a look at four of the most important. 2012 was an interesting year for gaming. The sexism in video games argument reached fever-pitch; games were... Read More
Mad Mack: Three Terrible Things About Gaming In 2012
There have been some truly great goings-on in video games this year – but there have also been plenty of loathsome trends and developments too. Armed with his usual blend of dark humour and very strong language, disgruntled gamer Dave ‘Mack’ McConkey takes furious aim at the things that have riled him the most. So here we are. The end of yet another year. And what a year it has been, full of wonder and innovation, with gaming seemingly going... Read More
Opinion: Eight Extraordinary Video Game Quotes Of 2012
There have been some amazing revelations, rebuttals and outbursts in gaming this year, with some of the industry’s key movers and shakers embroiled in controversies or simply frankly speaking their minds. FMV picks out eight of the most unforgettable utterances… “I don’t see that I’ll be alive much longer” It’s arguable that Peter Molyneux has become more renowned for his excessive use of hyperbole... Read More
BioWare Director: “I’ve Never Been At A Company With This Level Of Fan Engagement”
BioWare has been extremely keen to court fan opinion of late, with the developer asking Dragon Age enthusiasts what they would like to see in the upcoming third installment – and executive producer Casey Hudson taking to Twitter to ask fans for their thoughts on the next Mass Effect game. Many believe this has been directly prompted by the ferocious backlash over Mass Effect 3′s controversial ending. But a senior member of BioWare’s... Read More
Are These Really The Top Ten Games Of 2012?
If you look up the ten most critically-acclaimed games of this year according to Metacritic, you might be in for a bit of a shock. We’re not far from the end of 2012 now, and many gamers are already debating which title deserves to be crowned ‘Game Of The Year’. As conventional wisdom suggests that high review scores generally indicate the most accomplished releases, curiosity may naturally draw you to Metacritic. But you’ll... Read More
Opinion: Multiplayer Has Become An All-Powerful Abomination – And It’s Hurting Gaming
Are bolted-on deathmatch and widespread co-op dumbing-down great games? And are they increasingly used to justify online passes and even DRM? Single-player enthusiast Mark Butler reckons so – and argues that rampant multiplayer is a growing thorn in the side of the medium. Ok. Deep breath. I’m going to say it. I don’t like playing games with other people. When it comes down to it, there’s nothing I love better than an engaging,... Read More
Game News: Erik Kain: “Gamers Need To Engage With People They Disagree With”
Forbes writer Erik Kain has hit back at gamers who branded him a “joke” over his most recent article on BioWare and Mass Effect 3 – suggesting that many enthusiasts of the hobby refuse to debate sensibly with people who don’t share their opinion. Kain was one of the most vocal critics of BioWare on the issue of Mass Effect 3′s day-one DLC and notoriously vilified ending. But after recently arguing that the company should... Read More
