Saturday, March 28, 2009

What Contributes To A Popular Video Game?

Video games are a phenomenon that reflects our computer based society. They are played by young and old alike and are now offered by nearly every browser, many websites and many cell phones. No longer does one have to buy specialized equipment for games, such as a Nintendo player or Game boy. Nearly every video game is offered downloadable, and usually free, on the Internet. Video games had their inception decades ago when parents bought their children video games to keep them quit and because the kids needed for them since all of their friends already had them. Perhaps this didn't quite work out since the games themselves are noisy and the kids' reactions can be ear splitting. Also, games were designed and replaced each other in rapid succession, so no amount of cash invested in an inventory of video games was sufficient to keep abreast of the movement. Parents also purchased video games with a naïve hope that the kids would stick to the game boy and leave the family computer alone. Of course, no self respecting child video game player is immune to the fact that family computer was a bigger better vehicle for playing video games. The graphics are awesome on a Mac and the sound levels can be truly awe inspiring as well. So not only did this parental ploy result in junior taking over the family computer but demanding his own. Finally parents invited the devilish video games into their kids' lives in an attempt to familiarize their kids with computer use, make them comfortable with this new technology and integrate this tool into their lives. Finally parents almost got it right and kids and computers bonded immediately and formed a bond that has resulted in Nerds becoming as large a population segment as any ethnicity. But Nerdism is not restricted to any ethnicity, sex, or occupation.Video games have grown in accessibility and popularity so that they and the playing of them represent a true subculture in our modern day world. Not only children and teenagers but also an ever-increasing number of adults partake in playing video games. Video games have become a respectable hobby for collecting as well as for playing. No longer does the hip young executive collect sports cars, James Bond memorabilia or Single Malt Scotch bottles, he showcases his collection of video games and impresses his dates with it. There are, of course, video game clubs where members can meet face to face to discuss the pros and cons or their favorite games and winning techniques. But more popular that these are the online chat rooms devoted to video games. Here the members can interact with their favorite item, a computer, but share opinions with other humans anyway. There are several magazines and dozens of websites aimed at the consumer of video games that spotlight new games, complete with reviews and commentaries. Focus groups chart the use of video games and try to spot trends for the development of new video games. Game developers often recruit children to test their products and point out defects or areas that need improvement. Video games have become a billion dollar industry, a subculture and a virtual way of life for many.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

How About Some Video Games With Your Sex?

There used to be a time when sex was just a gimmick that was added to video games to spice them up a little. Game characters could engage in not so graphic sex acts as a way to advance the game, bring down an opponent or merely as a diversion. After all, when most people think of video games they think of kids as the primary players. But when game designers soon realized that adult players are more than half their business they started to listen to feedback about what they wanted in their video games, and of course they wanted more sex in their Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PSP and Nintendo Wii games. The game makers then began to give the game players what they wanted and that was more sex. Now there are entire games and websites designed around the concept of people having virtual sex.When the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was recently given an Adults only 18+ rating a controversy was immediately created over sex in video games. The game was pulled from the shelves of retailers who do not sell sexually explicit content in their stores. Take Two Interactive Software Inc., the company that makes the game lost millions of dollars and a stern message was sent out to those who would try to market sexually explicit games to minors.Gamers were outraged as conservative groups went even further and lobbied for new laws regarding explicit sex and violence in video games. The long arm of government regulation had finally put its heavy hand on the shoulder of the video game industry and they did not like it at all. One of the responses by video game designers to the recent laws regarding sex in video games was to take their sexually explicit games to the Internet where they would be free from any kind of restrictions or regulations. On the worldwide web the potential customer base is huge and there is no viable way to regulate the content. It is much like the Wild West out there in cyberspace, and there will not be a Sheriff showing up any time soon. Sony Corp., Microsoft Corp. and Nintendo Co. Ltd , the companies that make the hardware for Playstation 3, PSP, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii games will not grant licensing to any software development companies who use sexually explicit material in their game content or titles. Critics have blasted them for allowing extremely violent content in their games for years while prohibiting graphic sex. You may not be able to have virtual sex using Playstation 3, PSP, Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii hardware, but there are plenty of companies that are willing to create sexually explicit video games that you can play on your PC while connected to the Internet.A company called Utherverse Inc. created an internet game called Red Light Center that bases the entire game around having sex. This game can support thousands of users that can have virtual sex with each other in a virtual universe that is free of criticism and censorship. Porn star Jenna Jameson has an online game titled Virtually Jenna that allows online users to have virtual sex with this world famous porn star. Naughty America is a company that is breaking into the world of sexually explicit online video games. Already a major player in the world of online porn, they will soon also be grabbing a piece of the rapidly growing online video game industry. As far as they are concerned it is a match made in heaven. The video gaming industry in general grossed about 13 billion dollars last year and it is growing bigger every day. Two multi-billion dollar industries merging can only mean greater success for each party involved.While sexual content has always been regulated on television and in films, with the Internet there is absolutely no oversight. The real question is how well can the video game designers regulate themselves so as not to fall too far down into the seedy world of online pornography. The bottom of the moral barrel is pretty low in that industry and it would be a shame to see the online video game industry turn away from creative characters, graphics and storyline in favor of sexual gratification as its primary purpose.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

The Art Of Video Game Design

Beginning in 1979, video games slowly started to invade homes and occupy young children and adults alike. The first video game was created in Japan and it has evolved greatly over the years. Video games have not only become a hobby for young children, but they have become an obsession for young adults. Individuals are constantly in competition with one another to have the latest and greatest video game. They also race one another to conquer all the levels of the most challenging games. With individuals constantly looking for new challenges, the area of video game design has increased in popularity.Children are becoming fascinated with video games at a younger age. To prevent them from becoming zombies in front of the television, video game design companies are incorporation education, as well as physical activity to most of their video games. Games such as V-tech and Leap Frog use colors, numbers and words to educate young children on how to read and count. One recent game that has revolutionized the video game industry is Nintendo's Wii. This game console uses video games to incorporate physical activity. Game users are required to use their physical skills to complete tasks such as fishing, bowling and tennis. While these games aim to educate and increase physical activity among youth, there are still traditional games on the market that simply aim to entertain.What once started as a recreational activity, video gaming has now become a sport to some people. There are actually tournaments around the world where individuals compete against one another in the latest video games. Individuals also create teams to compete against individuals from all different countries. While most people think individuals play these games for fun, it is actually a very competitive sport. Individuals train for months, even years to master the skills need to conquer a game. They study each video game design and try to learn all the tricks and special features of each game. Individuals are not competing for bragging rights. Some tournaments offer prizes in excess of $500,000, proving that these games are not to be taken lightly.With the increased popularity of video game tournaments and leisure activities, the career field of video game design is in high demand of qualified candidates. Colleges all over the country offer programs to teach students about video games and how to design them. Courses include work in graphic design, script writing and drawing. Classes are also offered in a variety of different specialties aimed to make individuals marketable in a variety of different fields. Students learn essential computer skills such as Photoshop, animation and cinematography. However, these computer skills are also important skills in different career fields, therefore opening numerous opportunities to graduates in this specific programUpon completion of a video game design program, students can work for numerous different companies. Design companies are constantly looking for fresh thinkers and creative individuals to take their video games to new levels. Students in design programs learn how to conceptualize, design and plan animations and video games. They also learn how to produce and evolve character models and design levels in video games. Along with these important video game skills, students also learn marketing, business and entertainment law to make them a well-rounded candidate.With a video game design degree, students can not only use their imaginations to create games, but they can also manage the production of games or be a critic with the skills they learn through this particular program. What was once thought of as simply entertainment has become an increasing popular industry.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

JUST VIDEO GAME

You have played video games since you were a kid and now you want to start collecting some of those games you remember so fondly. How do you start collecting video games? Where do you look to find the best deals? And how do you know how much your collection is worth? This article will answer these questions for you and you will be ready to start your very own video game collection.It doesn't take very much at all to start collecting video games, you probably already have some games around your house. Those are the first additions to your collection. Congratulations. I'm sure you will want to expand it to other games too so you have to decide what you want to collect. Many gamers decide they want to start with their favorite video game system when they were younger, maybe the NES or Super Nintendo or even Atari 2600. Others focus on the more obscure consoles with lots of rare games like the Sega Saturn or Atari Jaguar. It doesn't even have to be one console. Maybe you want to collect role playing video games or some other genre. There are tens of thousands of video games to choose from though, so it is important to have some direction when you first start off. Now you have chosen what types of video games you want to collect. So you will need to know where to find them. One of the best places to get specific video games is eBay. They have a very wide selection of video games available so if you know specific games you are looking for it is a great place to start. Many people don't like the bidding process though so you can also use Amazon or Half to buy online.Physical locations might be the best shopping for your video game collection though. Garage sales, pawn shops. swap meets, flea markets, rental stores, and clearance racks all have some video games available. The prices will usually be much better than online because the sellers don't realize they have a diamond in the rough. Look through the selections to see if they have anything available that you want. You will have to be patient to get results sometimes, but that one rare game for $3 at a garage sale makes it all worth while.How do you know you have found a good deal though and how do you know how much your video games are worth? One of the easiest ways is to use an online video game price site like VideoGamePriceCharts.com or even Amazon can be used to find the price other people are selling the game for. You can look up the game you want online and if the store is selling it for less than the online listing, you probably found a good deal. After you have started a video game collection these sites are helpful in knowing how much everything is worth too.You should have a pretty good idea how to start your video game collection, where to find the games, and how to price your video games too. Now go out and start your collecting. Good luck!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Video Game Addictions

What makes these games so addictive? Many people believe that a parent can prevent youngsters from becoming addicted to too much TV or too many video games by establishing a pattern of selective viewing or by using video game material early in a child's life so that by the time a youngster gets to be an adolescent and there's very little surveillance or control, it's less likely to occur. Just think of computer games as one more component in a child's exploration of what's out there in society. Game publications and Web sites still mostly employ low-paid hobbyists who are easy targets of lavish marketing events that encourage inappropriate ties between game makers and game critics. Matthew Kelvin explains that "they are very compelling with increasing complexity, so a child becomes more facile, yet wants to know more and apply new skills.
But despite these signs, the print and online publications that cover video games often employ fans who unwittingly make poor ethical choices. Media literacy specialist, Dr.Professor Gabriel of Computer Science, feels video games, if not too violent, can "offer some real opportunities for puzzle solving, strategic and critical thinking". Starting with the simple Pong game three decades ago and evolving into lavishly drawn interactive epics, the scale of games and the size of their audience has grown exponentially, with sales in the billions of dollars and major multinational corporations clamoring for a piece of the action. Also aim for a balance in your child's life.The first print magazine covering video games electronic games was co-founded by Bill Kunkel in 19 Kunkel describes those early days we loved the games, we wanted to see more of them, we wanted to keep writing about them,but not want any addictions.
The video gaming industry has come a long way. As for addiction? But adds that it's important that video and computer games are played in moderation. Choose some that involve problem solving or good story lines. Dr. Klavee says parents should "provide a selection of activities, not just the ones that have the most action or are addictive. Then the parent has to intervene and limit the amount of time the youngster spends with the video game.While wanting to improve their game isn't a problem in itself, it becomes one if video games are "taking a youngster away too much from other activities," says Ungerleider. Not much has changed in the past 20 years. Finally, Ungerleider remind parents that "if a youngster becomes addicted to video games it can be a problem and the parent does need to intervene and provide attractive alternatives.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Video Games: the Perfect Industry?

In the world of animation, online gaming and virtual entertainment, the creation and popularity of video games stands out as one of the most exciting modern industries.There are so many endless virtual possibilities available within the modern day gadgetry. Due to the advancement of modern technology, countless gadgets and services are now created to cater to the requirements of this new need.A video game, which is also known as a computer game, is actually a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual world or universe. Because a video display is used as the primary feedback device, video games enable players to interact with each other to achieve a multitude of goals or a set of goals.More and more people, especially the younger generation, are getting hooked into this online video game craze. With the growing demand for more interactive, bold, challenging and entertaining video games and programs, a growing demand for excellence and innovative video games has emerged. More and more people, especially the younger generation, are getting hooked into this online video game craze.For those who became addicted to playing video games, it stands to reason that they will probably develop an ambition to work within the video gaming industry. But, what does it take to enter the world of the video gaming workplace?No matter whether you would want to work under a Playstation, XBox, or Nintendo platform, there are some basic things you need know. These include:So, what is the video game industry, and how far does it stretch? Just because you may be a huge fan of video games, that is not enough reason for you to want to look more closely at a career in video gaming. You need to keep yourself abreast of the latest news and be continually updated within the industry.The video gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been able to outsmart and outgrow many other industries in a very short period of time. This means that entering the video game industry, as a video game worker, could be an extremely lucrative career because of the number of opportunities it opens.Because it is such a huge industry, it is also a very competitive environment, so it is a must that you familiarize yourself with the latest trends and keep yourself at the very forefront of updates. Employers will expect you to produce more innovation and brilliance, of an ongoing nature, that would appeal to younger generations. This industry can be complicated and you must be prepared to meet the challenging demands of the times.It will become quite necessary for you to have a high stress tolerance level. Deadlines can be frustrating, but form an integral part of this industry. So if you are faint-hearted and easily stressed out, you would need a very high degree of passion in order to accept this as commonplace within the video gaming industry.All in all, the video gaming industry can prove very rewarding both financially and personally, if you are willing to put in the effort and tenacity the video gaming industry requires.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Motorcycle Crashes and Playing Video Games

What does crashing motorcycles and playing video games have in common, you ask? Well, I contend that if you are a poor video game player you are more likely to crash your motorcycle.
Those of us that are experienced motorcycle, car or truck drivers have conditioned our bodies to take the vehicle to where we are looking. As we drive we look to a point on the horizon where we want our vehicle to go.
When we were first starting to drive we were constantly making concise corrections to make the vehicle go where we wanted it to go. As our experience grew our bodies started to automatically make the corrections needed with less and less concise effort on our part.
We have all driven somewhere and when we got there had no recollection of how we got there or can't remember the curves and corners we made. The course corrections were all done sub-concisely, we didn't even think about how we were steering.
Now let's move on to the video games. Remember when the first video games came out with the bombs dropping at you toward the bottom of the screen? You can also probably remember how your kids would beat you every time!
Your kids just seemed to be able to move out of the bombs way at the last second, every time. While when things got tense you would watch more and more bombs coming at you and you would move into their path at the last second! You just could not seem to help yourself. Your kids moved away from the bombs and you moved into them!
Does this sound familiar? Your kids had not driven yet and had not trained their bodies to go to where they were looking. You were staring at the bombs and your body sub-concisely told your body to move the joy stick so that you moved to where you were looking. You were staring at the bomb so you moved to where the bomb was - game over!
No matter how hard you tried when the game got stressful you would self destruct. Right?!?
Now you are on your motorcycle or in your car and something unexpected suddenly appears. It could be a pothole, a stray animal, or another vehicle. What do you do? In most cases people stare right at the unexpected object, make sub-concise corrections, and hit the object!
Don't believe me? Think back to the last time you saw skid marks on the highway leading to a crash. I would be willing to bet that the skid marks showed the vehicle skidding straight for a while and then turning and skidding right into the vehicle it hit. Or how many times have you seen someone steer right into a pothole? Same thing, they were looking at the pothole and their body took the vehicle to where they were looking.
Those who don't have the ability or knowledge to look where they want to go and can't stop staring at what they don't want to hit, will be better video game players and will have a lower chance of crashing their motorcycle.
You need to look to where you want to go, not at what you want to avoid!
Motorcycle Leathers will help reduce your injuries; they are for your protection, so that you may survive an accident. There is no protection if you do not wear them.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Video Game Jobs - A Bright Outlook

It is no secret that the US and the world are suffering one of the worst, or, perhaps, the worst recession of our lifetime. The credit crunch is the main cause that toppled the banks and led to millions of home foreclosure. Those who are just graduating from high school or college may have a confusing time finding a career path.
The Video Game Industry is Hot!
But despite the financial doomsday we are experiencing, one notable sector of the consumer market continues to expand -- the video games. While almost everything is down, the video game industry is booming.
If you're someone interested in video game jobs, continue reading and take note.
According to MarketWatch.com, Gamestop CEO, Dan DeMatteo, "The video game business continues to enjoy robust growth, making it the fastest growing of the many consumer goods categories." His company expects to see a sales growth of 10% to 12% for 2009. Gamestop is a boutique video game retailer favored by many gamers.
They're not alone in optimism when it comes to retail growth of video games. In a press release, Game Doc is expanding their operation by offering franchise opportunities in the hot growth market. "Achieving double-digit growth in this tough economy is further proof that video games are the most popular form of entertainment in the country," said Jim Belanger, president of Gamer Doc.
The Video Game Phenomenon is Growing in New Markets
The popularity of video games is not just growing in the US and other traditionally western countries, but in China as well. According to Oxburyresearch.com, broadband access is rapidly expanding within China. Because of it, online gaming is booming. China's 2008 $1.79 billion gaming industry revenue is expected to rise to $2.3 billion in 2009. The industry's growth rate is projected to top 20% over each of the next few years.
Video Games are the New Popular Entertainment
The growth of video games during these hard times is not unusual. More than ever, escapism is needed so that we may remain sane. The same trend happened during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Back then, the movie industry boomed and gave rise to entertainment stalwarths such as Universal Pictures and The Walt Disney Company.
Top Video Game Releases in 2009
For 2009, there are a handful of highly anticipated video game release that will push the sales projections up and make the exuberant estimates a reality. These titles include:
Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) - March 13
God of War III (PlayStation 3) - TBA
Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars (Nintendo DS) - March 17
Street Fighter IV (Xbox 360, PS3) - February 17
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PS3) - TBA
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360) - Fall 2009
Halo Wars (Xbox 360) - February 28
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC) - TBA
Great Opportunities in Video Game Jobs
When it comes to video games, the future is certainly brighter than most consumer markets. Of course, the future is just as bright for video game jobs.
The field is still growing and there are markets that are not yet being fully realized. Two established fields come to mind: online gaming and mobile gaming.
Despite MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role playing games) being around for years, it still remains a niche market. With the increasing broadband access, HD TV, and living room consoles such as the WII, MMORPGs are yet to hit the mainstream. And when it does, the video game market will experience yet another boom. Additionally, mobile device gaming continues to grow as the iPhone and its competitors become more integrated into mainstream consumption.
In conclusion, the video game industry is currently a bright spot in our dismal economy and it will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Video Game Jobs - A Bright Outlook

It is no secret that the US and the world are suffering one of the worst, or, perhaps, the worst recession of our lifetime. The credit crunch is the main cause that toppled the banks and led to millions of home foreclosure. Those who are just graduating from high school or college may have a confusing time finding a career path.
The Video Game Industry is Hot!
But despite the financial doomsday we are experiencing, one notable sector of the consumer market continues to expand -- the video games. While almost everything is down, the video game industry is booming.
If you're someone interested in video game jobs, continue reading and take note.
According to MarketWatch.com, Gamestop CEO, Dan DeMatteo, "The video game business continues to enjoy robust growth, making it the fastest growing of the many consumer goods categories." His company expects to see a sales growth of 10% to 12% for 2009. Gamestop is a boutique video game retailer favored by many gamers.
They're not alone in optimism when it comes to retail growth of video games. In a press release, Game Doc is expanding their operation by offering franchise opportunities in the hot growth market. "Achieving double-digit growth in this tough economy is further proof that video games are the most popular form of entertainment in the country," said Jim Belanger, president of Gamer Doc.
The Video Game Phenomenon is Growing in New Markets
The popularity of video games is not just growing in the US and other traditionally western countries, but in China as well. According to Oxburyresearch.com, broadband access is rapidly expanding within China. Because of it, online gaming is booming. China's 2008 $1.79 billion gaming industry revenue is expected to rise to $2.3 billion in 2009. The industry's growth rate is projected to top 20% over each of the next few years.
Video Games are the New Popular Entertainment
The growth of video games during these hard times is not unusual. More than ever, escapism is needed so that we may remain sane. The same trend happened during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Back then, the movie industry boomed and gave rise to entertainment stalwarths such as Universal Pictures and The Walt Disney Company.
Top Video Game Releases in 2009
For 2009, there are a handful of highly anticipated video game release that will push the sales projections up and make the exuberant estimates a reality. These titles include:
Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) - March 13
God of War III (PlayStation 3) - TBA
Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars (Nintendo DS) - March 17
Street Fighter IV (Xbox 360, PS3) - February 17
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PS3) - TBA
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360) - Fall 2009
Halo Wars (Xbox 360) - February 28
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC) - TBA
Great Opportunities in Video Game Jobs
When it comes to video games, the future is certainly brighter than most consumer markets. Of course, the future is just as bright for video game jobs.
The field is still growing and there are markets that are not yet being fully realized. Two established fields come to mind: online gaming and mobile gaming.
Despite MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role playing games) being around for years, it still remains a niche market. With the increasing broadband access, HD TV, and living room consoles such as the WII, MMORPGs are yet to hit the mainstream. And when it does, the video game market will experience yet another boom. Additionally, mobile device gaming continues to grow as the iPhone and its competitors become more integrated into mainstream consumption.
In conclusion, the video game industry is currently a bright spot in our dismal economy and it will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

How to Rent Video Games Online

Reviews on magazines and gaming websites may help you gather as much information as you can about a new game, but you're not willing to spend $50 for the boxed set just yet. If you want to test an interesting video game before actually buying a copy for yourself, you may want to rent video games first. Why Rent Video Games Online?
Before the days of video game rental websites, avid video gamers rented their games from rental shops or video stores. Testing a video game gives you the opportunity to play through a few levels of the game first before buying an actual copy for yourself. Some gamers who cannot afford the cost of an original copy of a video game may also rent video games online because it's way cheaper than having to buy the original boxed set.
Here are other advantages to renting video games online:
* It's fast and convenient. Unlike traditional rental stores where you have to fall in line for a hot new video game release, many online rental shops carry multiple copies of a single game. You can expect your rented copy right at your doorstep anywhere between two days to a week after you have placed your reservation.
* Lots of games to choose from. For retro gamers or people interested in playing rare games, online video game rental stores are a great place to test old and new games without paying the full price of the game.
* Casual gaming. Not all people are hardcore gamers who will shell out big bucks for original copies of computer games. Some people may prefer to go through some levels of a game, and then go back to whatever it is they're doing. Rented video games allow you all the enjoyment of video gaming without the expense and commitment shelled out by hardcore gaming enthusiasts.
* Expanding your video game horizons. Rental is cheap, which means you can explore all sorts of games that you wouldn't imagine yourself playing on a usual day. You may even find a really cool game you enjoy because of what's available from online rental stores.
Looking for Video Game Rental Websites
Video game rental stores are all over the Web; you simply search for them using a search engine, and you'll have hundreds or even thousands of online shops ready to rent out the hottest and the latest games to you at a reasonable cost. To make your browsing and rentals easier and more convenient, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
* Look for the store nearest your residence. The nearer the store is to your home, the faster you'll get the game you have rented out. You also spend less in delivery, shipping, and handling costs.
* Search for good deals. Not all game rental shops will rent out the same games at the same prices. A big-name shop may offer discounts or lower rates, but the online rental queue may be too long for you to rent a game on time. Smaller online rental shops have smaller queues, but the selection may be much more limited than bigger online rental stores.
* Check the quality of the game. Games are passed on among customers, and the quality of the installer CD or DVD may have deteriorated over time. Inspect the condition of the installer or game disc first; if it's damaged, you may take it back to the store for a refund or a replacement depending on their terms of service. Avoid sites that rent out pirated or counterfeit copies of original video games.
* Be careful with your banking and personal details. To make rental easier, most online video game rental shops would charge rental and delivery fees to your credit card instead of accepting actual cash. Be very careful when disclosing your banking details, because some sites may disguise themselves as rental shops but run scam operations in real life. Verify with other sites to see if the website is a legitimately-run business that will not use your banking details for scam rackets.
With more and more advanced technologies being put into new releases every season, video games do not come cheap. With video game rental sites, you can try out a game first before putting in your hard-earned money on the counter for your very own original copy.
For more on How to rent video games online and other how-to do stuff, please visit Monster Guide Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense - we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives - basically it comes down to your attitude.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Deaths Caused by Video Games

Believe it or not, but video games have actually killed people. Some games are held responsible for physically killing people and also some games have actually driven people to their deaths (I know crazy right?). There are actually several reported cases of death caused by video games every year however only some make it on the news and become popular. These 4 examples are just few of the many cases of death caused by video games but these are the most popular so take each one into consideration so you won't be the next person on this list!
Death From Dance Dance Revolution
The first death I'll start with is a man who physically died from playing Dance Dance Revolution, you know the famous dancing game by Konami. He bought Dance Dance Revolution on the Playstation and began to play in his apartment which unfortunately he was alone that day. As many of you know dance dance revolution has a lot of flashing lights and with the dancing can get your heart and blood pumping which is why they have those warning before the game starts. Of course no one actually saw what happened but an inference led investigators to believe that he played the game and got a seizure from the dancing and flashing lights which caused him to suffocate on his tongue and died. Of course the family tried to sue Konami for millions of dollars, but there wasn't any actual case because the warning clearly states the warning of seizures and other health issues while playing the game. Now we know why those warnings are on those games and should actually read them before playing.
Death From World of Warcraft
I think we all knew it was bound to happen that World of Warcraft would soon drive someone to their death somehow. The highly addicting game can drive a person mad and they have even considered opening a rehab specifically for World of Warcraft addicts to get off that wowcrack (crazy right?). This case is about a 13 year old boy who was driven to death by World of Warcraft MMOPRG World of Warcraft his parents took away the game and he left a note stating "I'm going away to be with the heroes of Azeroth." He then committed suicide, the cause of death was not officially released sorry guys I wanted to know too. Blizzard has now officially initiated training for employees when they receive suicide clients via customer support (over 1000 cases per month!) and have been instructed to contact the authorities when people threaten to commit suicide due to problems with the game. The main reason why these people threaten blizzard with suicide is when they can't unban their accounts (I thought it would work =x). I have contacted Blizzard for an opinion and the farthest I got to was a senior customer analyst he told me that people mainly send suicide threats via email to admin@blizzard.com when they are unable to get their account back. Remember guys it's just a game if you lose your precious gnome don't jump! go pick up a nice FPS and live life =)
Death From Starcraft
Well I guess Blizzard makes some kickass games, so good that they cause people to die from playing! This third death is about a Korean man who died from heart failure after playing Starcraft for over 70 hours that's right 3 days almost. Basically this guy went to a 24/7 PC cafe (very popular in Korea) and if you haven't noticed Korea is like the capital of Starcraft. He began to play Starcraft non-stop and only stopped to take naps, use the restroom and eat. After about 2 days (from reports) his friend came because he was worried since he had lost his job due to his non-stop Starcraft marathon, but ignored him. On approximately his third day at the PC cafe an employee found him passed out where he was taken to the hospital only to die on the way from heart failure and lack of nutrition. This death clearly shows how an addiction can go very far with a game, but I have to admit Starcraft is addicting. So next time you do a gaming marathon make sure you get proper sleep and good nutrition!
Death From Everquest
A man named Hudson Wooley lost it all after playing the very popular (even before WOW) MMOPRG Everquest for several hours a day. Wooley was having difficult issues that caused him to become depressed and although the family blames Everquest for leading to his suicide people believe that it was his escape from reality, basically what alcoholics do except with elves and dwarfs. After losing his job and ignoring friends and family, they began to worry for him. After some time Wooley shot himself with a gun (spot not mentioned) not because of Everquest but from his problems, his suicide was his escape from reality just as many others escape playing MMOPRG's such as Everquest, Warhammer, World of Warcraft, etc. Remember if you are having problems just how you shouldn't drown them away in alcohol don't ignore them by doing that raid on WOW instead seek help!
Source: Ezinearticles.com

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