Game Issues and Culture
These are articles about game-related issues, sources for the latest online gaming news, and sites that are at the center of video game culture.
Top Multiplayer PC Games of 2007
It was an extraordinary year for PC games, particularly first-person shooters. It's torture to have to choose between great titles like Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4, Quake Wars, Unreal Tournament 3, and Crysis, even if you can afford more than of them. There were some excellent releases in other genres as well, notably The Burning Crusade expansion back in January, and World in Conflict, a fre…
It was an extraordinary year for PC games, particularly first-person shooters. It's torture to have to choose between great titles like Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4, Quake Wars, Unreal Tournament 3, and Crysis, even if you can afford more than of them. There were some excellent releases in other genres as well, notably The Burning Crusade expansion back in January, and World in Conflict, a fre…
Most Wanted Multiplayer PC Games of E3 2007
The spectacle that was E3 in previous years, always entertaining to watch even from a distance, underwent a major transformation in 2007, downsizing and returning to a press-only format. Nor was it a particularly exciting year for PC gamers. Although there are some impressive titles on the way, we've seen the bulk of them previewed relentlessly at earlier shows. Nevertheless, here's a look at what you might be playing this fall or early next year.
The spectacle that was E3 in previous years, always entertaining to watch even from a distance, underwent a major transformation in 2007, downsizing and returning to a press-only format. Nor was it a particularly exciting year for PC gamers. Although there are some impressive titles on the way, we've seen the bulk of them previewed relentlessly at earlier shows. Nevertheless, here's a look at what you might be playing this fall or early next year.
Top Multiplayer PC Games of 2006
2006 was definitely a landmark year for consoles, but, with a few notable exceptions, titles from earlier years continued to dominate the PC game space. There were, however, some excellent multiplayer PC games that came out this year. These are my picks for the top online games that arrived in 2006.
2006 was definitely a landmark year for consoles, but, with a few notable exceptions, titles from earlier years continued to dominate the PC game space. There were, however, some excellent multiplayer PC games that came out this year. These are my picks for the top online games that arrived in 2006.
E3 2006 Highlights
They certainly grabbed the most headlines, but it wasn't all next-gen consoles at E3 2006. There are some promising PC titles in development, and Microsoft even had a few words to say about Vista, the next version of Windows. What does the future hold for online games? Here's a secondhand look at some of the coolest news to come out of this year's Expo.
They certainly grabbed the most headlines, but it wasn't all next-gen consoles at E3 2006. There are some promising PC titles in development, and Microsoft even had a few words to say about Vista, the next version of Windows. What does the future hold for online games? Here's a secondhand look at some of the coolest news to come out of this year's Expo.
Top Multiplayer Games of 2005
It wasn't quite as landmark a year as 2004, but there were some excellent online games released in 2005. Guild Wars innovated with the online RPG, Battlefield 2 rocked the world of multiplayer shooters, and a couple of classic strategy series made a triumphant return.
It wasn't quite as landmark a year as 2004, but there were some excellent online games released in 2005. Guild Wars innovated with the online RPG, Battlefield 2 rocked the world of multiplayer shooters, and a couple of classic strategy series made a triumphant return.
Internet Game Timeline
This is a timeline of key events in the history of Internet gaming. It includes significant developments in computer games, console games, and Internet technology.
This is a timeline of key events in the history of Internet gaming. It includes significant developments in computer games, console games, and Internet technology.
Cheating in Online Games
In a perfect world, you could trust the people you game with online to follow the rules, but in this world, it takes an extraordinary effort to keep a game free of cheaters, whether it's an Olympic event or a Counter-Strike match. I get quite a few questions about the extent of cheating in online games and what is being done about it, so here are the details.
In a perfect world, you could trust the people you game with online to follow the rules, but in this world, it takes an extraordinary effort to keep a game free of cheaters, whether it's an Olympic event or a Counter-Strike match. I get quite a few questions about the extent of cheating in online games and what is being done about it, so here are the details.
The Case for PvP
Having always preferred playing against other gamers to playing against computer opponents, I'm often surprized at how distasteful some people find PvP, especially when it comes to roleplaying games. PvP definitely isn't for everyone, but here's why I always choose a PvP server if I have the option.
Having always preferred playing against other gamers to playing against computer opponents, I'm often surprized at how distasteful some people find PvP, especially when it comes to roleplaying games. PvP definitely isn't for everyone, but here's why I always choose a PvP server if I have the option.
E3 2005 Highlights
We've heard endless hype about consoles, but given the popularity of World of Warcraft and Guild Wars, it's also clear that playing online has an increasingly broad appeal. If you look past the glitzy facade of the event, you'll find some cool things on the horizon for online games.
We've heard endless hype about consoles, but given the popularity of World of Warcraft and Guild Wars, it's also clear that playing online has an increasingly broad appeal. If you look past the glitzy facade of the event, you'll find some cool things on the horizon for online games.
Advertising Enters the Game
Ads are frequently served up with Web games, but they are also beginning to appear in a variety of high-end retail titles. We've seen how advertising has affected various other forms of media, so gamers are justifiably concerned about these developments. Virtual billboards selling SUVs and cell phones may be coming to a game near you.
Ads are frequently served up with Web games, but they are also beginning to appear in a variety of high-end retail titles. We've seen how advertising has affected various other forms of media, so gamers are justifiably concerned about these developments. Virtual billboards selling SUVs and cell phones may be coming to a game near you.
Internet Game Roundup 2004
Time once again for a quick look back at the big online games of the year that is now behind us. I've put together a summary of the 2004 award winners and added a few comments of my own. Not a lot of surprises here, but there is no arguing that it was a great year for gamers.
Time once again for a quick look back at the big online games of the year that is now behind us. I've put together a summary of the 2004 award winners and added a few comments of my own. Not a lot of surprises here, but there is no arguing that it was a great year for gamers.
Piracy, PC Games, and Doom 3
Doom 3 had been pirated and circulated on file-sharing networks even before the official release date. A game of Doom 3's stature will clearly make money anyway, but it makes you wonder if publishers have any real chance of winning the battle against theft. Here's my take on the issue.
Doom 3 had been pirated and circulated on file-sharing networks even before the official release date. A game of Doom 3's stature will clearly make money anyway, but it makes you wonder if publishers have any real chance of winning the battle against theft. Here's my take on the issue.
On MMOGs and Skill
Try to tell a gamer that their game of choice requires no skill and you'll likely find yourself in a heated debate. MMORPGs are frequently criticized on these grounds, but is it really fair to say that there is no skill involved? Here's my take on the MMOG skill factor.
Try to tell a gamer that their game of choice requires no skill and you'll likely find yourself in a heated debate. MMORPGs are frequently criticized on these grounds, but is it really fair to say that there is no skill involved? Here's my take on the MMOG skill factor.
Trading Game Assets
A lot of money is changing hands these days for characters and items that exist only in the virtual worlds of massively multiplayer online games. Remarkably, some people have turned this activity into big business, creating auctions and stores that cater specifically to the needs of online adventurers.
A lot of money is changing hands these days for characters and items that exist only in the virtual worlds of massively multiplayer online games. Remarkably, some people have turned this activity into big business, creating auctions and stores that cater specifically to the needs of online adventurers.
The Game of Sex and Violence
Bloodletting and large-breasted babes are nothing new to the video game industry, but with the war on terrorism fueling sales of war-themed game titles, both sides of the content controversy seem to be hunkering down for a decisive battle.
Bloodletting and large-breasted babes are nothing new to the video game industry, but with the war on terrorism fueling sales of war-themed game titles, both sides of the content controversy seem to be hunkering down for a decisive battle.
The Dark Side of MMORPGs
Massively multiplayer online games are certainly the flavor of the day, but as experiments like EverQuest mature, some people are discovering that virtual worlds aren't always as enjoyable as the hype makes them out to be.
Massively multiplayer online games are certainly the flavor of the day, but as experiments like EverQuest mature, some people are discovering that virtual worlds aren't always as enjoyable as the hype makes them out to be.
Adrenaline Vault
Daily game news and downloads from a dedicated group of passionate gamers.
Daily game news and downloads from a dedicated group of passionate gamers.
Blue's News
One of the most respected gaming news sites on the Internet. Information on a wide variety of games, as well as game reviews and previews.
One of the most respected gaming news sites on the Internet. Information on a wide variety of games, as well as game reviews and previews.
Daedalus Project
A site dedicated to MMORPG research which surveys gamers and compiles the results. If you want to participate, most surveys are multiple choice, contain 30-50 questions, and take 5-10 minutes to complete.
A site dedicated to MMORPG research which surveys gamers and compiles the results. If you want to participate, most surveys are multiple choice, contain 30-50 questions, and take 5-10 minutes to complete.
GameBunny
News, reviews, previews and exclusive screenshots of online games. Plenty of MMORPG coverage.
News, reviews, previews and exclusive screenshots of online games. Plenty of MMORPG coverage.
GameOgre.com
Good Internet gaming articles and information, including multiplayer bot resources and Neverwinter Nights module reviews.
Good Internet gaming articles and information, including multiplayer bot resources and Neverwinter Nights module reviews.
GameSpot
Get the scoop on the latest games for every popular platform.
Get the scoop on the latest games for every popular platform.
IGN Games
One of the Internet's largest video gaming sites, offering news, reviews, cheats, and strategy guides.
One of the Internet's largest video gaming sites, offering news, reviews, cheats, and strategy guides.
International Game Developers Association
The IGDA is an independent, non-profit organization established by game developers to foster the creation of a worldwide game development community. Their site is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in working in the video game industry.
The IGDA is an independent, non-profit organization established by game developers to foster the creation of a worldwide game development community. Their site is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in working in the video game industry.
MMOGChart.com
The best source for comparative subscriber growth charts for massively multiplayer online games. As most game companies only release their subscriber count on occasion, much of the data is gleaned from press releases and other sources.
The best source for comparative subscriber growth charts for massively multiplayer online games. As most game companies only release their subscriber count on occasion, much of the data is gleaned from press releases and other sources.
Multiplayer Online Games Directory
The latest multiplayer gaming news on a fast, well-organized Web site.
The latest multiplayer gaming news on a fast, well-organized Web site.
PC Gamer Online
A slightly less robust Web version of the well-established print magazine.
A slightly less robust Web version of the well-established print magazine.
Project Massive
Project massive uses ongoing surveys to collect a variety of data about online games, exploring things like player motivation, genre preferences, and displacement of real life activities.
Project massive uses ongoing surveys to collect a variety of data about online games, exploring things like player motivation, genre preferences, and displacement of real life activities.
Shacknews
A very popular source of video game news that dates back to 1996 and has a large community. Offers downloads through FileShack.
A very popular source of video game news that dates back to 1996 and has a large community. Offers downloads through FileShack.
Telefragged
A popular source of online gaming news and articles, especially among action gamers.
A popular source of online gaming news and articles, especially among action gamers.