Wizards of the Coast collectible card games

April 27th, 2010

The one thing that Wizards of the Coast is famous for would be its line of trading card games (TCG) or collectible card games (CCG). It was trading card games that brought Wizards of the Coast to an unprecedented level of fame. The first CCG that came out was in 1993, three years after the founding of Wizards of the Coast by Peter Adkison. The game was known as Magic: The Gathering (MTG). It was the first collectible card game to come out. After fifteen years, MTG is still the most popular CCG around.

The next popular card game to be published by Wizards of the Coast was the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This was introduced to North American in 1998. The Pokemon Trading Card Game became just as popular as MTG. But, the Pokemon TCG was geared towards a much younger base of card players. It was released during a time where Pokemon was the craze. In 2003, Nintendo took back control of the publishing rights.

From 1996 until 2001, Wizards of the Coast published and circulated the BattleTech TCG which is based off of the BattleTech series. The play of the game was similar to MTG. However, the game is no longer in print.

In 1996, Wizards of the Coast would release Netrunner. It was designed by Richard Garfield, who also designed MTG. Currently, the game is out of print.

In 1997, the Dune CCG would be released. Originally, it would be released by the Five Rings Publishing Group. Wizards of the Coast would end up purchasing Five Rings and end up acquiring Dune. But, the game got canceled the following year in 1998.

From 2002 until 2006, Wizards of the Coast released a game called MLB Showdown.

In 2001, the Harry Potter TCG would be released based off of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. It was released in conjunction with the first Harry Potter movie. However, the game is no longer in print.

In the same year, Wizards of the Coast released NBA Showdown and NFL showdown. Both games are out of print.

In 2003, Wizards of the Coast would release the Neopets TCG based off of the popular virtual pet website known as Neopets. So far, it seems that the Neopets TCG is still in print.

In 2004, Wizards of the Coast would be responsible for the North American release of the Duel Masters TCG. The game originally came out in Japan back in 2002. The card game is based off of the Japanese anime known as Duel Masters. The game played like MTG. However, creatures and spells are used to produce mana. Also, creatures cannot block unless they have the ability to block. Instead of life points, players have shields.

In 2005, Wizards of the Coast would launch the Codename: Kids Next Door TCG. This game would be based on the popular cartoon by Cartoon Network called “Codename: Kids Next Door.”

In the same year, Hecatomb was released. But, the game was discontinued the following year of 2006.

Wizards of the Coast was supposed to come up with the Star Wars TCG. However, it got put on hold.

Around 1994, Wizards of the Coast published another game designed by Garfield known as Jyhad. But, the game was abandoned in 1996. White Wolf would be published by White Wolf as Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.

In late 2005, the Xiaolin Showdown TCG would be released. This one was based off of the popular children’s cartoon series called Xiaolin Showdown.

Most of the CCGs are out of print. The few that remain in print are MTG, the Neopets TCG, and the Xiaolin Showdown TCG.

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Rewarding Careers In Video Game Design

April 27th, 2010

Companies are interested in hiring those people who have a natural instinct of what makes a game good or bad, someone who knows how to design good games, a person who is passionate about playing video games. Secondly, while designing, one comes across many problems so they need someone with good problem solving skills. Last but not the least, companies need a person who can do things efficiently in a very short span of time, because of the fast paced competition in this industry.

Training Requirements

Not everyone can become a video game designer. It requires very specific training from a video game designing school. Many degrees are available online.
Colleges and universities offer degree programs and technical training in video games designing. These programs help you to develop various levels in the game from the beginning till the final stages. Technical training includes drawing, characterization, editing, interactive media and game design which strengthens your foundation for video game design.

Working Environment

Working as a video game designer involves working with a team of people from different fields who coordinate different aspects of the game to create a new video game. If you are interested in making a career in this industry you could choose from a wide range of positions. A storyboard or character artist works out the skeleton with sketches and paintings of the different elements of the game. For this you need advanced technical training in graphic design and computer animation, which helps you to put your ideas through.

Animators and character artist produce the characters of the game and give it a real look and feel with the help of 3D programs. Creating a new game is a long process and designing is one of the major stages. The team is made up of a lead designer and other level designers. It is the responsibility of the level designers to create the right environment at different levels of the game for the player. They perceive the design team’s vision of the game and create the necessary impact. They have to make the game exciting and engrossing. As the levels change, environment designers give the game a three dimensional quality. Texture artists give the flesh and skin to the various elements of the game. They see to it that the textures are convincingly fitted to their characters.

Programmers make the video game engine run. C++ is the preferred programming language. This is an essential part of video games. AI is helpful in creating different elements of the game. Interface designers create menus heads up display in the game. Sound and audio experts create the required dramatic sound effects of the game and set the right mood. Professional testers deal with bugs and other related problems.

With the help of specialized training in advanced graphic design and your passion for video games you will be able to bring your video game characters to life and use your conceptual skills to bring out the concept envisioned. This will prove to be a valued asset for creating new video games and give you the required cutting edge to succeed in this competitive industry.

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Tips for buying a war game as a gift

April 21st, 2010

With thousands of war games on the market, narrowing options and purchasing the best game for that special person can be a difficult task. To make sure the best and most fitting war game is purchased, just follow these four simple steps:

1. Know the person’s age and range and war gaming experience:

Most war games are leveled by skills, logic, and strategy or tactic abilities. As skill levels increase within games, so too do logical thinking and the ability to strategize increase in difficulty levels.

Children more often need a lower-leveled game to be able to master the concept of war games and gradually increase in levels by teenage years and adulthood.

On the box, there is an icon with descriptions of recommended ages for play and the level of skills needed. This information is very helpful to ensure you don’t purchase a game which is too difficult or too easy.

2. Know the person’s interests:

There are many genres of board games: Abstract, strategy, battleship, real-time, table-top or a combination of the different types of games and much more.

With so many different kinds of games, knowing the exact type of game that appeals to the person you’re buying for is an added bonus.

Also, because war games are more challenging by nature and require higher-level thinking skills, it’s best to know exactly the type of game which is more appealing to the person for whom you’re purchasing the gift. Maintaining interest within the game will ensure the gift is used.

3. Know how many people will be around to play the game.

Most war games are made for two to five players. If the gift is for an only child, make sure parents, friends, and other family members are willing to play the game.

Check the icon on the side of the box: listed you’ll find the number of players needed to play. If you order the game online, the page highlighting the game will usually have a very good description of the game, reviews, and in bold letters age ranges, skill levels – easy, difficult, challenging – and the number of players necessary.

4. Know the hottest war board games for the season:

This year’s hottest war board games include: Battle Cry, Risk 2210 AD, and Axis and Allies Europe.

~Battle Cry is a simple yet challenging two player game. Taking less than an hour to play, players can easily play two or three games in one sitting.

Younger children will find Battle Cry easy enough to grasp the concept and play while teenagers and adults still find that the game provides a challenge.

~Risk 2210 AD is an advanced version of Risk with more strategic game play. Two to five players ages 10 and older can enjoy this captivatingly entertaining game.

Adding complexity to the original game of Risk, Risk 2210 AD is a balance between fairness and fun for each player. Risk fans, will enjoy receiving this board game for Christmas.

~Axis and Allies Europe is a game designed for clever and masterful planning – great for those loving a challenge. The original Axis and Allies has been played and enjoyed by war gamers for almost two decades and continues to be one of the hottest war board games.

For ages 12 and older Axis and Allies Europe can be played with two to four players providing hours of fun while battling.

If you go online and look for reviews of these games, you’ll receive the best recommendations from players who have tested the games – they offer great tidbits of advice.

To make certain you have made a good investment this holiday season, make sure the game is age-level appropriate and of interest.

With these four simple tips, the gifts you’ll buy will be the perfect war game for that special person.

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Learn Video Game Design and Programming by Attending a Summer Camp

April 20th, 2010

A video game design summer camp is an extraordinary way to introduce a teen to the highly creative, and teamwork oriented world of game design.

The industry of video game design is an extraordinarily creative industry and very similar to the Hollywood movie making industry. A diverse group of people with a lot of different skills work together as a team to create a movie, and the same thing happens in the creation of a video game.

The Industry needs, and actively looks for people that are highly creative, great team players, and highly skilled in a variety of disciplines. This is a fact of life in the world of making games and it is a dramatic change from industries that have been around a long time. This is not our father’s work world. It is exactly these three components that a summer camp offers a teen. It gives the attendees a creative environment where teamwork is developed and specific computer skills are learned.

If you are considering going to a camp for designing games there are a couple of things you should think about. First of all, the world of game making is very diverse and there are a lot of different programs and applications that can be used, so you have to consider what areas of game making you are interested and then look for a camp that covers that. A good example of what I mean is that you can learn how to design levels, program code, make java games, create 3d models, or any number of other things. There are also quite a few different programs that you could master from 3ds MAX for modeling to FPS Creator for level and game design. And what you want to do in the realm of game making will determine which skills and applications you should learn.

So, you should carefully consider what kinds of things about making video games appeal to you and try to find a camp that will fill that requirement. If you are a parent considering sending a teen or child to a camp you should spend time talking with him or her about what is interesting about video games. Chances are good he or she will know more about making games than you do. Your teen may like three-dimensional modeling, graphic design, writing or level design. This is a big factor in whether the camp will be a success or not. It’s a matter of fulfilling individual goals and needs.

Your first course of action in looking for a summer camp should be to check with your local University or Community College. Just about every institution like this has summer learning programs for kids and teens. And unless you are already a student there you probably would never learn about the programs being offered so all it takes is a phone call and a request for a brochure. If geographic location is not a big concern for you there are plenty of top grade institutions that offer one week or two week long programs.

Summer camps are a great way to immerse a teen or child in the highly creative world of video game design and programming. It is a great way to get a feel for the career potential in the industry. And as a bonus he or she is actually going to come home from the camp with a real and complete video game that he or she made!

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Schools Of Game Design: What To Look For In A Game Design Program

April 10th, 2010

The last 20 years or so have been huge for home video gaming. You can do almost anything in a video game these days, from racing in a Grand Prix to cooking breakfast. And because you’ve grown up playing them, and video game design is such a hot market right now, you might be looking into how you can get into the field and help to create some of the most entertaining video games around.

Lucky for you, there are a number of schools that offer courses in video game design. And the number of traditional schools offering video game design programs is growing every year. It’s a hot market and it takes more than just a computer science degree anymore to get into it. While you can always look into 3D design and computer programming at any major university, there are some schools that you’ll be able to find almost anywhere that offer specific courses in video game design.

Devry is a school that most have probably heard of and might at first shun because of its mass marketed approach to schooling. But with its video game design program, Devry offers specific, targeted courses that prepare the potential video game designer for exactly what they’ll be working on.

You’ll take courses in game specific math and physics, computer animation, and design mechanics that are all focused directly to video game related topics. The result is a school that doesn’t just teach you about 3D animation, but about 3D animation in video games. Devry will be comparable to a major university in cost though, operating independently as they do, nearly $14,000 a year for full tuition.

The Art Institute is a nationwide network of schools that offers everything from fashion design to cooking. But as the fastest growing art related field, computer animation and specifically video game design have made the Art Institute one of the best schools to get a degree in the art of video games.

Not only do they offer an online school, which includes separate programs in Animation Programming and a Game Art and Design Program, there’s also the option of extending your schooling and receiving a Bachelor’s degree, something many of the technical colleges don’t offer. Tuition for the Art Institute, if you attend a physical branch is fairly high, comparable to out of state tuition at a major university. The online school is a cheaper option but will still cost you about $1200 per course.

ITT Technical Institute is another one of those very commonly heard names that pops up constantly on the TV, and one that offers a video game design specific program that will prepare you for entry level work in less than 3 years. ITT has 85 locations, so it’s easy to find, but you’ll be paying full tuition like many of the other private institutes listed, comparable to out of state tuition in most states.

For those that complete a two-year course in video game design, it’s possible to come out of school and immediately find a job making video games. And for those getting a four year degree, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll land an entry-level job designing the games of tomorrow. The video game design market is hotter than ever right now, and it’s becoming easier and easier to get in at the ground floor.

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The history of video game cheats

April 7th, 2010

Cheat codes for video games have a colorful history. Hardly a game ever manufactured even dating back to early Atari and the first computer games has not had cheats either built in or a had way to be reprogrammed. True, cheating sort of came about accidentally, but today there is a whole game cheat culture with its own share of the publishing industry.

At first, cheating was practiced only by the technically proficient gamers. It was sophisticated, and the every day gamer couldn’t hack it. Cheating back in the day meant literally reprogramming a game before it was loaded into the computer’s memory. These kinds of cheats were called POKES and could be used to get much the same effects that cheats produce in today’s games make a character invincible, get unlimited ammo, etc.

Game manufacturers from the beginning built cheats into their games. These were not intended for the use of players, however, but for the game testers. It made the pre-production testing process more efficient. Usually, the cheats were not removed before the games went on sale, and gamers found them. Accessing these cheats became so ubiquitous that game designers took note. Players began to expect them, and designers obliged, rewarding the faithful with cool, wacky, or interesting cheats and unlock ables.

Some players howled that cheats were dishonest, bad, wrong, and un-American. Even some of the gaming magazines took up the outcry, but it was soon squashed. The cheats were just too cool. They could bypass levels and speed up play for the time-crunched. They could take you to hidden places and unlock stuff. They definitely made game replay way more amusing. And they could make eighteen wheelers fly and dinosaurs appear undeadhow wack is that?

Cheat codes for video games have a colorful history. Hardly a game ever manufactured even dating back to early Atari and the first computer games has not had cheats either built in or a had way to be reprogrammed. True, cheating sort of came about accidentally, but today there is a whole game cheat culture with its own share of the publishing industry.

So cheat all you want! Cheats make gaming more creative, letting you make the game do what you want it to do. Be as dedicated or as clever as you like! PS3 Cheats are the best way to get the most out of your games.

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The Art And Science Of Computer Game Design

April 7th, 2010

For anyone that enjoys playing computer games, a career and computer game design would be a dream come true. What could possibly the more enjoyable and rewording then designing your own computer game and actually being paid for it? Some designers are paid very, very well indeed. Every fan of computer games has no doubt at least occasionally fantasized having a career in computer game design, as a gamer myself, I have thought about how cool that would be myself.

If you are dreaming of a job in the computer game design industry, the good news is it’s a huge industry and there are loads of jobs available and it pays remarkably well if you should happen to come up with a hot seller. The bad news is that it is very difficult to learn the requisite programming skills that are required. Getting a degree in computer science is a solid beginning, but there’s nothing easy about achieving that either. Of the six friends I had in college that were computer science majors, only one of them has the fortitude to see it through and actually get a degree. It is a grueling major filled with advanced mathematics classes and tedious programming exercises. You really have to be smart, and you really have to be motivated.

If these things sound like something you could handle that a computer game design career may be something you could do. You will definitely need a deep abiding affection for computer games, but that’s pretty obvious isn’t it? My college friend that got his computer science degree is currently working for a well knowing game design company, and absolutely loves it. He will tell you though, that it is nowhere near the fun and games that he first imagined it would be.

Computer games today have absolutely huge amounts of complex code and can take years to complete. In the infancy of the game industry, computer game design teams often consisted of just a few people. Nowadays, a lot of the games have many different production teams all working simultaneously on a project, with each working in their own field of expertise.

For the really skilled programmers, there is no limit to what you can achieve. Experienced programmers with a proven track record under their belts can not only command a large salary but can have a lot of creative input over the direction of the game.

There are some other job in the computer game design industry and programming does not interest you. Generally, programmers are the most sought after, but good graphic artists and writers can be attractive employees to say game design producers. They may not be paid as well, but they most certainly still make an excellent living in the ever burgeoning industry of computer game design.

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Are video games getting better or worse as graphics, sound and gameplay complexity improve? – Part 2

April 2nd, 2010

While I have a very permanent stand that retro games have to be preserved I still believe the games are getting better and better with all the new graphics and sound and so on. I might not be the biggest fan of very complex gameplay, but that widely depends how it is used in the game. Lets say it is a very advanced economy part to some building game, then I like it, but if it is fast thrown together stuff just to make it more difficult then I don’t. Everything in the game has to be there because it fits in and it still has to be fun. The biggest crime of a game designer is to sacrifice gameplay for graphics or the other way around really. Even though I would rather have good gameplay with bad graphics than bad gameplay with good graphics.

But after all I have to decided to write for the better side even though I stand somewhere in the middle really. I do find games with good graphics entertaining and impressive in itself, with good sound to add to the mood and environment it is perfect. I love to really feel the the game, to be able to feel the sort of mood the environment is supposed to give. However this is not enough alone without gameplay of course. Then I could as well watch a movie if the playing part of it ain’t living up to the graphics and sounds. A lot of game designers have decided to skip the whole concept of gameplay, who needs to have fun while playing anyway? They rather just make insane graphics and a lot of impressive cut scenes and they think they can get away with it. But we live in a year were people yet haven’t forgotten the wonders of Super Mario World or even Goldeneye 64. So much charming perfect games we all remember that never needed the graphics we have today to be successful, I highly doubt they would be unpopular if released today even. The Monkey Island series is another example, I really doubt that video games rely on graphics to such a big degree.

But anyways again I’m falling off track with my in the middle of the discussion bullshit. I firmly believe that a well made game with good gameplay is way better with good graphics than with bad. The sound can also make a major difference from the midi like music we had in games many years ago. In a world that is constantly changing the video gaming industry has to follow and I don’t find it a bad thing. There is some really good games being released these days not suffering from having good graphics. I think video games will continue to improve as graphics and sound gets better.

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Video games marketed at young children: Too much, too soon?

February 23rd, 2010

How young is too young for a child to be introduced to videogames? I believe as long as a child can hold a controller and is aware tof the interaction between themselves and the actions on the screen, they are old enough to play games. I myself have been playing videogames since I was a mere 4 years old, some of my best memories as a child is sitting down with my family with a game of Super Mario Bros. or Pacman. Here I am 20 years later still an avid gamer, and I have not developed any of the problems some people would lead you to believe about children exposed to video games at a young age. I have not developed anti-social behavior, I have not become more aggressive or susceptible to violent tendencies or lose my awareness of what’s real versus what’s fantasy.

Quite the contrary I believe exposure to video games can be quite beneficial for children; we live in a world where everyday our needs and desires for technological advances grow exponentially. Children now much more so than when I was a child are required to have a certain level of technological savvy. I believe video games make excellent window technology for young children to use to keep up with ever growing technology curve. Video games gives children practice interfacing with technology and given how much the technology of video game consoles are treading into the territory of multimedia technology, it is becoming a valuable commodity for instructing on the use of all kinds of technology.

Video games can have more benefits more young children, current technology advances has allowed for more immersive experiences with video games. Take for example the Nintendo console the Wii, there are several games designed specifically for young children. The are games designed to teach children math, science and reading skills, these games allow children to learn with stimulus such as entertaining characters, music and visuals. The Nintendo Wii does this but also allows children to also physically interact the experience, so the child is not forced to sit still (something we know children don’t like to do too much of) and the learning tool can better keep the childs attention. Video games can also be a tool used to help children and their parents interact during these learning experience in a way that can prove to be fun for parent and child.

Video games also have several overlooked benefits, it teaches children problem solving, focus, attention to detail, the elements of story telling and teamwork. The last probably being the most overlooked benefit of them all as there are several games that require and/or promote teamwork. Parents should not be apprehensive about allowing their children to be exposed to video games, its an excellent learning tool and has many benefits. However parents should be aware not every game is suitable for children and should take an active role in what their children play, with a little care video games can prove quite beneficial.

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Downloadable game review: New Star Soccer

February 21st, 2010

In any sports game, the first sign of quality is not with the graphics, but the controls. If player movement mimics the motion-style of real athletes, that is evidence game designers took their time creating the game. Downloadable trial game New Star Soccer reminds me of sports titles on the original NES: the basic strategy is there, but gameplay is firmly two-dimensional.

New Star did its homework on the world of soccer. Leagues from around the globe are included along with powerhouse and minor teams from the U.S. For trademark reasons, there are minor changes in player and team names. Major League Soccer’s D.C. United is represented as D.C. Anited. Colors, cities and players are faithful to real-world counterparts. Prolific scorer Luciano Emilio scored two of my goals in a game against Crystal Palace.

Settings and customization are indeed impressive. For a simple game, New Star Soccer allows players to have teams focused on speed, control, set plays, power or flair. If more of one attribute is emphasized, corresponding attributes are lessened by equal degree. The key to successful play is a meaningful balance between the most important attributes: control, power and dribbling ability.

Poor gameplay is the achilles heel of New Star soccer. Players are either controlled by the AI or at least guided by it. We get only the crudest ability to change direction, pass and shoot. In this day and age, there is no reason for sloppy and archaic controls in sports games. There is simply too much competition between freeware, Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft for games of this quality to succeed. There must be half-dozen or more 90’s era games that stand head-and-shoulders above New Star in terms of both graphics and gameplay.

If the designers spent just half the time on player movement as they had copying data from soccer leagues in a hundred differemt countries, we might have a real game on our hands. Sadly, creativity and innovation are not halmarks of most sports games. The trend has long been in copying major leagues as closely as possible, without regard for the desires of the fans or gaming enthusiasts. The trial version of New Star Soccer lasts one hour, more than enough time to realize the game is worth much less than 60 minutes of your day. Due to lack of creativity, poor gameplay and shoddy graphics, New Star merits just two stars out of five.

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