WTS: AOL

Apparently, GameTap isn't the only TW property on the auction block. Reports indicate that a little thing called AOL may also be for sale.

Bad Pirate!

Also on Gamasutra, a great opinion piece on software piracy, and why it is fucked up. The end.

WTS: GameTap

Gamasutra reports today that GameTap is for sale.

Apple II Cracked Screens

I recently stumbled upon this awesome collection of Apple II cracked game screens. Brings back memories!

Fusionfall Site Updates

There's been a few changes at the Fusionfall official site. Check it out!!

Last Stand 2

How exciting that Last Stand 2 has been released, a sequel to one of my favorite web games of all time!! This new one has lots of interesting gameplay updates, including maps to select your search locations, travel, and the ability to equip your companions. Said companions can also die during a shootout...poor companions! The dogs are still as annoying as ever. And the chainsaw has been seriously gimped, having the annoying tendency to putter out when you need it the most!!

Web Kids

And just as I post the below, here comes an article in News Day about virtual worlds for kids and RL toys, like Webkinz.

Kid Stuff

There's a recent feature on 1up about virtual worlds for kids. It's a good one to read (I never heard of Dizzywood), but it only scratches the surface. It's indicative of something I've noticed: while the media aren't looking, this kind of content is surging. Why isn't this being covered? Sure, you get the occasional "MMOs Aren't Just For Grownups Anymore" article, but in general, nobody is really paying attention -- except maybe the people making the games. My theory? The guys (yes, they are almost all guys) who make up the press (twentysomething fanboys) don't care. And really, why should they? Gears of War 2 is coming out!

I'm waiting for somebody to seize the opportunity to really cover this genre, if such an opportunity exists. I mean, other than the articles above and niche websites like Ten Ton Hamster, where can you go to see reviews and analysis of this stuff, for kid OR adult audiences?

In ten years (or less), when these games are making really serious money (instead of just plain ol' serious money), we'll probably start to see significant media attention.

OMG

Friggin' great article in this month's WIRED about the gathering of internet cewebrities at something called ROFLCon. Catch an earlier story here and an image gallery here. Oh, and check the official ROFLCon site here.

FusionFall Safety Measures

A press release about FusionFall's safety features can be found here.