The Chemistry of Game Design

“Man is a Tool-using Animal. . . . Nowhere do you find him without Tools; without Tools he is nothing, with Tools he is all.” – 19^th century essayist Thomas Carlyle

Listen to this essay.

See also: Game machanics

See also: MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research

Biolab Disaster

Dominic has created an awesome HTML5 demo based on concepts from Super Mario. There is an  editor “weltmeister”!

Via IndieGames.com

Duplicating data on external HDDs

So, the other day it felt it was the time to upgrade to 2TB SeaGate FreeAgent Drive. The following command was used to issue the copy command.

start cmd /K xcopy f: e: /J /-Y /E /C

When a file already exists one has to press N to skip it. One can also pause the operation at the beginning of the next file with the Break key and resume with Enter.

Sidenote: It makes some odd clicking sound. Will see if it causes any trouble in the future.

Update: To remove original files the following command could be used:

rmdir /S /Q “\\?\W:\xxx”

 

OpenRA – Command and Conquer

OpenRA is an Open Source reimplementation of Command & Conquer: Red Alert.

We’ve tried to closely follow the spirit of the original game, while modernizing the interface and making use of today’s powerful graphics processors. Our emphasis is on the multiplayer experience, but we might support a single-player campaign at some point, too.

Virtual Market

Transaction types:

1. Accelerators – Shortcut, Multifier
2. Additional Levels / Modes
3. Aesthetics – Fun hats on your character
4. Consumables –  Cash, Potions, Health – Depletables, to be restocked
5. Full Unlock – Trial to play
6. Item Unlock
7. Powerups – Tactical chainsaw to mow down zombies

Creating Successful Games: Lessons In Virtual Currency

See the video: Mochi Media President.

Tips:

1. Pick Virtual Goods that enhance or ease gameplay
2. Price accordingly and offer real value
3. Show off the goods, youtube video
4. Evolve your game and develop IP – trailers, crosspromotion
5. Tap into social motivations – Facebook, Send (give gift of) exclusive content to friends