Cerulean Studios is developing Trillian 4.0, which they are calling Astra. It looks like they are trying to incorporate everything except the kitchen sink in the new project, but the project tour and the Sneak Preview look very interesting. I've used Trillian for quite some time, and am still a big fan of the product. ... Continue Reading →
Is Second Life overhyped?
Second Life: Hype vs. Anti-Hype vs. Anti-Anti-HypeA fairly decent article that disses discusses the shortcomings of Second Life. One quote that I thought was interesting, particularly as we investigate using SL for library services:Can they really build a fully streamed world comprised of tens of thousands of servers? That’s way above my paygrade, but I’ll... Continue Reading →
Finding time for games and everything else
1UP.com has a story about how grown-up gamers are balancing work, life, children, and video games:Gamers that stared down the challenges of reaching "just one more level" or beating an old high score are now facing a more significant challenge: blending marriages, mortgages, and parenting together with their gamer lifestyle. How are some members of... Continue Reading →
Embedding Meebo into your wiki
This morning a colleague asked about embedding a meebo me widget into her wiki. The problem is that a default installation of MediaWiki does not allow embedding of Flash. After some searching around the web, I found this extension at Glenn's Junk Chest. I installed the extension on her wiki (not yet public), and on... Continue Reading →
Essential facts about the gaming industry
Each year, the Electronic Software Association publishes a report detailing the "Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry. The 2006 report is available here (pdf), and other facts are available on the website. Older reports are a little harder to find, as they are not linked from the ESA website. However, after a... Continue Reading →
Can you study a video game too much?
Nate Garrelts has a new book out called Meaning And Culture of Grand Theft Auto: Critical Essays . I have not read the book, but I will admit that it looks intriguing. I've looked into ordering it for our library, and it's on my Amazon Wish List as well. However, I do question how much... Continue Reading →
Talk to your librarians
A couple of colleagues are using meebo as method to "Talk to your librarians." They're using the meebo widget which is displayed prominently on the Communications Blog and on both of their contact pages (here and here). I've had the meebo widget on my Business Blog for a couple of months now, and I've actually... Continue Reading →
Would you buy a Mac to play video games?
GamesIndustry.biz says that it is a possibility that Apple could move into the video game console business. According to the article:Apple's move into the console hardware market is 'a distinct possibility' according to Prudential analyst Jesse Tortora.The research company believes that Apple could combine technology from some of its leading products to create a home... Continue Reading →
Gamers guide to buying an HDTV
I have yet to go hi-def or next-gen, but his looks like a worthy read for both:Buying An HDTV: What Do Gamers Need To Know?via Slashdot