gameswf is an open source Public Domain library for parsing and rendering SWF movies, using 3D hardware APIs for rendering. It is designed to be used as a UI library for computer and console games. It is written in C++, and compiles under Windows and Linux, using GCC and MSVC. It currently includes code for [...]
Intelligent Artifice
You are currently viewing the monthly archives for January 2003
Monthly Archives January 2003
More thoughts on hoaxes
My previous post grew out of control, so I hacked it in two. Hoaxes like the ones described below are, of course, nothing new. The Blair Witch Project (and, arguably, the websites for Kubrick’s / Spielberg’s A.I.) are recent examples, and older ones exist. The effect need not be limited to a well-delineated work: it [...]
Strange worlds, one click away
Here are two fine examples of worldbuilding on the internet. The catalogue of UK Entrances to Hell is exactly what it says. It is an amateurish site, banner ads and garish colors and all, looking like a something about good fishing spots except it’s about entrances to hell. Browsing through the deftly-named locations, a bizarre [...]
The level 32 warrior has no clothes
This is quite old by now, but I am still impressed by the way Progress Quest basically destroyed a genre by ridiculing it, just like the Comedian trailer destroyed corny movie trailers. After playing PQ last year, I immediately lost all interest in Dungeon Siege and Neverwinter Nights (which weren’t out yet). PQ exposes the [...]
Do you now, or have you ever used the word ‘LOL’ in actual conversation?
Once, Old Man Murray proudly wore the crown of computer game humor. Then disaster struck (ie they stopped posting) and the people cowered in fear. But now a new champion has arisen. But will Uncle Clive be able to match that glorious moment when Old Man Murray called EA’s Majestic “American McGee’s Outlook”? PS: Uncle [...]
Thought is limited
Jorge Luis Borges destroys the illusion of rational classifications: These ambiguities, redundances, and deficiences recall those attributed by Dr. Franz Kuhn to a certain Chinese encyclopedia entitled Celestial Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge. On those remote pages it is written that animals are divided into (a) those that belong to the Emperor, (b) embalmed ones, (c) [...]
What the ?…
Ghosts n’ Goblins Online (thanks, Tobi).
What games are like, really
In other words, like this. Or like this. The discrepancy between simulated / game reality and consensual reality is increasingly being used in other mediums, such as the abovementioned comics or movies (and let’s not forget The Matrix). Yet, although this interesting theme is becoming increasingly mainstream as games saturate popular culture, it is hardly [...]
Women and games
WomenGamers.com is the best site I know about women and games (Game Girl Advance is good too, but focuses less on the female aspects of gaming). Their content includes interviews (with Jane Jensen for instance), reviews, and various reports on the industry. I can’t think of any site containing more industry commentary from the female [...]
Game articles in Wired magazine
My opinion of Wired magazine has changed over the years. I liked it, I hated it, then I liked it once more. I think I’m on the way down again. Today I found this article, which includes little gems like: Games have evolved from the one-problem, one-solution format, where players had to figure out what [...]
