#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist (Crime has Never Looked So Good)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

So the new Grand Theft Auto V trailers were released. 

I immediately hijacked a computer to watch them, and I was rewarded with wonderful sights and cursing the likes of which I had missed since GTA IV and it’s expansion games. 

There seems to be such an increase in quality of graphics from Rockstar, the company that makes the GTA games, that honestly I anticipate them being the only company to create hyper-realistic games and make them good. 

This is not to say that other games with superb graphics aren’t good games. The Gears of War franchise is definitely a contender though it is not my favorite franchise. I can appreciate that it is wildly successful and pretty at times. Then there's Crysis as well.

Rockstar seems to find their way into creating quality images and visuals, while simultaneously not losing quality. Many companies tend to put so much effort in their visuals that they tend to forget the gameplay is the most important part. 

If you look at the progression of games for this company from the GTA franchise and on, you’ll see a trend of better and better quality as it ends at GTA: San Andreas, and GTA IV. Then you have the jump to Red Dead Redemption that is hailed as one of the most beautiful games ever created, though not as realistic looking as Crysis, but also one of the best western games ever made. Then the visual giant L.A. Noire which took facial software to a new level as well as textures and realism. 

While the company that handled the revolutionary facial graphics software for L.A. Noire has been shut down, we are still treated to this feast for the eyes. Remember, these are not pre-rendered images, these are actual game graphics. Take a look: 

OHMYGODIWANTTHEGAMESRIGHTNOW. 

Beauty aside, I’m getting a distinct Breaking Bad and Weeds type of vibe from all the trailers. Rockstar has been known for their topical, often poignant, story-lines that impress us time and time again. 

I wonder why they are one of the few companies that seems to understand the marriage between visuals and storytelling. 

Praise aside, the company has been known utilize the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto when making their games. The lengthy car-drive conversations from point A to point B are one thing we could do without in a Rockstar game. Not to mention the delivery and escort missions. But aside from those, the general immersion and detail put into their games often overtake the monotony for a few moments for us to truly enjoy the game. 

Hopefully, they will have learned their lesson and taken out the things that made the franchise a little weak in the gameplay department. If they do, we may already be looking at a contender for Game of the Year. 

The combination of three stories is also unique to this game. While we saw three protagonists weave in and out in GTA IV, The Lost and the Damned, and The Ballad of Gay Tony; this seems to bring them all together in a more cohesive fashion. 

Am I looking forward to this game? Yes. Will I be super harsh on it if it isn’t good? Of course. Do I think it won’t be good? No, but I do think I will see some of the same problems that I have seen in GTA games throughout the years. Will that hurt the score? It would take it to an 8 or 9 from a 10 in my opinion, but I would still love it.

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

So the Game Developers Conference has come and gone. Those of you who are setting your sights on it for next year should be preparing and getting things together so that when you do head out there, you’re rarin’ to go.

Here are some things you’ll definitely need just to start off:

• A backpack or bag of some sort
• A folder for papers
• Lots and lots of resumes
• Business cards and business card holders. One holder for your own cards another for  cards you recieve from others
• Gum (it comes in handy for you and it could be an ice-breaker)
• Writing implements (pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer (this is vital for avoiding the Convention Flu since you’ll be shaking numerous hands)
• Spare pad of paper for notes
• A cheap lighter (people smoke and go out for smokes a lot, if you have a lighter on you, you can give them a light as an ice-breaker, even if you don’t smoke)

Now that you’ve got your survival gear in order, there are some things you need to be ready for as far as dealing with recruiters and events.

If you’re an artist, have a portfolio, whether it is digital or physical. You’ll need to show this to some recruiters, and it gives them an on-site idea of who you are and what you can do. It’s better than a resume, but have that too so that you can hand them that with your contact info on it as well as a business card.

Regular recruiters are seeing hundreds of resumes a day, so don’t take it personally if they don’t seem thrilled to talk to you. If they make notes on your resume, keep an eye out for it.
Often times, the person at the booth is not the right person to talk to. You’ll be talking to a technical recruiter, marketing rep or even just another employee of the company instead of the head of the specific department you're interested in working in. Always, always, always ask who you should be talking to directly in reference to your position. Never settle for a roundabout way of getting there. Always be direct.

Get everyone’s contact information. Seriously, if you talk to them, get their info. Even if they’re just trying to get a job like you. You never know when it will come in handy to know a programmer or an artist. You may be working on your own projects some day and knowing a lot of people will be good for you. Not only that, but contact info for recruiters is great and if you establish a relationship with them, you’ll be on their mind a lot if they’re looking to fill a position.

Be prepared to get turned down. I know it sucks, I know it’s hard and it’s not what you want to hear. This is a big industry and you’re at an event that is full of other potential candidates. Just because you got face time doesn’t mean they’ll remember or recognize you again.
This brings us to the next important thing to do. Contact every single person you got a card from after the conference. Don’t do it during the conference because they won’t be looking at their emails and they’ll be super busy. Do it afterward, at least the Monday after or middle of the week. Some people won’t be back in their office right away and others might be taking some time off, especially if they got sick. Don’t anticipate a quick response either. You won’t be the only one doing this and they’ll have quite a backlog to get through.

If you have the chance to go to any networking events or after-parties, try hard to make time to attend them. You've got to be up to the challenge, though. They’re high-energy events and crazy fun, but if you’re not feeling it, it will show and people may avoid you as you could be a party-pooper. Networking events are great for meeting other industry folks and establishing a more personal friendship. This will help again as they’ll keep you in mind for positions later.

Remember that old phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” That is true nearly 50% of the time. Of course, if you’re not good at what you do, they’ll never refer you. But, if you’re good at what you do and they know you, you’ll have a better shot.

This is a lot of information and could be a little daunting to people just looking to enjoy the conference. Don’t worry, you’ll have fun. But if you’re looking to work it and try to get some good contacts and a job, these are some basic tips for you all to know and utilize.
Good luck!

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

So, I’m a huge comic book fan (if some of you don’t know). The fact that there is a game out about the heroes of the DC Universe fighting each other made by the studio that made Mortal Kombat has officially made this half of my year.

That and the fact that you can play as Aquaman and beat the crap out of people.

Fun character choices aside, there’s something interesting going on with the game Injustice: Gods Among Us that hasn’t really been seen for gaming franchises: a mobile iOS tie-in game.

Now, some of you might be saying, “Well, that’s not entirely unique or new. Those things have been done.” Yes, of course they have.

However, what I think separates this tie-in game on from others is that this one will actually affect your console version of the game. Most mobile tie-ins do nothing but capitalize on the hype and rush of enthusiasm for a title. There are numerous time-waster games that only relate in name and nothing more.

Injustice’s tie-in grants rewards in the form of alternate costumes for your console game. That’s right, they’re cosmetic rewards, but let’s take a second to think about that. Another game that actually rewards you with game content. Sure, it’s kind of lame content, but the idea that there is more to do with the franchise is actually kind of cool. Plus, this also gives you a way around having to purchase all of the costumes with real money.

Of course, getting the costumes is hard and you have to really spend some time to do the work, but I really feel this is a good step for mobile gaming.

There are very few titles that I can think of that really rewarded the owner of a console after playing a mobile game. The only one that really jumps out for me is Pokemon because if you owned any of the Pokemon Stadium games, you could import your team from the Gameboy and play with those on your N64. That’s really it.

The difference there is that the mobile platform was made by Nintendo as well. The fact that mobile iOS devices are now being recognized as a viable platform for a company like Warner Bros. is actually surprising.

I talked a little bit about the mobile market growing a while back, and I think this is quite possibly the best thing that I’ve seen in terms of big titles and tie-ins.

This type of project is the exact kind of thing that could keep smaller companies in business and give some opportunities to new people getting into the industry. Mobile gaming companies are becoming larger and larger in the market place.

Sure, they may be content mills, producing game after game to keep the lights on. But, if a company could produce a few solid titles, they could continue to build off of those and make a really great reputation.

Mobile games might actually be something to look forward to, rather than just the next installment of Angry Birds.

Just some food for thought.

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

So, I’m a huge comic book fan (if some of you don’t know). The fact that there is a game coming out about the heroes of the DC Universe fighting each other made by the studio that made "Mortal Kombat" has officially made this half of my year.

That and the fact that you can play as Aquaman and beat the crap out of people.

Fun character choices aside, there’s something interesting going on with the game "Injustice: Gods Among Us" that hasn’t really been seen for gaming franchises: a mobile iOS tie-in game.

Now, some of you might be saying, “Well, that’s not entirely unique or new. Those things have been done.” Yes, of course they have.

However, what I think separates this tie-in game on from others is that this one will actually affect your console version of the game. Most mobile tie-ins do nothing but capitalize on the hype and rush of enthusiasm for a title. There are numerous time-waster games that only relate in name and nothing more.

"Injustice’s" tie-in grants rewards in the form of alternate costumes for your console game. That’s right, they’re cosmetic rewards, but let’s take a second to think about that. Another game that actually rewards you with game content. Sure, it’s kind of lame content, but the idea that there is more to do with the franchise is actually kind of cool. Plus, this also gives you a way around having to purchase all of the costumes with real money.

Oddly enough, neither of them are using their rings.

Of course, getting the costumes is hard and you have to really spend some time to do the work, but I really feel this is a good step for mobile gaming.

There are very few titles that I can think of that really rewarded the owner of a console after playing a mobile game. The only one that really jumps out for me is "Pokemon" because if you owned any of the "Pokemon Stadium" games, you could import your team from the Gameboy and play with those on your N64. That’s really it.

The difference there is that the mobile platform was made by Nintendo as well. The fact that mobile iOS devices are now being recognized as a viable platform for a company like Warner Bros. is actually surprising.

I talked a little bit about the mobile market growing a while back, and I think this is quite possibly the best thing that I’ve seen in terms of big titles and tie-ins.

This type of project is the exact kind of thing that could keep smaller companies in business and give some opportunities to new people getting into the industry. Mobile gaming companies are becoming larger and larger in the market place.

Sure, they may be content mills, producing game after game to keep the lights on. But, if a company could produce a few solid titles, they could continue to build off of those and make a really great reputation.

Mobile games might actually be something to look forward to, rather than just the next installment of "Angry Birds."

Just some food for thought.

#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist (Goodbye, Old Friend)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

On April 3rd, I woke up to disturbing news.

One of my all-time favorite publishers, LucasArts, had closed its doors as a development studio.

Since George Lucas sold his company and all those under LucasFilm to Disney, I had been wary about Mickey Mouse doing some house-cleaning.

Sure enough, LucasArts was hit and is now only we can only look forward to games about Star Wars and Indiana Jones coming from companies that bid high enough to be able to handle a game that Disney decides they want to produce.

While it is true that LucasArts has not produced a decent game since Battlefront or Battlefront 2, it is unfortunate to know that two very promising and much anticipated games are now canned, or at least put in indefinite suspension until Disney decides that it is time to bring them back to the public eye.

Why is this upsetting to me? Well, for one, I wanted to work at LucasArts. From my very first journey into the Star Wars universe outside outside of a VHS or the movie theater, I have been captivated by the work the company did.

Not only did they produce top-notch flight sims like TIE Fighter and Rogue Squadron, but the cheeky point-and-click adventures for the computer provided hours of family entertainment and intellectually stimulating fun.

What has Disney produced? I hesitate to say a load of sub-par games as the Epic Mickey franchise is both fun and unique, but honestly, when was the last time you played a Disney Interactive game? From cart racing to movie tie-in games, Disney has released nothing but games that many people just acknowledge and don’t really take seriously.

This is not to say that LucasArts has done anything of note recently that would shatter the cosmos. Some might debate that the Force Unleashed series was actually okay if you ignore the second game, but the last game that I remember Disney producing that wasn’t a racing game based off of Cars was the Tron game and I still want my money back from that.

I’m worried. While Bioware and other companies have stepped up to the plate and made games like Knights of the Old Republic, there’s just not enough in Disney’s powerhouse to make me feel like they’ll do good with Star Wars brand when it comes to video games.

In a similar vein, THQ recently shut its doors and sold off all of their franchises to those willing to buy. I’m not sure if it’s something in the air or if there really is trouble in Paradise, but there have been some closures and big layoffs in the gaming industry.

For companies dedicated to making games that people enjoy and love, they’re sure on some hard times.

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist (GDC!)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

Well I’m back!

GDC was extremely fun and beneficial to me in a personal and professional capacity, but I wanted to talk about the entire idea of GDC and how much I love it.

So, for those who don’t know what it is, GDC is the Game Developers Conference that is held each year. During that time, there are several panels and talks that are beneficial to those in the industry and those trying to get in the industry.

The talks range from high-profile game developers and companies, to small-time indie studios talking about their latest projects or their newest releases.

I think what I love about this is that it is a large-scale version of what I want my site to be. The Game Creators Vault is a place for learning and sharing. In our reviews we try to be academic and smart rather than commenting on how fun a game is and how much our personal preference matters. We try to dissect a game down to its core mechanics and really show whether or not this was a good move or not.

We want to reach out to gamers and those interested in getting into the industry as a creative or any other type.

GDC seems to be the best and most international and professional way of doing what we want to achieve. Not only that, but it is an irreplaceable way of having those in the industry meet up with each other and form solidarity in the fact that we are all in this together and that we are all in love with what we do.

My most favorite thing to hear during the convention was, “Hey, what’s your story?”

People were just happy to meet each other and learn about each other and share in the experience. Men and women. Don’t let anyone tell you the gaming industry is a boys club anymore. I saw just as many women looking for jobs, showing portfolios and shaking hands with hiring managers as there were men.

Now, I have said on Twitter that I am working on my own game project, but as a press man, the most interesting thing to me was seeing how a convention could really just be one giant job fair and exposition.

For press, this is just a way to gauge how the industry is going. Which companies are hiring, which aren’t. What projects they may or may not be working on. If you’re careful, you can gauge if a company is doing well or not simply by how many positions they’re willing to fill. This could mean expansion or rounds of lay-offs. You just have to ask the right questions.

My favorite thing to hear was “Hey, what’s your story?” but my favorite thing to see was the IGF. The Independent Game Festival was soooooo cool to browse through. Games I’ve never heard of, games I have heard of. All sorts of stuff. The varying styles, the interesting ideas and the sheer excitement of everyone there was so infectious.

It was so wonderful to see the developers smiling broadly, just happy to be there and show people what they made. After all, they were just like the people attending the convention. Just as eager to get into the industry and just as bewildered as how to do it. I’m just like that now and I can’t wait to be on the other side of it.

I had a good friend get me into the convention this year and I owe him a lot for all of the professional connections that I made and the experiences there. I am truly blessed with some good friends and some good times.

If you want to talk more about GDC and what goes on there, give me a tweet at @JohnSollitto and we’ll talk!

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!