PAX is Packed. Results of E3’s Dying?

Some folks over at Kotaku ran into problems at the Penny Arcade Expo, it was packed with people and complications. Apparently the rooms are cramped with humans and bad acoustics, leaving some wondering what was going on at the Harmonix demonstration. Others sat in long lines, way ahead of time, to see games like Fallout but were turned away after a long wait.

It seems the lack of fans at E3 has caused people to go elsewhere, PAX for instance, to get their demo gaming fix. There is obviously a demand for this type of expo, if people could figure out how to balance the costs associated with holding such an event. Despite cramped space, long lands and epic disappointments being turned away, will people refuse to go next year?

Probably not. Perhaps they’ll expand to a bigger venue, eventually to be the new “E3” expo?

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Jack Thompson Says Take-Two Chairmen Must Repent His SinsJack Thompson Says Take-Two Chairmen Must Repent His Sins

The washed up Jack Thompson, also known as the thorn in the side of Take-Two has gone off the deep end. Originally, Thompson would do everything in his power to bring the negative press (and lawsuits) to Take-Two for Grant Theft Auto, Man Hunt and any other game he didn’t like.

Hot Coffee!Rather than allowing parents to utilize the ESRB rating, Thompson found it in his Christian heart to pursue game companies like his own personal holy war. Luckily he’s lost all his power because people finally realized he’s a lukewarm loon with a one track mind. But wait, there’s more!

“Mr. Zelnick’s problems at Take-Two are miniscule [sic] compared to the eternity of punishment that is coming his way unless he repents and accepts Christ as I did 32 years ago this month.” (1up)

When the law doesn’t work out for him, he takes it into Gods hands. He fires right over at the chairmen, “there is no blessing for Strauss Zelnick, who is not a Christian, when he gets what he deserves…”

The game industry was doing well before Jack and it will thrive without him in the way as well. One man cannot change the world, especially when that one man tends to act like a raving lunatic. Parents must guide their children down the right paths, show them life’s possibilities and understand what content is rated for what age. We’ve figured out how to handle movie ratings, we’re sure adults will figure out the ESRB rating as well.

We give too little credit to parents when it comes to making decisions for their children. If they cannot make the right decision on allowing a six year old to play Halo or Resistance, then can we actually trust them to keep a child out of R rated movies or finish their dinner before getting a snack?

Episode 411: We Are Experiencing Technical DifficultiesEpisode 411: We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties

This podcast is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but there’s plenty of banter between Jonah and Scott, and 30 minutes of the podcast were removed to be aired as an outtakes at some point. Oh, and there’s plenty of cursing and NSFW content in this particular podcast, so be warned.

The news includes:

  • Starbreeze announces it’ll build a VR arcade venue in Los Angeles
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Let us know what you think.

PopCap’s Bejeweled Franchise Hits 25 Million Units Sold MarkPopCap’s Bejeweled Franchise Hits 25 Million Units Sold Mark

Congratulations to PopCap for showing why casual games will always be a viable market. Let’s put this in perspective, investors believe GTA IV will push 13-million sales by the end of 2008 and, as of January 2008, Halo 3 had sold 8 million copies. PopCap’s little casual game has hit 25 million units sold, that’s fairly impressive considering these blockbuster titles haven’t achieved such numbers.

You may say “well, these titles sold 3+ million in the first week, what about Bejeweled?” True, Bejeweled probably didn’t hit 3 million in a week, but which game will still be played in 2010? Bejeweled or GTA IV and Halo 3?

Casual games age well, they’re not competitive on the graphic space and, instead, focus on fun value. Fun value is a lasting appeal and is immortal in the time line of video games. The same reason people still find fun in Pac-Man gamers still find cash to pickup their copies of Bejeweled.

Which game had the smallest budget? Bejeweled or GTA IV? We’re pretty sure PopCap did not give the bejeweled team $100-million to make it! Investors take notice, casual games have a long lasting appeal.

Read on for full press release details.

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