Steve

A little video called "Fun Theory", that has a great deal to do with Jane's theory on using ludology to solve real-world problems like getting folks to use the stairs instead of queuing for the escalator.

-- Steve found it fascinating. And a hoot to watch.

The following post contains atomic-level plot spoilers for Halo 3: ODST and the "Sadie's Story" parallel.

( SpoilerGuarded for Your Protection )

-- Steve really loves how Bungie and crew can sew hidden messages into the liner of a shoot-em-up.

http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=ODSTViDoc3

Bungie has released a new "ViDoc" featurette on the design of Halo 3: ODST and in it I just noticed an interesting... reference? nod? schtik? game mechanic? Apparently as you're walking through the abandoned city some of the payphones will start ringing, and if you pick up you get placed in contact with a damaged AI. Sounds... familiar. *grin*

-- Steve's looking forward to lots of nostalgia coming a week from today. (?!?!)

The following post contains what some may consider spoilers for Halo 3: ODST, though since they're being announced by Bungie Studios themselves and don't disclose actual plot points I don't. Still, for those who would:

( Spoiler-Guarded for Your Protection )

-- Steve can't wait to go looking for this himself.

edited to add: In plainly non-spoiler territory, xbox.com's ODST promo looks to be interesting, putting you in the role of an ODST recruiter/personnel officer going through candidate dossiers with a few puzzle-unlockable bennies... others have enjoyed it so far, but I haven't had a chance to explore it yet.

Right at this very moment Jane McGonigal is on TVO discussing ARGs and the workplace.

Hey, Jinxie, they put up a clip of yours from World Without Oil. Yer famous, lad.

-- Steve'll be semi-liveblogging this... stay tuned.

The quiz also said I had many of the attributes for Sofia (I bring wisdom, creativity and cleverness to our mission. I am one of the knowledge-seekers.) and Sophrosune (I bring balance, self-control and an open mind to our mission. I am one of the advisors.)

-- Steve thinks this one is reasonably close, but would welcome any second opinions.

I'm quite tiddly right now, so perhaps this will prove to be mundane, but it has come to my attention through the blogs of others that someone had deployed an ARG-like video against the Church of Scientology and the idea is gob-smackingly fascinating for me as a casual ARGer and writer. Definitely bears further watching and analysis... even if there's more than a hint of Microsoft BOB and GLaDOS there.

-- Steve may be too drunk to post without spellcheck, but surely this is an interesting new development in the use of distributed-source media.

The Escapist touches on the World Without Oil ARG.

Jack Thompson threatens Rockstar again. Say, isn't that in violation of a court order? Mweh-heh-heh...

-- Steve's still feeling like crud, but at least now it's like solid crud instead of slurry.

http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=11263399

Note that the username and text in the above posting is golden; that's only accessable by those with administrative privileges on Bungie.net. Also, the username has a specialist role designation. Therefor, this is sanctioned by Bungie directly.

The same user also posted over on HBO's forums, if you want to take a peek there. Louis Wu, administrator for the HBO site, has linked to it with his usual minimalist approach that I know so well.

-- Steve's wondering when the throttling will erode and the medium will metastasize. (Must... check.. AFTER... work...)

edited to add: Friends-locked post which may have some bearing on your rating my Awesome Powers of Prognostication.

edited again to add: Someone got cute, and received an interesting reply.

Just in case folks have missed it:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/73/14

An interview with Jordan Weisman, founder of FASA, WizKids, and 42 Entertainment... discussing in brief what working in each has been like. (With a slight bias towards what it was like working with Microsoft.)

-- Steve found the article interesting, mainly for the Cloudmakers and ILB references.