Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Yard Sale 2.0

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Reflections on the GDC

The last game I played intensely was Ages of Empires for the PC and 007 (bond) for Nintendo 64 and that was almost eight years ago. I’m 26 years old and besides the constant reminders of my 10 year high school reunion looming later this year the gaming industry is the only industry I’ve come into contact with that makes me truly feel old and outdated. I’m beginning to think that the speed and adaptability of technology will one day cannibalize itself leaving us without the primal knowledge’s of our ancestors (i.e. not knowing how to make fire with two rocks) Here is what I found:
- 65% of American Households play computer or video games
- The average game player age is 35
- 40% of gamers are female and 60% are male, Women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (33%) than boys age 17 or younger(18%)
- How long have gamers been playing? 13 years. Among most frequent gamers, adult males avg 15 years for game playing, females for 12 years
- 38% of homes in America have a video game console – including me! only because I was given games and had no console to play them on
- Video Game: Best selling by genres/units sold: Action (22.3%), Family Entertainment (17.6%), Sports Games (14.1%), Shooter (12.1%), Racing (8.3%), Role-playing (7.6%)
- Top Selling Video Games of 2008: 1.Mario Kart Wii (5.1 million units) 2. Grand Theft Auto 4 (5m units) 3.Madden NFL 09 4.Super Smash Bros: Brawl 5.Wii Play with Remote 6. Guitar Hero 3:legends of rock 7. Wii Fit 8. Rock Band 9.Call of Duty 4 modern warfare 10. Call of Duty world at war
- 36% of heads of households report they play games on wireless devices (cell/pda)
Do you think Baton Rouge could be the next center of excellence for game development on open source platforms (iPhone)? I do. iphone apps average development time is approximately two to five months with an average cost of $50,000 to $250,000!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Game Developers Conference / San Fran, CA

Following Richmond I ventured to GDC, the one place every aspect of the gaming industry comes to forge a relationship in one central place—the Game Developers Conference at the Mascone Center in San Francisco. The magnitude of this industry can only be seen in eyes of gamers and enthusiast as they pass booths filled with this year’s latest technologies, games, platforms, and consoles. GDC=sum (of raw talent + a fierce passion for interactive (2nd life type) }media = multi-billion dollar industry. Pic from the floor
Teddy's Juke Joint
After weeks of downloading various blues artist and torturing my staff with my loud singing (that I consider at least top 12 talent in the American idol blues version)… I ventured to Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary, LA. Walking in was a truly unique experience of blacks and whites, even people of Indian decent in the corner; all tapping their feet and nodding their head at the rhythm being belted from a shiny electric guitar. I slowly made my way to the bar and ordered my favorite love potion, Gin (preferably Tanguray) and Sprite. The manner in which I was served foreshadowed the night to come (see the picture). That’s right…one bowl of ice, one class, one sprite can, and a bottle of Tanguray—plainly spoke “make it like you like it.” Later in the night I had the pleasure of meeting the famous Teddy along with the artist of the night Larry Garner. Teddy grew up in the now Jukejoint and has added room after room to enhance the space and vibe of the bar. This hole in the wall is a true testament of preserving a culture of self expression, triumph in hard times, and the good things in life (fill in the blanks).
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Patrick Henry Land

ok wait.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Grand Isle

Those who do, believe and know that time will be your key
Time and time again I've thanked them for a peace of mind
That helped me find myself amongst the music and the rhyme that enchants you there”