Coffee Talk Archives - Page 43 of 68

Coffee Talk #258: Videogame PR Events and…Me

Back in Coffee Talk #250, RPadholic SlickyFats asked me, “Do you get invited to events or do you have to actively seek them out and invite yourself?” I wanted to answer that question in a Coffee Talk column to pull back the curtain on the videogame business and for self therapy.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your thoughts on the Grammy nominations, what Carl Froch’s wife was looking for, or Jayson Werth possibly signing with the Red Sox, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Back in Coffee Talk #250, RPadholic SlickyFats asked me, “Do you get invited to events or do you have to actively seek them out and invite yourself?” I wanted to answer that question in a Coffee Talk column to pull back the curtain on the videogame business and for self therapy. When I worked at Happy Puppy, GameSpy, Yahoo!, and G4tv, event invites were pretty much automatic. When I freelanced for high-profile outlets like FHM, GigaOm, Amazon, GamePro, etc., invites were pretty frequent. These days…not so much.

No matter what you’ve done in your career, PR people will forget about you once you stop serving a large audience. Their job is to promote their games to as many people as possible. Once you’re no longer useful to them, they stop calling, they stop returning your phone calls, they stop sending you games, and they stop sending you press releases. That’s just how it works.

Obviously this is a source of frustration for me. I’m trying to build and grow a web site. I need support from PR people. They control the information and coverage opportunities. On one hand, I completely understand where they’re coming from — I’m not as useful to them as I once was. On the other hand, I naively hope that people I’ve known for more than 10 years will help me grow my site. At the very least, I’d like to be invited to events that are miles away from my apartment. To be fair, I suck at self promotion and I hate groveling for stuff; I need to get over this in 2011 for the good of the site.

The good news is that I have several relationships with developers that many of you like. I will try to pull in favors for video interviews and stuff. Recently I was chatting with a pretty famous developer and he asked me what I thought about a recent press release. I told him, “I don’t know. Your flacks took me off the mailing lists. I don’t get your games or press releases anymore.” He was surprised and a little pissed off. He asked me if I wanted him to “fix” that situation. I declined. I’ll try to “fix” that myself next year.

So yeah, I get a fraction of the coverage opportunities I used to get and it kind of sucks. I’m going to try to change that in 2011. Also, I’m making a list and checking it thrice — I will never forget the PR people that still send me games, email me press releases, and invite me to events…nor will I forget the PR people that completely dropped me.

Thanks SlickyFats! This was therapeutic.

Coffee Talk #257: What Was Your “Rubber Soul” Game?

Although my dad played The Beatles’ Rubber Soul for me hundreds of times, it didn’t “click” with me until I got older. I’ve always loved music, but Rubber Soul changed my perception of what music could be. Is there a game you’ve played that did the same thing for you?

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Verve Roaster’s Guatemala La Maravilla, Taylor Swift dating the Prince of Persia, or Anne Hathaway acting topless, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Although my dad played The Beatles’ Rubber Soul for me hundreds of times, it didn’t “click” with me until I got older. I’ve always loved music, but Rubber Soul changed my perception of what music could be. Is there a game you’ve played that did the same thing for you? Is there a game that changed your perception of what videogames could be?

As for me, there are two that come to mind…and they happen to be in the same series. Similar to music, I’ve always loved games. Final Fantasy VI (FFIII in America) changed my perception of what games could be. Until then, I didn’t realize that games could offer an interactive experience that combined an epic story, outstanding music, and deep gameplay — an experience that rivaled or surpassed what movies and television offered.

As much as I loved FFVI, I didn’t think RPGs could be as popular as action games or sports games. Final Fantasy VII changed all that. The videogame genre I loved the most hit the mainstream! Although I have my problems with FFVII, I appreciate and love what it did for the genre.

Now it’s your turn! What games transformed the way you perceived the medium?

Coffee Talk #256: Your First Videogames

It was cool watching you guys talk about your first videogame console in yesterday’s Coffee Talk. To follow that up, I’d like to know about your first console games.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the NFL going light with player fines, President George W. Bush interviewed by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, or Christina Aguilera finding a new boyfriend (*sniff*), Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

It was cool watching you guys talk about your first videogame console in yesterday’s Coffee Talk. To follow that up, I’d like to know about your first console games. What was the first console game you ever played? What was the first console game you bought with your own money?

I honestly can’t remember the first game I purchased on my own. I do remember playing Videocart-1: Tic Tac Toe, Shooting Gallery, Doodle, Quadradoodle for the Fairchild Channel F. I was completely fascinated that I could play Tic Tac Toe with something other than a crayon or a pencil. In some ways it’s funny looking back at how enamored I was with digital Tic Tac Toe. In other ways it’s amazing how far videogames have come. Going from Tic Tac Toe to Heavy Rain is quite a leap. Ha!

Now it’s your turn! What was the first console game you ever played? What was the first console game you bought with your own money?

Coffee Talk #255: Your First Videogame Console

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the RPad.tv Cyber Monday sale, your favorite turkey leftover dish, or Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I hope everyone had a fun, relaxing, and food-filled Thanksgiving. Let’s ease back into things by talking about the first videogame console you owned. My videogame friends span a broad age range; some of them started off with the Atari 2600, while others kicked off their game lives with the Nintendo Entertainment System. How about you?

As for me, I started off with the Fairchild Channel F (and chucked a controller at my friend’s face days after opening the box). My dad brought it back home one day as a surprise. I was so young that I had no concept of videogame consoles. Being able to control what was happening on the family television was pure magic to me — just completely fascinating. For the record, I had nothing to do with my father’s purchase, so it’s really his fault that I love videogames so much. Ha!

Now it’s your turn! What was your first videogame console?

Coffee Talk #254: Your Black Friday Plans and Reports

Today’s Coffee Talk is a double bonus edition…which means you have to treat it like a double rainbow. I expect you to cry with glee and ask, “What does it mean?” Seriously though, today I want to hear about your Black Friday wishes.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, SAP being fined $1.3-billion for stealing Oracle software, trying out Coava coffee, or the magic of cranberries, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Today’s Coffee Talk is a double bonus edition…which means you have to treat it like a double rainbow. I expect you to cry with glee and ask, “What does it mean?” Seriously though, today I want to hear about your Black Friday wishes. Are you looking for games, computer stuff, new televisions, an iPad, or other goodies?!? Will you brave the crazy crowds or surf the Internet for specials (like this lovely Amazon list!)?

After you’ve grabbed your Black Friday loot, kindly post your purchases here. As for me, my Black Friday plans have been killed by a lack of income. Ha! I’d love to grab an iPad when Apple slashes prices on Friday, but I’m way too poor. Instead, I’ll draw on a piece of cardboard and pretend it’s an iPad. Ha!

Now get with your Black Friday wish list (please)!

Coffee Talk #253: How Will The Miz Do as WWE Champion?

The “Era of Awesome” has begun! The Miz (Mike Mizanin) is your new WWE Champion!!! From MTV’s The Real World to Tough Enough, The Miz has come a long way from reality television.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Brad Childress’ next job, the Coava Kone, or your favorite Thanksgiving dish, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

The “Era of Awesome” has begun! The Miz (Mike Mizanin) is your new WWE Champion!!! From MTV’s The Real World to Tough Enough, The Miz has come a long way from reality television. Due to his atypical background, The Miz had to work extra hard to get a top spot in the WWE; some people resented that he didn’t pay his dues in the traditional way and made things difficult for him. Through hard work, continuous improvement in the ring, and extraordinary mic skills, The Miz has made it to the top — WWE Champion and the cover of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011!

How do you think he’ll do as WWE Champion? Will he be a strong enough heel to lead a chasing face all the way to WrestleMania? Or will he be a transitional champion? Will his incredible promos retain their edge now that he’s not chasing the prize? Or will he be better than ever now that he can gloat to the entire WWE roster? I’m digging WWE’s youth movement and hope the company lets The Miz run with the belt for several months. What do you think? How will The Era of Awesome play out?

Coffee Talk #252: What’s Your Favorite “Name” Game?

A lot of videogames have a famous name attached to them. Some have athletes (Frank Thomas: Big Hurt Baseball). Others have game designers (American McGee’s Alice). And some have…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Verve’s Panama Elida Estate Natural, Derek Jeter’s contract negotiations, or Sergio Martinez vicious knockout of Paul Williams, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

A lot of videogames have a famous name attached to them. Some have athletes (Frank Thomas: Big Hurt Baseball). Others have game designers (American McGee’s Alice). And some have musical groups (The Beatles: Rock Band). Today I want to hear about your favorite “name” games.

As for me…well, it’s a little embarrassing. I should say that it’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, but I’ll admit that it’s Britney’s Dance Beat. It has the same gameplay as the excellent Bust-a-Groove and was released before Britney lost her mind.

Now it’s your turn! Lay your favorite “name” game on me and enjoy these Britney Spears photos.

Coffee Talk #251: Your Greatest Gaming Comebacks

I was playing a game of WordFeud for Android against a random player. He/she had two of the three 10-letter tiles and busted out two seven-letter words. I was getting slaughtered…but I kept with it.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the RPad.tv merchandise sale, Bud Selig expanding the MLB playoffs, or San Antonio Spurs players hiding their wives from Tony Parker, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I was playing a game of WordFeud for Android against a random player. He/she had two of the three 10-letter tiles and busted out two seven-letter words. I was getting slaughtered…but I kept with it. Through a combination of clever letter placement, dumb luck, and poor choices by my opponent, I ended up winning the game. It was a glorious and I almost sent my opponent a message that said, “Don’t call it a comeback!”

Do you have any stories like that? Have you had any ridiculous gaming comebacks where the odds were completely stacked against you but you managed to pull out a victory? I’d love to hear your stories. Share and be proud!

Coffee Talk #250: Choose Your Own Coffee Talk!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the RPad.tv merchandise sale, football on Thursdays, or the return of the Microsoft Kin, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I’ve been wanting to do a mailbag type of thing for a while, but not in a straight-up way. Instead, I’m going to ask you to ask me some questions. If you have any questions for me about covering videogames, the developers I’ve met, crazy events, etc., please ask them and I’ll use them for a future Coffee Talk column. I’m counting on you to come up with some fun stuff for me to expand on. After all, your participation is what makes my site worth visiting. Now kindly put on your thinking caps (what the hell is a thinking cap anyway?) and get asking!

Coffee Talk #249: Your Top 10 Wrestlers of All Time

A lot of you posted great comments on WWE’s list of the top 50 WWE Superstars of all time. Most of you agreed with the majority of the picks, but some of you were puzzled by various rankings and omissions. RPadholic Nightshade386 suggested that we all start our own lists and I thought that was a brilliant idea!

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the RPad.tv merchandise sale, why the hell people like pomegranates, or the best bourbon you’ve ever had, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

A lot of you posted great comments on WWE’s list of the top 50 WWE Superstars of all time. Most of you agreed with the majority of the picks, but some of you were puzzled by various rankings and omissions. RPadholic Nightshade386 suggested that we all start our own lists and I thought that was a brilliant idea! Here’s mine:

Ric Flair: Simply the greatest of all time. In his prime, he could put on an outstanding match with a broomstick. Even after he lost a step, Flair could work the mic like nobody else. He carried the NWA and the early days of WCW.
Shawn Michaels: The Heartbreak Kid started off as a dynamic wrestler and transformed into the greatest in-ring performer I’ve ever seen. I dropped him to the second slot because his mic work was uneven and he didn’t do a great job carrying the WWE when he was champion.
Ricky Steamboat: Some of you will question this pick, but can you think of someone that wrestled in two of the best matches ever seen in the NWA and WWE? People still talk about Steamboat’s championship match with Flair and his WrestleMania III match with Randy Savage. Also, has anyone ever made an arm drag look so cool?
Steve Austin: I remember watching him in WCW as “Stunning” Steve Austin and enjoying his work in ECW. I never thought that he’d define an era of WWE and become its most popular Superstar. The crazy part is that he couldn’t wrestle his best at the height of his popularity due to a neck injury. For a brief period of time Austin was perfect: he could wrestle great matches, carry the company, and cut fantastic promos.
The Rock: The other wrestler that defined WWE’s “Attitude Era”, The Rock cut some of the most hilarious promos ever and was brilliant at putting people over with the mic. His wrestling was good offensively, but his ability to sell was better (nobody sold the stunner better than he did). I honestly believe that he could have topped this list if he didn’t cut his wrestling career short to pursue acting.
Hulk Hogan: I’m going to get heat for ranking Hogan this low, but nobody can deny that he sucked in the ring for most of his career. Even in his prime he was a mediocre wrestler. Still, his charisma was undeniable, he carried the WWE, he made the company global, and he sold almost as much merchandise as Austin (yes, that was a dig).
Andre the Giant: The Eighth Wonder of the World was always limited in the ring, but he could singlehandedly sell out arenas. He’s a legend that became known throughout the world. He was also a great locker room guy. I loved when he decked the Ultimate Warrior with a stiff shot for getting out of line. Andre helped make wrestling larger-than-life entertainment.
Sting: While most people know him from his Crow-wannabe days, I still remember the bleached-blond kid with a rat tail and neon tights. He was dynamic and charismatic. He put on fantastic matches with Flair and even carried the limited Lex Luger to excellent shows.
Arn Anderson: Double A was the best complementary wrestler ever. As The Four Horsemen’s “enforcer”, Anderson was an integral part of making the group seem so bad ass. Flair had the belt and the spotlight, but Arn was the heart and soul of The Horsemen. His wrestling was excellent, his promos were intense, and nobody made the spinebuster look so forceful.
Kurt Angle: Arguably the greatest athlete to ever wrestle professionally, Angle’s in-ring work was ridiculous in his prime in terms of offense. As far as selling and physical storytelling, there are better…but not many. I never bought into his “intense” promos, but a lot of people liked them. I was thoroughly entertained by the wise-ass and comedic versions of Angle.

Anyway, that’s my list. I’d love to see yours! Feel free to rip mine apart too.