GDC 2012 Sample Sumo Music Technology GDC Play

GDC PLAY 2012 - SAMPLE SUMO AUDIO RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

So it's been a few weeks since GDC 2012, and I'm finally getting around to going through all the business cards I've accumulated over the week at the conference. With so many social events, it's easy to forget where certain cards came from, but in the case of Sample Sumo a Belgium based tech company, I immediately recalled it was from GDC Play.

GDC Play is a separate area from the the main Exhibit Hall, and Conference area. it is the equivalent of a convention's 'Artist Alley' but for independent developers who wish to display their games and products. Sample Sumo's audio technology demonstration was pretty memorable. Using sounds to trigger gameplay behaviour, the user could either tap, pots and pans, or wood blocks to get the correct sound effect, which the microphone would then pick up.

Being demoed at GDC Play was Cows 'n' Order.

It's a neat technology that could be applied to something like Microsoft Kinect, or Sony Move, or even without a camera, or controller. Seems like all you need is a microphone, and well, sound! Would work well with handheld gaming on smartphones or PS Vita, and Nintendo DS.

Read more about Sample Sumo at GDC http://www.samplesumo.com/node/48


Sample Sumo
http://www.samplesumo.com/

Are Video Games Bad for Comics? Ed Boon, Joe Madureira speak.

Comic licensing, video games, and you.

Several weeks in the making, my latest article for the Game Career Guide comes at the end of the summer movie blockbuster season, but with the holiday movie rush in sight. If you were sitting in theaters enjoying the spectacle of this year's big comic brands Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, and The Dark Knight, but were all the while dreading how these superheroes would translate to a video game form, don't fret, you're most likely not the only one. Superhero video games have had a less than stellar track record.

Comic licensing and adaptations are still very much in demand. With this, comes a demand for not only more comic-based films, but for better quality ones as well. With the taste in audiences changing, and comic-book based films getting what some would consider 'better', why can't video-game adaptations keep up?

In a quest to figure out why crappy comicbook games continue to get made, I decided to do some research, asking a few experienced developers (Ed Boon, and Joe Maduriera) who have a unique perspective on the situation to open up about the business of licensing, and production. While comments by Frank Miller and Zack Snyder, taken from this year's San Diego Comic-Con, add to the discussion of adaptations.

With 'Are video games bad for comics,' I try and put into perspective the growing pains that developers are faced with when dealing with the licensing of comicbooks, the superhero kind, specifically.

Gamasutra, provides the entry, while Game Career Guide offers the 5 page post in full. I'm definitely pleased with the way the article turned out, and I'm especially grateful for having such a great editor, Jill Duffy, who really made this piece shine. Give it a read, and be sure to share the link.

Back to School with Game Career Guide Fall 2008

Jump start your career path.

Sure it's not even September yet, but with the fall school year fast approaching, it's best to be prepared. Whether you are in middle school, high school, or college, or even a working professional seeking new opportunities, having an idea of what you want to do as a future career never hurts. It is never too early to focus on goals necessary to meet the prerequisites of a particular program or job.

When I was in elementary I remember that I wanted to work in the video game industry. Originally I had thought I would be a music composer, but sometime in high school, I realized I was more artistic with the visual medium then anything else. It was then I gave up on a career in music, and focused on improving artistically. I wanted to be an animator.

During high school, I took part-time courses in Life Drawing, Art History, Computer Animation, and Computer Graphics, at a local community college to build a portfolio to meet the requirements of a film school I wanted to get into -- the ghetto high school I attended lacked the classes. My high school counsellor at first refused to let me take those courses which conflicted with my high school schedule, so I took matters into my own hands. It was the best choice I made, not only helping me get into the film school, but also giving me a leg up early on with art. I ended up doing what I needed to do to become the animator I am today.

Nowadays, students have many more resources available to help them out. The internet, magazines, websites, conferences, and recruiting fairs. High Schools are offering more technical and art courses, and are generally more informed when it comes to helping students get in the "tech industry." Post secondary institutions geared towards gaming are popping up everywhere, with programs ranging from the simple, to the complex, the technical, and academic. Game Developer Magazine, Gamasutra, and Game Career Guide, are offering the best resources for anyone looking to get into gaming, and are great alternatives to the video game hobbyist game review-oriented publications out there. Back when I was a student, these game development resources were unheard of.

The latest issue of Game Developer presents Game Career Guide Fall 2008, once again compiles a slew of useful information. From the disciplines within the industry, to an updated salary survey, directories on schools, and tips to get in. This issue rocks!

Be sure to pick up your copy, along with Game Developer Magazine now.