Xbox

Latest reports are hinting towards Durango/Xbox 720 simply being called Xbox. Which I like however it also begs the question, what comes after Xbox? I mean considering the Xbox already exists its a fairly big step to blame a new console the same as the 1st gen. Does this mean this will be the last Microsoft console and from here on in it'll be online streaming of content ala Gaikai and OnLive?

They're not getting too much love in general though. The comments recently regarding always online are important because, like SimCity, what benefits does it give? Its not a case of what are we losing from always online but more why are they doing it? what do we gain? Very little really if anything and thats why its worrying because my PS3 and old 360 would often not connect online for whatever reason and if I cant play games, offline games specifically, because of that then I'm not going to be happy.

Some of the biggest releases nowadays aren't multiplayer focused anyway, Skyrim, Bioshock Infinite, God of War, Tomb Raider, Hitman. These aren't traditional multiplayer games so why would always online even be needed other than or DRM purposes and advertising?

Gamasutra

I recently posted a report from the masters last year on gamasutra, i think I would like to get a bit more vocal with my interest in UX, fourth wall and playable menus (which all kind of work in tandem). They're areas which I have a keen interest and i enjoy discussing yet arent getting a great deal of public interest

New Beginning

I've finally completed my masters degree, a hell of a journey which I have learnt an extraordinary amount from. I'll be getting the final semester game trailer together in the not too distant future. In the mean time I'm back down in the south of England and looking for jobs, wish me luck.

Prince of Persia

Playing through the cell shaded prince of Persia for the first time and i'm given the option of selecting a place on my map to visit.

First issue i have with this is the map looks exactly the same, so what motivation is there for selecting a particular place.

Second issue with this is that i can go anywhere, hard or easy areas. Pretty much up to me but ill likely get stuck if i select a hard area first, which im inclined to do because like a lot of gamers im not logical.

It just feels that like a lot of menu designs its not been given actual user experience testing properly otherwise why would it have been designed in this way?

Jason Mraz- game website

I was on Jason Mraz's website looking to order his new album when I came across a puzzle game which allows entry into a certain part of the site. All you have to do place puzzle pieces together which then gives you access to certain content. I figured its a different way of navigating a website, similar to my research philosophy on playable menus.

Eye Tracking

I've recently been shown the wonder that is eye tracking. Its astounding how easy and quickly a user can get results from using it. I'm going to be implementing it into my project to identify where users are actually looking on menus and how this can be useful when designing playable menus.

Time permitting I'd also like to use it within the game development projects this year to identify whether players are identifying puzzles, as some are placed above the player, as well as to see if players are paying attention to the environment art.

Case Studies

For my research into Menu & Tutorial design I've been looking at a select few console, mobile and motion controlled games. Ill post my initial findings here later on however I'd like to mainly discuss my narrative project this year.

I'm looking at breaking the fourth wall in games and what sort of effect it can have on players immersion. I'm particular interested in the psychology behind what exactly is immersion as well as the advantages games have compared to film of including player sin the experiences based on the synthetic nature of video games.