What do the following characters have in common: Master Chief, Navi (from The Legend of Zelda), Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Samus, and the Mandalorian?
We hardly — or never saw their faces — and yet we found ourselves unusually attached to all of them.
It’s not to say that their faces didn’t exist. Most of them had quite familiar-looking faces once exposed, but developers intentionally hid their expressions from us. These archetypes found themselves mysterious and featured obscure backstories designed to keep us in the dark.
We loved their stoic posture. We searched far and wide for more information about…
Are the basic skulls even worth it? I questioned this very mechanic my first hour of gameplay, but first, a little backstory.
I took a break this weekend from big-name games and played something completely new, Skul: The Hero Slayer. SouthPAW Games developed the game and it officially released on January 21, 2021.
My son walked in as I loaded the game for the first time. He is four, and I’ve held out on him playing video games for now. I want a bit more time to cultivate his creativity before he sets foot into the beautiful world of gaming.
…
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” — Robert Mckee.
I used to be a night owl. The chef’s life does that to you—night and day trade places with each other. The dark of night brought freedom, while I enjoyed sleep only when the sun's sharp rays penetrated the blinds. The glow of my computer replaced the glare of the sun, and the sun became the moon.
Two hours on weekends and zero games during the week was all I got. Most of us experienced similar restrictions on our favorite pastime growing up. In the ’90s, many parents saw this new hobby as an addictive, useless waste of time damaging children's brains. This lack of support produced feelings of insecurity and even embarrassment in me and many of my peers. Nerding out only took place discreetly and silently.
Very few saw the massive scope of the gaming industry beforehand.
“One way to forget about pain is to do something that you will be in completely.”
Danil “Dendi” Ishutin
One million dollars. Can you imagine? You win a massive international video game tournament, and you and your team walk away with one million dollars. Valve held the first-ever “International” on August 17–21st 2011, in Seattle, Washington.
The Ukrainian team Natus Vincere that won the tournament, walked away victorious in dramatic famous.
The prize pool combined with high-level tournament drama were the kindling esports that needed to explode in the west. …
“As confusing, unpredictable, and stressful as life may be, always remember, it is never incorrect to be kind. When lost, do nice things.”- Sean Plott (Day9)
Who in the gaming community can you look to for guidance? Back when I was limping through my socially awkward faze, I desperately sought out people like me. My confidence was low and desperately needed encouragement to build myself into someone new. So, I scoured the internet for personalities that embodied what I hope to manifest in the future.
I was seeking someone who spoke to the philosophies that I hope to achieve, but…
“OH&S violations have resulted in a premature end of life situation.” -statement upon my first death in Void Bastards.
Intense colors of purple, orange, and blue emanated from the vessel as I began to search for supplies. What should I do? Should I loot the entire ship or go for fuel and hope for a smaller ship later?
I made my way out of the airlock to find the power was out. I consulted my mini-map and found the fastest route to the power generator. Two rooms later, I was confronted by a tall enemy known as the janitor. …
I stood outside the wishing well at eight years old, clutching my penny with quiet desperation. I was going through a turbulent time, and I had a lot I could ask from the well that had collected so many coins over the years. I wonder if anyone's wishes had come true?
What would be my wish?
A Sega Game Gear.
Don’t judge me; I was eight, and I desperately wanted to play Sonic ever since one of my best friends unveiled his sleek black handheld complete with a carrying case.
My coin gently plunked into the well, and I soon…
“O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me.” — Private Jackson (Saving Private Ryan)
Who could forget that scene? Private Jackson is standing in the watchtower, taking down soldiers as he utters his silent mantra. The sound of the reload penetrates our minds as he takes shot after shot. He carries his intensity in his eyes and embodies a being at peak focus. He rightfully receives the ending that he deserves as he perishes in a giant ball of flaming glory.
If that movie doesn’t represent the feeling of…
It’s rainy and just a tad windy today. There is just enough wind blowing to create those micro leaf tornados you see while driving—the perfect type of day for coffee, reading, and reflection.
I would ask you wherever you are, to pause and reflect for a moment. Bring a memory to the front of your brain. This thought should be one of human interaction. Think of a time when you were overly stressed and someone showed extraordinary compassion or awareness.
Do you have your memory?
Good.
You will find a connection to this story.
I was seven years old when…
Short stories are to explore my demons. Reflections are to explore my feelings, and philosophies are for my son just in case. langleytrinity@hotmail.com