Michael Silverman

While I was working on the LEGO project I came across the following company:

http://www.seriousplay.com/

"LEGO SERIOUS PLAY uses LEGO bricks and elements and a unique method where people are empowered to "think through their fingers"

In case you haven't already checked out past IGF winner "Crayon Physics," you should.

The technology at the heart of this game is free and it is called "Box 2d." Unfortunately the presentation of this piece of software may prevent a lot IMD'ers from realizing the inherent fun in physics.

Back at the University of Rochester I was fortunate enough to work with the synchronization group doing some research. It is quite a sharp and distinguished group. Professor Michael Scott, our fearless leader, is one of the creators of the first software lock implementations still used today. Here is a link to his acceptance speech for the Dijkstra Prize for that work.

The results of my research would eventually be included in a conference paper. Continue reading for more info a link to the paper.

There are some big events going on in the industry. Kotaku has a link to its articles for BlizzCon. Since Diablo and Starcraft are two of my favorite games, I'm wishing I had some tickets. I heard that some IMD'ers managed to grab some, and it would be interesting to hear their thoughts.

The other one is the Tokyo Game Show, again summed up by Kotaku. I know a few of our students will be showing their work there which is quite impressive.

I'd like to showcase a cool game I found on the web known as "FISHY." It represents quite a few study halls worth of "work" back in high school. It is simple and quite compelling.

Studio: http://www.xgenstudios.com/

Format: Flash, 1 Player, Browser.

Core Mechanic: 1) Decide: Bigger or Smaller. 2) Avoid or Collide.

Control: Arrow Keys.

Interface: Minimal. Score Meter, and Fish Eaten Meter.

This time we have a classic Kenta Cho title. He puts out mostly Galaga type arcade shooters.

Studio: ABA Games

Format: OpenGL, 1 Player, Windows.