Hasbro Reacquires Game Rights From Infogrames
"French-headquartered publisher and developer Infogrames, recently in the news over the resignation of CEO Jim Caparro at its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary Atari Inc., has made another major change to its line-up, with the news that Hasbro has reacquired many of its gaming rights from the company, for a sum of $65 million.
"Infogrames, which now publishes its games under the Atari label, originally acquired Hasbro Interactive in 2000 for $100 million, in a deal that included rights to all Microprose games, the Atari hardware and software, the Games.com online gaming site, and electronic rights to all Hasbro properties for a period of 20 years. Infogrames then merged the company with acquired U.S. property GT Interactive under the current Atari Inc. brand."
Sunday, June 12, 2005
A lexicon of teen speak
Here's a great resource for those "evolved" languages for your near future campaigns. Use the right "teen speak" (this article is from the UK) and your can equal any doublespeak written by Burgess, Womack or even Orwell.
A lexicon of teen speak
"A new campaign aims to persuade people to become teachers because they will learn new words. Teen speak can be confusing for anyone who is not a teen. So here is the E-cyclopedia's first annual guide to youth-speak for the not-so-young."
A lexicon of teen speak
"A new campaign aims to persuade people to become teachers because they will learn new words. Teen speak can be confusing for anyone who is not a teen. So here is the E-cyclopedia's first annual guide to youth-speak for the not-so-young."
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Mike Mearls Hired as Developer at Wizards of the Coast
Mike Mearls Hired as Developer at Wizards of the Coast
"I've received my offer letter, so I guess it's kosher to publicly announce this. I've been hired by Wizards of the Coast as an RPG developer." [via Jeff's Gameblog]
"I've received my offer letter, so I guess it's kosher to publicly announce this. I've been hired by Wizards of the Coast as an RPG developer." [via Jeff's Gameblog]
Experiment IV: Israel May Use Sound Weapon on Settlers
Here's something that could be useful for your RPG campaigns. It reminded me of the old Kate Bush song, Experiment IV:
We were working secretly
For the military.
Our experiment in sound,
Was nearly ready to begin.
We only know in theory
What we are doing:
Music made for pleasure,
Music made to thrill.
It was music we were making here until
They told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake in the making.
From the painful cry of mothers,
To the terrifying scream,
We recorded it and put it into our machine.
Then they told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake in the making.
It could feel like falling in love.
It could feel so bad.
But it could feel so good.
It could sing you to sleep
"I'll bet my mum's gonna give me a little toy instrument!"
But that dream is your enemy.
We won't be there to be blamed.
We won't be there to snitch.
I just pray that someone there
Can hit the switch.
But they told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake we've made.
Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm.
And the public are warned to stay off.
Experiment IV: Israel May Use Sound Weapon on Settlers
"Israel is considering using an unusual new weapon against Jewish settlers who resist this summer's
Gaza Strip evacuation — a device that emits penetrating bursts of sound that leaves targets reeling with dizziness and nausea.
"Security forces could employ the weapon to overcome resistance without resorting to force, their paramount aim. But experts warn that the effects of prolonged exposure are unknown.
"The army employed the new device, which it dubbed 'The Scream,' at a recent violent demonstration by Palestinians and Jewish sympathizers against Israel's West Bank separation barrier."
We were working secretly
For the military.
Our experiment in sound,
Was nearly ready to begin.
We only know in theory
What we are doing:
Music made for pleasure,
Music made to thrill.
It was music we were making here until
They told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake in the making.
From the painful cry of mothers,
To the terrifying scream,
We recorded it and put it into our machine.
Then they told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake in the making.
It could feel like falling in love.
It could feel so bad.
But it could feel so good.
It could sing you to sleep
"I'll bet my mum's gonna give me a little toy instrument!"
But that dream is your enemy.
We won't be there to be blamed.
We won't be there to snitch.
I just pray that someone there
Can hit the switch.
But they told us
All they wanted
Was a sound that could kill someone
From a distance.
So we go ahead,
And the meters are over in the red.
It's a mistake we've made.
Hmm hmm hmm, hmm hmm hmm.
And the public are warned to stay off.
Experiment IV: Israel May Use Sound Weapon on Settlers
"Israel is considering using an unusual new weapon against Jewish settlers who resist this summer's
Gaza Strip evacuation — a device that emits penetrating bursts of sound that leaves targets reeling with dizziness and nausea.
"Security forces could employ the weapon to overcome resistance without resorting to force, their paramount aim. But experts warn that the effects of prolonged exposure are unknown.
"The army employed the new device, which it dubbed 'The Scream,' at a recent violent demonstration by Palestinians and Jewish sympathizers against Israel's West Bank separation barrier."
Comics and graphic novels, not just men in tights
Comics and graphic novels, not just men in tights
"Who would win a fight between Batman and Balzac, Superman and Steinbeck?" [via Colleen]
"Who would win a fight between Batman and Balzac, Superman and Steinbeck?" [via Colleen]
Church Sex Case Stuns Louisiana Town
Sounds like something from a Lovecraft story. See, there are still debased cults down in the "swamps" of Louisiana.
Church Sex Case Stuns Louisiana Town
"From his tire store next door, Donald Moore got an up-close look at the strange changes that went on at the once-bustling Hosanna Church.
"For one thing, the congregation had dwindled to a handful of reclusive members who chased away visitors. For another, the windows were painted white so no one could see in. And just before it closed its doors for good a couple of years ago, eight dump trucks came in and spread dirt over the church's back lot." [via Jonny]
Church Sex Case Stuns Louisiana Town
"From his tire store next door, Donald Moore got an up-close look at the strange changes that went on at the once-bustling Hosanna Church.
"For one thing, the congregation had dwindled to a handful of reclusive members who chased away visitors. For another, the windows were painted white so no one could see in. And just before it closed its doors for good a couple of years ago, eight dump trucks came in and spread dirt over the church's back lot." [via Jonny]
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Cleveland Gamers: Next Gathering
The next gathering of Cleveland Gamers will be at Seekers Coffehouse in Middleburgh Heights, June 18th at 8:00pm. If you're a role-playing in the Cleveland, Ohio area you should come by and say hello. While slightly scary looking, we are a friendly bunch.
Send an email to Cleveland Gamers at Yahoo to join the mailing list.
Send an email to Cleveland Gamers at Yahoo to join the mailing list.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Announcing True20 Adventure Roleplaying
From the Green Ronin website:
"Green Ronin Publishing is proud to announce to upcoming release of the True20 Adventure Roleplaying game. Based on the innovative new rules system from Blue Rose, our Roleplaying Game of Romantic Fantasy, True20 provides a complete set of rules for fast, easy, and fun adventure roleplaying. All you need is a single 20-sided die to play, and the system guides you through the process of creating your own heroic character, with plenty of options to choose from, letting you create the hero you want to play! True20 Adventure Roleplaying will be available next week in PDF format from RPGNow. Whether you are an experienced roleplayer or just looking for a new, simple, and fun game system, True20 is roleplaying done right!"
"Green Ronin Publishing is proud to announce to upcoming release of the True20 Adventure Roleplaying game. Based on the innovative new rules system from Blue Rose, our Roleplaying Game of Romantic Fantasy, True20 provides a complete set of rules for fast, easy, and fun adventure roleplaying. All you need is a single 20-sided die to play, and the system guides you through the process of creating your own heroic character, with plenty of options to choose from, letting you create the hero you want to play! True20 Adventure Roleplaying will be available next week in PDF format from RPGNow. Whether you are an experienced roleplayer or just looking for a new, simple, and fun game system, True20 is roleplaying done right!"
A Great Man: David C. Sutherland III
A Great Man: David C. Sutherland III
"I have some profoundly sad news to report. David C. Sutherland III passed away sometime Tuesday in his residence in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. While his health had been in sharp decline, he was fairly active in his last days and was taking good care of himself. Thus, his death comes as sudden and unexpected.
"Dave is survived by his ex-wife and two daughters. His sister Trudy, brother Scott, and mother would like to pass along their warmest regards to all of those who participated in the Collector's Trove auctions of David's collection over the past year. The funds have been placed in an account to support David's estate and his surviving family members.
"He will be interred with full military honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
"David as you know was a longtime artist in the gaming world. Producing countless works at an incredible rate, he helped illustrate the games of our imagination for generations of players. Wargames, roleplaying games, strategy games, and board games. David had done it all with the care and intensity that only a true fan of the historical, sci-fi, fantasy game genre could uphold.
"The seminal artist of the Dungeons and Dragons and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons game and the fantasy world of M.A.R. Barker's Tekumel, David helped shape the very roots of the roleplaying games we all know and love. His work is the canvas of our youth and fond sentiments. Many of the top writers and artists involved with the roleplaying games industry owe their inspiration and calling to him.
"David's involvement in the art of games goes back to 1974 and the breadth and depth of his work is a roadmap for the history of the industry.
"Every game industry person that knew Dave respected him for his unswerving devotion to art and remembered him for his great heart. Dave was a truly honest, loyal, decent, kind hearted soul, that selflessly shared a particularly keen wisdom to all around him. Many of them owe their happiness in life and life's calling to David. He was truly a man for others."
"I have some profoundly sad news to report. David C. Sutherland III passed away sometime Tuesday in his residence in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. While his health had been in sharp decline, he was fairly active in his last days and was taking good care of himself. Thus, his death comes as sudden and unexpected.
"Dave is survived by his ex-wife and two daughters. His sister Trudy, brother Scott, and mother would like to pass along their warmest regards to all of those who participated in the Collector's Trove auctions of David's collection over the past year. The funds have been placed in an account to support David's estate and his surviving family members.
"He will be interred with full military honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
"David as you know was a longtime artist in the gaming world. Producing countless works at an incredible rate, he helped illustrate the games of our imagination for generations of players. Wargames, roleplaying games, strategy games, and board games. David had done it all with the care and intensity that only a true fan of the historical, sci-fi, fantasy game genre could uphold.
"The seminal artist of the Dungeons and Dragons and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons game and the fantasy world of M.A.R. Barker's Tekumel, David helped shape the very roots of the roleplaying games we all know and love. His work is the canvas of our youth and fond sentiments. Many of the top writers and artists involved with the roleplaying games industry owe their inspiration and calling to him.
"David's involvement in the art of games goes back to 1974 and the breadth and depth of his work is a roadmap for the history of the industry.
"Every game industry person that knew Dave respected him for his unswerving devotion to art and remembered him for his great heart. Dave was a truly honest, loyal, decent, kind hearted soul, that selflessly shared a particularly keen wisdom to all around him. Many of them owe their happiness in life and life's calling to David. He was truly a man for others."
Corporations Enter Blogosphere
Corporations Enter Blogosphere
"When General Motors Corp. wanted to stop speculation this spring that it might eliminate its Pontiac and Buick brands, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz took his case directly to dealers and customers who were up in arms about the possibility.
"He wrote about it on the company's blog."
"When General Motors Corp. wanted to stop speculation this spring that it might eliminate its Pontiac and Buick brands, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz took his case directly to dealers and customers who were up in arms about the possibility.
"He wrote about it on the company's blog."
Alien Thinking
Alien Thinking
"Not many scientists are prepared to take tales of alien abduction seriously, but John Mack, a Harvard professor who was killed in a road accident in north London last year, did. Ten years on from a row which nearly lost him his job, hundreds of people who claim they were abducted still revere him.
"Professor John E Mack was an eminent Harvard psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Pulitzer Prize winner whose clinical work had focused on explorations of dreams, nightmares and adolescent suicide."
"Not many scientists are prepared to take tales of alien abduction seriously, but John Mack, a Harvard professor who was killed in a road accident in north London last year, did. Ten years on from a row which nearly lost him his job, hundreds of people who claim they were abducted still revere him.
"Professor John E Mack was an eminent Harvard psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Pulitzer Prize winner whose clinical work had focused on explorations of dreams, nightmares and adolescent suicide."
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Fudge Factor: Kilbrandeen House
Here is a very good adventure that recently appeared in Fudge Factor. Being that it is written for Fudge, it would be pretty easy to adapt. It is well worth checking out.
Fudge Factor: Kilbrandeen House
"Sitting high up on a hill, on the outskirts of Scotland, there sits Kilbrandeen House. This abandoned house has held the town in awe with legends and mysterious happenings for the last 200 years.
Enter, if you dare."
Fudge Factor: Kilbrandeen House
"Sitting high up on a hill, on the outskirts of Scotland, there sits Kilbrandeen House. This abandoned house has held the town in awe with legends and mysterious happenings for the last 200 years.
Enter, if you dare."
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Voyager 1 reaches solar system's final frontier
Voyager 1 reaches solar system's final frontier
"NASA's Voyager 1 has reached the final frontier of our solar system, having traveled through a turbulent place where electrically charged particles from the Sun crash into thin gas from interstellar space.
"Astronomers tracking the little spaceship's 26-year journey from Earth believe Voyager 1 has gone through a region known as termination shock, some 8.7 billion miles from the Sun, and entered an area called the heliosheath"
"NASA's Voyager 1 has reached the final frontier of our solar system, having traveled through a turbulent place where electrically charged particles from the Sun crash into thin gas from interstellar space.
"Astronomers tracking the little spaceship's 26-year journey from Earth believe Voyager 1 has gone through a region known as termination shock, some 8.7 billion miles from the Sun, and entered an area called the heliosheath"
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
'The Riddler' Frank Gorshin Dies at 72
He will be missed. He is already missed I am sure.
'The Riddler' Frank Gorshin Dies at 72
"Frank Gorshin, the impressionist with 100 faces best known for his Emmy-nominated role as the Riddler on the 'Batman' TV series, has died. He was 72."
'The Riddler' Frank Gorshin Dies at 72
"Frank Gorshin, the impressionist with 100 faces best known for his Emmy-nominated role as the Riddler on the 'Batman' TV series, has died. He was 72."
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The Burger King In Yellow
And you should ask yourself, is this new concept of Burger King an avatar of the King in Yellow?
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Three killed over role-playing game in Brazil
Wow. That's player immersion.
Three killed over role-playing game in Brazil
"A 21-year-old man and his parents were killed after the man agreed to be murdered along with his family if he lost a murder-mystery role-playing game, local media reported Saturday."
There's also that little voice saying, "You're a psycho" to pretty much everyone involved in this little senario.
Three killed over role-playing game in Brazil
"A 21-year-old man and his parents were killed after the man agreed to be murdered along with his family if he lost a murder-mystery role-playing game, local media reported Saturday."
There's also that little voice saying, "You're a psycho" to pretty much everyone involved in this little senario.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Stone the crows! Exploding toad case solved
Stone the crows! Exploding toad case solved
"After weeks of flummoxing scientists, Germany's great exploding toads mystery has been solved. They were gruesomely murdered by crows with a taste for foie gras."
"After weeks of flummoxing scientists, Germany's great exploding toads mystery has been solved. They were gruesomely murdered by crows with a taste for foie gras."
Sunday, May 08, 2005
TOP SECRET: Unit
TOP SECRET: Unit
"Any threat. Any location. Protecting humanity no matter how far it takes us."
This is not, however, apparently connected to the UNIT that appeared in Doctor Who. I could be wrong though.
"Any threat. Any location. Protecting humanity no matter how far it takes us."
This is not, however, apparently connected to the UNIT that appeared in Doctor Who. I could be wrong though.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
The FATE Interview
RPG Blog: The FATE Interview
The owner of the RPG Blog interviews Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue, the creators of FATE, one of the more interesting versions of the Fudge rules available out there currently.
The owner of the RPG Blog interviews Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue, the creators of FATE, one of the more interesting versions of the Fudge rules available out there currently.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Alan Moore’s Twilight of the Superheroes
I come across this online from time to time, and thought that I might look it over for ideas for my Challengers: Beyond The Unknown campaign that is percolating in my head right now. If you haven't read this before, I whole-heartedly reccomend it. It is interesting how pieces have ended up in various stories anyway.
Alan Moore’s Twilight of the Superheroes
"Some time circa 1987, after Swamp Thing and Watchmen, and before his falling out with DC, comics legend Alan Moore submitted a proposal for a series that was never published. Twilight. Plunging the DC Universe into Ragnarok, Goetterdammerung, the Twilight of the Gods, it was never brought to fruition.
"This document surfaced later in an un-named Science Fiction fanzine and was transferred to the web by un-named fans. I cleaned up some of the obvious scanning errors (after a year scanning the work of Freud, I’ve come to recognize the difference between computer error and human error). Originally there was some question as to its validity. That is, was it really Alan Moore’s proposal, or a well-written hoax? Pros across the net all agreed that it was real. The stories they tell make this script into some sort of holy grail, a magical creation passing from hero to hero. The comments are worth reading. The authorship, however, is no longer in doubt. Both Alan Moore (to others) and DC Comics (to me) have said that this is in fact Moore’s proposal."
Alan Moore’s Twilight of the Superheroes
"Some time circa 1987, after Swamp Thing and Watchmen, and before his falling out with DC, comics legend Alan Moore submitted a proposal for a series that was never published. Twilight. Plunging the DC Universe into Ragnarok, Goetterdammerung, the Twilight of the Gods, it was never brought to fruition.
"This document surfaced later in an un-named Science Fiction fanzine and was transferred to the web by un-named fans. I cleaned up some of the obvious scanning errors (after a year scanning the work of Freud, I’ve come to recognize the difference between computer error and human error). Originally there was some question as to its validity. That is, was it really Alan Moore’s proposal, or a well-written hoax? Pros across the net all agreed that it was real. The stories they tell make this script into some sort of holy grail, a magical creation passing from hero to hero. The comments are worth reading. The authorship, however, is no longer in doubt. Both Alan Moore (to others) and DC Comics (to me) have said that this is in fact Moore’s proposal."
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
"Tomorrow Is The World We Are Living In Right Now!"
The exoskeleton, bringing you greater strength and greater mobility. Doesn't it remind you of the one worn by Batman in Kingdom Come? This is, however, allegedly an actual working model, developed by a Japanese company.
I know that this probably isn't new, but I like the picture. Bonus points if you can name who said the quote that I used as a subject for this posting.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Mystery of German exploding toads
Maybe this wouldn't happen if they were Infinite Frogs.
Mystery of German exploding toads
"Toads in an area of northern Germany are being killed off by a mysterious disease - they are exploding."
Mystery of German exploding toads
"Toads in an area of northern Germany are being killed off by a mysterious disease - they are exploding."
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Da Vinci Code bestseller is plagiarism, Holy Blood Holy Grail authors claim
Da Vinci Code bestseller is plagiarism, Holy Blood Holy Grail authors claim
"Jesus conspiracy novel has earned £140 million, but now two academic writers say that their historical work preceded it by 20 years, reports Elizabeth Day
"It is the biggest-selling adult fiction book of all time and has earned its author a reputed £140 million with its plot about a global conspiracy to suppress Christ's marriage.
"The Da Vinci Code has sold more than 12 million copies and has been translated into 42 languages. But now two writers are suing its publishers, claiming that it was copied from their bestseller that first appeared more than 20 years ago.
"Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh claim that Dan Brown, the 39-year-old former English teacher from New Hampshire, has 'lifted the whole architecture' of the research that they carried out for their non-fiction work The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, which they co-wrote with Henry Lincoln.
"They claim that the similarities between the two books are such that they have no choice but to sue Random House, whose imprint Doubleday is the publisher of Brown's novel."
"Jesus conspiracy novel has earned £140 million, but now two academic writers say that their historical work preceded it by 20 years, reports Elizabeth Day
"It is the biggest-selling adult fiction book of all time and has earned its author a reputed £140 million with its plot about a global conspiracy to suppress Christ's marriage.
"The Da Vinci Code has sold more than 12 million copies and has been translated into 42 languages. But now two writers are suing its publishers, claiming that it was copied from their bestseller that first appeared more than 20 years ago.
"Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh claim that Dan Brown, the 39-year-old former English teacher from New Hampshire, has 'lifted the whole architecture' of the research that they carried out for their non-fiction work The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, which they co-wrote with Henry Lincoln.
"They claim that the similarities between the two books are such that they have no choice but to sue Random House, whose imprint Doubleday is the publisher of Brown's novel."
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