jmbossy

I'll definitely find a copy of Theory for Fun, and I'll see what else I can get my hands on. Thanks for the recommendations! Also, that link is pretty fantastic. I'll probably read as much of those as I can before it goes anywhere.

Though my course load has mostly been full of social sciences (sprinkled with art history where I can), I haven't been able to find meaningful academic tutelage on more creative subjects. I'm interested in social sciences mostly as additions to my base artistic interests, but my school does not offer courses or literature on these subjects. So, if anyone has any recommendations for game design, graphic design, or film theory text books I would really appreciate the suggestions. I mostly suspect IT will have suggestions on game design texts, and I've already been suggested "Game Feel" by Steve Swink, but any opinions you have on my circumstance would be welcome. Thanks

I don't know I agree there is a large enough audience of gamers who are both passionate about the industry, but not enough to seek more information regarding its largest controversy in some time, to target with a social media campaign. It could have been effective earlier on, but obviously not many people were willing to stick their necks out between the doxing and death threats. Really, the entire thing crumbles when the non partisan see a victor and begin to gravitate. We can't actually target them because they aren't all that interested in cultural priority for the games industry. The most they will do until they see more support from news outlets is reductively denounce harassment (which, you know, is super helpful). I think Gamespot and Giant Bomb are doing a better job at trying to appeal to the apathetic, but its probably easier for them as they weren't direct targets of GG like Polygon. I imagine the last stumbling blocks will be IGN, /r/gaming, and other middle ground news sites.

The vocal arm of the anti-GG movement is mostly involuntary. If you believe that GG are the aggressors in the conversation (which I do) than anti-GG's only reasonable defense is solidarity. Though I agree a lot of the anti-GG's on social media aren't doing all that well to articulate exactly how GG is unfounded, they don't have much to work with. The sad truth is that it is human nature to want to fight back when assaulted. The problem is, and its the same reason solidarity is the only justifiable response to GG, is that the group's rhetoric is founded almost entirely in circular logic; there is literally nothing you could say to point out their hypocrisy or even misunderstandings. Edit: "Children" may be a little much. Not because it's inaccurate but because I'd rather not rely on insults to validate my point. Let's say--- they are a violent and effective swarm uninterested with reason to communicate their ideals.

Arthur Gies of Polygon just published his review of Bayonetta 2. Let's just say the reception hasn't been all that progressive... http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/13/6957677/bayonetta-2-review-wii-u

I'm actually marathoning the first few episodes this Sunday. i'll check back with mine and my unsuspecting friends' reactions. Should be good.

I think you're joking, but i'm not actually sure... Netflix it is!

So I guess I'm going to start watching Twin Peaks then. Anyone have any suggestions on some specific way I should watch the episodes, or will Netflix be fine?

It's definitely a fair opinion to have. I enjoyed The Rover a lot while watching it, but really beyond Pearce's performance I haven't felt the need to consider the film making in anyway. I'm definitly going to keep a close eye on Michod going forward (I'm watching Animal Kingdom tonight actually) but he really hasn't shown me the same promise someone like Roskam did with Bullhead or The Drop; both of which I highly regard.

For as much as I enjoyed Gone Girl I fully understand that argument. The script is surreal and if it weren't handled by such an impressive director it would have bordered on hokey, in fact that's how I (to unpopular reception) felt about Gone Baby Gone by Ben Affleck. In fact I actually think the two movies have a lot in common, but Fincher really shows how mature he is with Gone Girl, where Affleck could only show promise.

Yeah The Rover is pretty alright. I liked the performances (Pearce, especially) and the direction, but it felt a little needlessly nihilistic. Also, I watch way to many movies so I'm just going to throw out whatever I've seen recently every now and again (if they're at all worth watching). Gone Girl (My Spoiler Free Review) Summary: Both critical and visceral, sort of adds to Fincher's growing filmography of psychopaths and such. I imagine more people will like this than those who liked Zodiac or Dragon Tattoo, so if you liked either of those you'll probably like this. Also, (not by me). The Drop (My Spoiler Free Review) Summary: Very stylish American debut from the oscar nominated Michael R Roskam. Stars two top of their game performances from Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini, and there is a lot more to this movie than most people will pick up on. So far my favourite movie of 2014 (of the 40 or so I've seen) Night Moves (My Spoiler Free Review) Summary: Quiet and tense. Beautiful cinematgraphy, tension-filled direction, and a couple of strong performances (Eisenberg, especially) but not much else. Also my review for The Rover if anyone is interested. I'll post a review for pretty much any movie I watch over on Letterboxd but I'll try not to spam this thread too often if I can resist the urge.

Has anyone been watching The Knick? If not I've seen the first few episodes and it is very well made. If you haven't seen the terrific first couple of seasons of Hannibal, I feel, so far, like The Knick is a cross between Hannibal and House. Also Soderbergh is a pretty damned good director and is the lone director for the entire series, so if you liked Side Effects or Contagion I feel like he goes to a lot of the same thematic places.

I'm glad I wasn't the one to say that ps. If any of you are looking to meet people in the lower mainland of british columbia, my mom says I'm pretty cool

That is actually very well considered. I do believe there is room for ventilation, but what I guess I hadn't considered was your final point. All I can say in my defense is that any expression should be clarified as argumentative, if there are any people in the middle ground, if their morality doesn't inform their vote than we shouldn't allow any incidental immaturity from our part cloud our arguments.

I don't think anyone can realistically imply something so obviously disparate, but I do feel there is a point to staying resolved against the disorderly. You mention that hate beat MLK, but I don't know its fair to say that in the global society we all exist within any one life is more important than a given philosophy. People die. Worse, people are killed. We can't let fears of these things dull our arguments, we can only hope that we manage to say something worth saying before we are forced into silence. Edit: Further optimistic rantings We are on the winning side of this fight, but we need to be able to endure the war before we can say its over. All these hateful people can hope to do is create fear to participate in the conversation.