I love this kind of thing... It merges two of my favorite things programming (specifically algorithms) and gaming.

http://meatfighter.com/tetrisprinteralgorithm/

Using tetris pieces and rules to print out pixel images. The video gives you the feel for it, and the link goes into a ton of detail :)

Another bundle site which I buy from every now and then... But this bundle is great! All Arcen games. So there's AI War: Fleet Command and 5 dlc packs for it, A Valley Without Wind 1 and 2, Shattered Haven and Tidalis.

Everything is on steam and desura (along with direct download) except for the latest AI War dlc which isn't on steam (I'm hoping it will be).

http://www.indieroyale.com/

Sony is emailing today that there will be a "big announcement" about the PS4 at their E3 presentation. You can live stream it...

http://us.playstation.com/ps4/

There is also a teaser trailer showing an out of focus black box...

Oh, this is one of those games where you spend way too much time playing. Yup, it's normal minefield. However, it's MMO, you are playing on a giant field with other people all at once. You get points for clearing blocks and placing flags (and much larger negative points for placing incorrect flags or clearing a mine).

It's entirely HTML5, so plays right in your browser.

http://mienfield.com/

It's compelling, has leaderboards, and is fun. I recommend giving it a try.

Microsoft is now emailing teasers about "A New Generation" to be revealed May 21st 10am PDT streaming on xbox.com and Xbox Live #XboxReveal

Ok, so I haven't bought an Indie Royale bundle in a while, but this one is great -- a set of Steam Greenlight games that are all crazy and look really fun (for < $5 the price can't be beat)

I just received the following email. Game Developer magazine is shutting down... That's the end of an era for me.

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Dear Subscriber,

After over 19 years of disseminating the best strategies around the art, science and business of video games, our hearts are heavy to announce that, as of July 2013, Game Developer magazine will stop printing its print and digital editions, and transition to become a section on
Gamasutra.com. (We plan to gradually reprint many of the best magazine articles there, and hope to continue posting new columns from some of our regular writers.)

The final issue sent to print/digital subscribers will be the June/July 2013 issue. We plan to close the digital editions of the magazine shortly after that. But for those who enjoy reading the magazine in a digital format, previous issues of Game Developer will also be posted as .PDFs in a special section on GDC Vault, to open this summer.


Sincerely,

Game Developer Magazine

So, I've been playing 10000000 way more than I expected lately. It recently came out on steam and has been available on iOs for a while.

It's very compelling match-3 gameplay tied to a forever-run mechanic with rpg elements (upgrades, items) with old-sk00l graphics. I highly recommend you give it a try. You'll find yourself playing longer than expected mumbling "just one more run... just one more run..."

So the premise of this idea is Domination style play (my favorite Unreal Tournament game type http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unreal_Tournament under 'Game Types'). That is, two teams compete trying to control points on the map. The big kicker here is the map is the real world.

I've played through the tutorial now and have gone for a walk to collect XM (the energy currency in the game), and I enjoy it. I just wish there was more to do (or that I could walk to some control points).

Thoughts so far:

* the tutorial gets you to walk outside which is nice, but makes it very hard to hear what you are supposed to do (bring headphones, or stare close at the screen to read the tiny text).
* the text is small on the game, and the controls for the interface are rough (I had a problem getting through one of the tutorial missions just because I couldn't select two different control points correctly -- I'm sure there must be better ways to do it, but it wasn't obvious).
* the game also just dumps you in after the tutorial missions w/o much guidance. You just need to go find some control points in a blank map (I had to get on my computer to realize there weren't any within a couple miles of my house... ugh).
* want moar control points!!! Supposedly you can take pictures of other pieces of art (geo-tagged) and ask for them to be added to the game. I haven't figured out how to yet. Once I do, I'll try to get some closer ones in a couple parks that are nearby.
* needs more direction... most games have this down. They need to direct you in what you can do next... always.
* also, they asked you to pick a side without much introduction to either (and you can only ask to switch once after that first pick)... Not sure it really matters. But I was glad I went to my computer before picking. Thus I picked the currently loosing side in my area (much more fun to attack the enemy and rally from behind).

Guess I need to go read the more of the backstory at http://www.nianticproject.com/

I really want to like this game. So I'll try more... :)

Atlus tends to publish some great and crazy games (a lot of imports, etc.) I just got an email about this new one that, again, looks fun and crazy. Here's their summary:

Do you like running? How about gunning? What if special abilities are thrown into the mix? Upgradable weapons? Let's say there're dozens of on-screen enemies to unleash this firepower on, and as your reward for dispatching them you get experience and gold to collect that can be used for character customization and new equipment--all the while playing alongside friends in 4-player cooperative play! If you like the sound of all this, then you'll love God Mode.

Retro shooter action and RPG elements are combined in this new downloadable third-person shooter. God Mode combines non-linear gameplay, fast and frantic shooting, hordes of on-screen enemies, a fully functional online coop mode, and features visuals and gameplay that rival that of a full-priced boxed title. Matches rarely--if ever--play out the same, as dozens of in-game modifiers can significantly alter the gameplay on the fly. Characters are fully customizable, both in appearance and equipment, which continually evolve. Gold and experience are constantly accrued and used to unlock new and satisfying weaponry and unique powerful abilities, both of which can be further upgraded.

Available Early 2013 for PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE Arcade, and Steam.

For more information, visit:
http://www.atlus.com/godmode

Be sure to like us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/atlususa

Remember to follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/#!/atlususa

Don't forget to pre-order today:
http://atlus.com/godmode/purchase.html

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-11-02-the-games-media-must-renew-the-trust-of-its-audience

Introversion is allowing early access to it's new game Prison Architect http://www.introversion.co.uk/prisonarchitect/

I received an email today from introversion (makers of Uplink, Darwinia, and DEFCON) announcing alpha access to their newest game. It really sound interesting and I have enjoyed all of their other games... (I just wish they followed the Minecraft alpha pricing model where it's much cheaper to buy the alpha instead of the kickstarter model where you pay full price and more to help fund it)...

Here's the full text of the short email:

Now in Alpha!

The creators of Uplink, Darwinia and DEFCON, Introversion Software, proudly present the world's first lock 'em up. Inspired by Dwarf Fortress, Theme Hospital and Dungeon Keeper comes a bulfrog style prison management game.

Access Alpha Build

Get immediate access to the alpha download, or choose from one of our specialist tiers to Digital-Immorto-Criminalize yourself by naming a prisoner, having our artists draw your likeness into the game or secure access to a truck load of cool PA merchandise.

Watch the Video

So I was at Target today and noticed that the Nintendo 3DS XL was out. I must say that it's huge and beautiful... I had to drag my daughters away from it, so I have a feeling it's going to the top of birthday and Christmas lists.

So my quick take -- the screens are MUCH, MUCH bigger than before (they claim 90% bigger and it definitely looks it). I can't really tell about the weight as it had a gigantic metal harness strapped to it (lovely anti-theft mechanism). It seemed thinner than the old one, but that could just be an illusion as it's so much bigger. Now I wonder if they ever changed their "buy the games for every device" policy or if the kids will have to rebuy all the little games they bought on the Nintendo store.

Path of Exile is having another stress test weekend... If you're tired of Diablo 3 you might want to give this a try. Here's the info they sent me:

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Dark and deep action RPG Path of Exile will be open to everyone this weekend, September 14-16, so that we can stress-test our servers in preparation for entering Open Beta in a few months.

If you’ve been patiently waiting to try Path of Exile’s dark and customizable gameplay, now is your chance to check out the game - for one weekend only.

The game has been in Closed Beta since last August and we have been regularly adding new content, classes and skills. The latest patch adds new skills, more keystone passives, additional quest content, substantially improved minion functionality and introduces a new look for item hovers in-game.

The Open Weekend will include the first two acts of the game, our special end-game maps, Default and Hardcore leagues, six character classes, approximately 70 active skills, 40 support gems and hundreds of item types. We’ve added a host of unique items designed by Brother Laz, author of the popular Diablo 2 mod Median XL, and our ‘Diamond Supporter’ fans.

We will make the game servers public from 5pm on Friday 14 September Pacific Daylight Time until 11:59pm on Sunday. Over 55,000 people played during our last Open Weekend in July. Any feedback you provide this weekend will help us get ready for our permanent Open Beta.

Check out the FAQ about the Open Weekend at www.pathofexile.com/publicweekend/.

If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the forums. See you this weekend!

In game mission briefing from Insomniac's new game they are teasing everywhere www.fusegame.com