Microsoft buys Minecraft

Honestly, Microsoft acquiring Mojang for $2.5 billion dollars is something that took me by surprise. Though by surprise I mean when I heard about the rumors last week I believed them, but was just shocked that Microsoft would spend that much and Mojang was willing to sell. Happy for Microsoft and the very talented people at Mojang though. Markus Persson had a totally reasonable reason for selling Mojang. If something you love has turned into something too big for you and there was a lucrative way out by all means take that out. Minecraft has changed gaming without a doubt and obviously Markus Persson couldn't have been prepared for the enormity of it, I mean who could have.

At first Microsoft buying Mojang $2.5 billion dollars seemed a little high for me. With the recent acquisition of Twitch by Amazon for $970 million, I thought Microsoft was overpaying with that price tag. Also the fact that Minecraft is on many other platform devices, including rival competitors like Sony PlayStation. If Microsoft devices cut support on other devices they risk angering the wrath of gamers, the scariest consumers demographic, but Minecraft gamers who are some most passionate and vocal players.

Building games have been in the industry for ages, but how Minecraft used communities like Twitch and continually supported it has made this game into one of the most important games to come out this generation. Minecraft just has something special about it that has made this game a game changer the same way StarCraft did to video games. One only has to study the history of eSports to realize how fundamental it was in changing the industry forever.

Then I realized Minecraft has not even closely reached its maximum potential.   Minecraft is a generational game that has changed gaming forever. There is a massive following of extremely young gamers that will have grown up with a game that isn't about winning but solely around creating. Many games have tried to perfect this art but since Minecraft got it right and right when video streaming content has exploded.

I wish the best of luck to Microsoft with managing something so massive and all the talented developers at Mojang.

Amazon Acquires Twitch

Recently I talked about recent changes to Twitch made sense considering they were going to be bought by Google. While I still stand by why Twitch made changes to policies regarding copyright music to, I and most people were wrong in thinking that it would be Google that ended buying Twitch. This is just another example of how Amazon is trying to become a key player in the modern age of technology. Any company that isn't changing and growing is by default falling behind. We don't live in an area where any company can expect to not adapt to rapidly changing technologies and survive. While Amazon acquiring Twitch might seem a little of the blue it actually isn't that strange. Just like Facebook buying Oculus Rift, these companies know that gaming is another form of entertainment that is as relevant as film and music, expect that it is a young industry ripe for growth.

Amazon beat out other companies of this deal since most importantly it could afford. Spending $970 million in cash isn't something most companies can afford especially if they don't fully understand online gamers streaming. Then of course their is the battle with giants with Google and one can only guess why they didn't go for this offer. Google understands the internet and they know Twitch is and will become and even bigger player, but it probably has to do a lot with business laws.

What matters is that Twitch won big on this deal. They get to keep their company and run it like they want to, but now with a giant like Amazon to help them and most importantly a lot more resources.  One must understand that Twitch didn't even exist before 2011.  No matter how fast they have grown this much money is a big deal.  Also Amazon has shown that they are a company that understands millennials, which is basically most if not Twitch's entire audience.

Video game broadcasting and streaming is very new to the industry but it is here to stay.  It is why PS4 and Xbox ONE support it on their new systems and integrated for their online services. PS4 even went as far as adding a share button onto the controller itself.  How Amazon takes advantage of this to improve their other businesses remains to be seen, however with a CEO like Jeff Bezos and a company as awesome as Twitch this is a partnership that will benefit everyone.

Twitch's New Audio Recognition Service

Twitch recently announced that it would be changing its VOD service and be partnering with Audible Magic to make sure content on Twitch does not contain unlicensed copyrighted audio. This has caused quite the upset in the community and it very understandable. Though we need make sure we understand the anger and the proper tools to solve the issue. My thoughts will be focused on the copyrighted audio side of things since that is something I understand much more. As a businessman this makes complete sense to Twitch.  If they want to be bought out by Google this was an absolutely necessary move. Twitch has the obligation to make sure the company is able to support the employees that work their and community that supports them. Partnering with Google will do that without a doubt.

The fault does not like with Google nor does it lie with Twitch. It rests solely on the music companies that are dead set in using a business strategy that is not completely compatible in the modern digital world we live in.  In a world where music is easily shared, the music industries needs to embracing that instead fighting it.

Look no further to the latest victim of copyright battles than the gaming community. Gaming is currently experiencing a wide growth in the free-to-play environment yet it is thriving extremely well. A content that is arguably more interactive than music is giving away that interactivity away for free and still making a ton of profit from it.

Having a low bar entry level for digital media is why streaming services like Spotify are immensely popular. In fact what is Twitch if not a streaming service.  Many users are watching games being played by other players without paying a single sent, but that exposure will undoubtedly convince many consumers to invest more into that game. Well at least if that game is good.

In fact many musical artists that I have discovered recently was during a Twitch stream since many streamers have their playlist available. Yet by making it harder to have a streamer share his musical taste to an audience that has similar taste will ironically hurt those music companies more than it will anyone else.

I understand change is hard, but by fighting so hard to make change that will lose the benefit the industry could gain if it adapted to changing realities. An example outside of gaming I can point to is the Space Oddity by David Bowie. Chris Hadfield shot one of the best music videos in space dedicated to this song. Yet officially could be on YouTube online for a year for reasons I don't understand in this day and age of digital marketing. A new generation got to experience one of the greatest songs from David Bowie made for their own time.

Edit: Well that is a surprise. Amazon has turned out to be the company that has bought Twitch. This blog still works though since I still blame music companies and not Amazon or Twitch. I also agree that Amazon will be a great partner for Twitch.

The Soldier's Securetary

Robert Gates the 22nd United States of Secretary of Defense memoirs Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War was an amazing book about a man that had the responsibility of handling a country military affairs during a time of two wars. This was surprisingly a big page turner for me as this was a extremely well written account of his time in the Department of Defense.

Don't like politics and won't talk about it. World is complicated and I understand and respect that. I study history and if there is anything you learn about humans now that how we organize our society is just an extension of all the amazing and horrible feats that humans are capable of.

What I loved about Robert Gates is his devotion to the troops that he was in charge of. He felt absolutely responsible for their safe keeping and understood each advice he gave and every order he signed would put them at greater risk. In fact the reason why he resigned was he started to understand he put the needs of those very soldiers in front of the national security of the U.S.A. I

This honesty is in this book made me believe most if not everything he said. Without a doubt this is a biased book because of the fact that humans are biased. There is no going around that, but I do not doubt where his loyalty laid. It was to the troops he was so proud of and felt the need to protect.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in US foreign policy , because this book gives a great behind the scenes look at the person in charge of one of important government organization that has without a doubt shaped the 21st century through much of our own fault and not.

Favorite Games of E3 2014

I got to be in LA during E3 and man was it a blast. This is just a list games that excited me the most that I saw in person or online during E3 week. Evolve

I was lucky enough to play Evolve at the Nvidia event that was right outside of the convention center and let me say this game was amazing. I can see how this is the will as addictive as Left 4 Dead, but with more depth and also the ability to play as not just a zombie, but the ultimate boss. When I played I was matched up against four friends who already knew each other. Lets just say I didn't last very long. I still had an amazingly fun time being the alien monster because it was refreshing gameplay.

Spark

I am a sucker for creation games since I loved LittleBigPlanet. I don't even normally even create anything, but I love seeing what other players make. They can do all the effort and I get to enjoy the fun. I remember back in the day where I ended up playing more StarCraft Custom games than StarCraft ladder games. Just something about the creativity of what players can make is just really fun, plus with streaming the possibilities are endless.

Rainbow Six Siege

Counter-Strike was the game that got me into playing online FPS. Now that online shooters have completely filled the gaming market it is very nice to be able to see a shooter that takes a different take on the genre. This game has a lot more tactics and strategy than most shooters which is primarily based on skill. I still enjoy a mindless shooter, but I am not as skilled as other gamers are. So a game where my ability to think at a more strategic level gives me a much higher chance of doing alright. Plus from the looks of it the ability to work as a team will be as streamlined as possible which is always a great sign for any online game.

The Legend of Zelda Wii U

Nothing really needs to be said as to why anyone that plays game would be excited about this game. Simply enough Zelda is one of the most iconic games of our generation and it is always great to see where the series will take itself. What is most exciting is how they are designing this game to be as revolutionary as the jump to 3-D with Ocarina of Time. I know we always hear how that will always be the case, but hearing the designer talk about it the way he did gives me a lot of help especially when he explained the challenges they faced and are facing.

No Man's Sky

Of all the games at E3 this is by far the one I am most excited. The only redeeming thing about VGX was to get to see this game for the first time. Now to see it again that it has still extremely piqued my interest is an impressive feat. I love new types of game and the focus of this game on exploration is something that extremely interests me since Journey is one of my favorite games of all time. If this game pulls off what it intends to do than this will be a great thing for the industry a a whole.

E3 Assumptions

I won't be making predictions just assumptions about what Microsoft, Sony, and the major game publishers will be telling us at this years E3. These assumptions are a mix of what I think these companies will do and what they should do. Price Cut for Xbox 360 and PS3

Microsoft and Sony should both cut the price for their older consoles. PS2 sold amazingly well even well after both the 360 and PS3 were released. The difference is that the 360 and PS3 both have even more features than the PS2 ever had. Being connected to the internet and being made for the ground to take advantage of multimedia these devices are still very relevant to families that don't have a Smart TV or any kind of internet based device connected to there TV. Plus they have an amazingly large library of games.

More Games with Cooperative Play 

We saw it with Destiny and The Division last year.  The rise of the power of technology will make it very possible for more games to incorporate high levels of online interactivity and perpetual worlds. They have to since that is the greatest strengths of free to play games.  AAA game need to show what they can do when they are given big budgets and fans that are willing to spend much a lot more to play.

Next-Gen Exclusive Games

Last year it was understandable for the lack of truly exclusive Next-Gen games. It didn't make much financial sense to make games exclusive to a market that hasn't even  been realized yet. Though now we know not only are core gamer's hungry to play Next-Gen games, but the excitement is growing faster than any previous generation change. It is now up studios to meet those expectations. It will be hard because last generation delivered with many amazing games and to many the change to the next generation isn't that different. It is time for studios to prove everyone wrong.

Game of Thrones Season 4 is Finally Here!

SPOILERS DO NOT READ IF YOU AREN'T UP TO DATE WITH GAME OF THRONES In honor of the new game of thrones season I have compiled a list of quotes I enjoyed that stick with me.

"I asked him, How can a man be brave if he's afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave, he told me."

Robb Stark is much like his father. Eddard Stark was a honorable man who was a great leader because he cared for his people. Eddard was a man who was always worried about his people that it made him afraid of making the wrong decision, but for his people he would face his fears.

"Power resides where men believe it resides. It's a trick. A shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow." 

Lord Varys is one of my favorite characters because as much as he wants power he always wants stability. Being a spy and a liar most of his life, he understands people and knows how to use his understanding of people to his benefit. What gives you power always changes, but what it can do will always be commanding until it doesn't last; and it never lasts.

"Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly. And Rhaegar died."

Jorah Mormont discussion on fighting with honor and fighting by any means necessary is a complicated one. Fighting with honor does have it benefits, but it doesn't always win wars. Jorah Mormont pointed out a valid reason on that even though Rhaegar was able to inspire his men that wasn't enough to win. Though those that fight without any honor will have a hard time gathering loyal supporters.

"What is honor compared to a woman's love, what is duty against a feel of a newborn son in arm, or a brothers smile."

Aemon Targaryen is someone that understands duty. Realizing he would not be fit to be King he gave it up. Not only did he give it up, but he also joined the The Night's Watch. An order that has a oath that is for life. Yet he understands how hard it is to give up duty when facing love.

"Never forget what you are. The rest the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you."

Tyrion Lannister is everyones favorite character. This is why I will always like him, because he understands what it is like to be judged for what you are instead of who you are. Instead of being defined by his handicap he uses it as his armor.  Easier said than done but truer words none the less.

Virtual Reality Will Change More Than Just Gaming

During GDC Sony revealed their commitment to virtual reality with the announcement of Morpheus. This Sony throwing their hat into the game and this couldn't be greater for gaming industry. Virtual Reality still has a long way to go before it can be mass marketed to the gaming market, but having one of the biggest gaming companies to invest in it gives virtual reality even more resources that will only benefit it.

I believe that virtual reality will do more to other industries than it will do to the gaming industries. I am not alone in that thinking, because Facebook just acquired Oculus Rift this week. Many games will scoff at this idea, but this is going to amaizing for the gaming industry. With Facebook resources, the developers at Oculus Rift will have less risks to worry about and can focus much more on developing a product that will be amazing for games.

Oculus will need all the help they can get. Without a doubt they have a talented team, but a startup always carries risk. Oculus main source of income was selling development kits to developers. That means there would have been pressure from investors to release a commercial product on the sooner side. With this deal not only can they have more time to release toe commercial product, but they also have more room to make mistakes which given the enormity of the task, it will be needed.

For Facebook this is great for them as they seek to expand their business, plus Facebook is  a company that can afford it. . Virtual reality will open the doors to so many possibilities beyond just gaming. The ability to immerse oneself in another reality will open the doors to so many possibilities for humans to interact with technology. This is a good relatively cheap investment for Facebook that could pay in the long run. Though it will probably be a while before they see this investment fully materialize.

Imagine the possibilities of developers being able to recreate world events that we could never experience without virtual reality. Walking through the streets of San Francisco during the Gold Rush or Toyoko during the days of the Samurai. Scientists would even be able to create experiences for events that haven't even happened yet like our galaxy The Milky Way and The Andromeda Galaxy colliding.

Free to Play

The rise of eSports is one of the biggest game changers to happen to the gaming industry next to what mobile has done to casual gaming industry. The rise of eSports has made hardcore gaming become more mainstream with many gamers working hard to play games professionally as a career.

Free to Play is a documentary following three professional DOTA 2 players from around the world on their journey to win the International DOTA 2. You do not need to know anything about DOTA 2 or even DOTA to understand this movie. This is much more about the individual players who are trying to make a career in an industry very much in it’s infancy stage.

That is what makes this movie so inspiring. You don't have to know anything about games to understand the passions these players have. If you don't know anything about competitive gaming  then you will understand the skeptical environment loves ones and even the players themselves face on a regular basis.

Yet even with all of that they still are willing to not only give it their all, but risk so much just to have a chance to succeed in competitive gaming. Competitive gaming is much like college sports, but without the college support. You have to spend much of your young prime years to be at an excellent level while giving up time that could be spent furthering your education or career.

Being a professional competitive gamer is not by any means an easy endeavour. You can imagine how hard it is to explain to your family why you are so passionate about just a computer game. That is what most of our families still think about gaming even when it has become so big. They just grew up in different times when technology didn’t make this possible.

Even today you will hear about all the hardship professional players have when they are not the champions. Since eSports is still trying to build a strong foundation there are many cases of abuse and hardship for the professional players in the industry.

Though eSports is thriving to a level it has never seen before.  Already strong in Asia thanks to StarCraft  and the first DOTA, competitive gaming is now cementing itself as a global competitive phenomenon all around the world. Tournaments are being held in places all over the world with games like DOTA 2, League of Legends, and StarCraft II hosting global tournaments for the best players all around the world for millions of fans to watch.

The eSports scene has the technology to reach a bigger global audience than physical sports. Physical sports has been a part of society since the dawn of civilization and it will continue to be an important part of our world. The technological advantages of eSports though must not be overlooked.

Final Fantasy X My Favorite PS2 Game

Final Fantasy 10 HD Remastering just got released and I am so excited. I probably won't play it anytime soon, but I will definetly one day because this was my favorite game on PS2, and there were a ton a great games on PS2.

I remember first playing Final Fantasy 10 with low expectations thinking that it couldn't live up to my love of games like Final Fantasy 10. I was scared that the voice acting would be bad and that the characters wouldn't be interesting. I heard of a lot of things about it that weren't great, but boy was I wrong.

First yeah the Tidus having dad issues was definitely a turn off until I realized how important it was at connecting the relationship between Tidus and Yuna. Tidus and Yuna I think was the best relationship in the Final Fantasy series. It felt pretty natural given what both of them were going through.

All the themes fit extremely well together to create such an amazing story. Having Tidus being an outsider to the world made discovering the world understandable. It also made the big secret about the Pilgrimage all the more surprising. When I found out I knew I was playing a masterpiece.

This game isn't perfect by any means, but I loved every minute of it. I could talk about Final Fantasy 10 for days, but I won't bore you with that. If you like RPGs and haven't played Final Fantasy 10 then I could not recommend a better Final Fantasy game to try.