Social Media Convergence with New Video Game Platforms

It's no surprise that media convergence is happening all around us. From cellphones becoming our own personal computers, to different industries (as mentioned in a previous blog post) merging together. But how do we feel about video game consoles converging with all different types of media to essentially become one master entertainment system? With the release of the Xbox One and the PS4, gamers are seeing a change in consoles where these consoles not only serve as a platform to enjoy the act of gaming, but various forms of entertainment. This change is obviously seen moreso on the Xbox One versus the PS4, as the Xbox One incorporates gaming with quick switches to television, split screening with Skype, future Twitch streaming capabilities, and more. The PS4 has not made such a bold move, as they have standard social networking integration with Facebook as well as access to Netflix (which really is no surprise at this point).

This platform switch from gaming to various forms of entertainment is fascinating because one cannot predict the outcome of future consoles. When will we see complete convergence? Will families buy consoles not for the sole purpose of gaming, but to have more organizational control of various media platforms? Is this already occurring via the Xbox One? It should be interesting to see where this goes with the next generation consoles, not that we need to think about that anytime soon :)!

Happy Anniversary to my True Love.

Today marks the 9th Year Anniversary of a game that has given most of us here so many fond memories. It's been almost a decade of my life that I have played, and it really is like a time capsule for me. I started WoW going into middle school, and here I am in my third year of college still being so totally fond of this game. I've made so many great friends who have given me helpful life advice, bared with my sick sense of humor on Ventrilo during raids, and have just been amazing people that made up a delightful community of gamers that I will never forget.

Being a GM during Wrath was one of my fondest memories. We were a guild of over 300 members with an impressive amount of active members that was recognized on our server. It was such a good experience to lead raids and to gain the satisfaction of downing bosses all as a part of our own independent guild. I will always miss those days. Being a GM of a busy guild will teach one a lot of vital lessons and open one to insight they otherwise wouldn't see. I'm glad I got to have that experience.

Seeing this game dwindle over the recent past has been sad. It's the flame to my candle of adolescence that finally seems to be burning out, nearing the end of the wick. I hope that Blizzard can transform this game into something lively with the next expansion, not just to save the game, but the memories of so many that have had similar experiences to mine, and to give young gamers the same experience. Hate it or love it, World of Warcraft is a game that will be imprinted in your brain when having played it long enough. While society may mock it as being a computer game that triggers addiction, it's so much more. It's a different realm that opens one to a timeless world where all you have to worry about is completing the next quest, downing the next boss, or getting that rare mount you always wanted.

Spend the rest of the day to show appreciation to this beautiful masterpiece. Blizz, although I may have been frustrated with you at times, I love you for giving me a game that will always bring a smile to my face and take me back in time. Thank you. 

New WoW Expansion Announced!

I swear sometimes that Blizzard secretly monitors some of my posts. Looks like we're finally getting new character models after all!!! So at Blizzcon, the NEXT WoW expansion was announced, titled "Warlords of Draenor" which really focuses on the whole relationship between Dwarves and Orcs. While a lot of information and features are still waiting to make their way to the public, we do know that the level cap will be increased to 100 (I never thought I'd see the day!) and players will have the ability to boost one character up to level 90 to be able to access the content without having to wait. Not a bad gig!

For all the players who want their own housing, this hasn't been implemented into the game yet (I'm hoping it will someday, shh it's okay to be optimistic), but you will have the ability to build, and upgrade your own personal garrison. Let's hope this is as cool as it sounds.

Other than that, the only other information we really know is that the expansion takes place in Draenor, which should be an interesting change in pace. Apparently the designer of this X-Pac was the same developer who worked on Diablo II and Burning Crusade, so I do have hope. Let's hope Blizz does something to finally resuscitate this game!


Opinions? Will you be getting the x-pac?

/xo