thoughthead

You might notice some slight changes to the layout here at thoughthead, in addition to pairing down the sidebar to make room for some sponsored links, the search is now powered by Google and we’ve also added avatars. The avatars are managed by Gravatar, if you would like to setup an avatar to use here: simply sign up with Gravatar and your avatar will automatically be added to all of your posts here as well as retroactively with everything you’ve posted so far. This is of course assuming you used the same email to sign up here that you did with Gravatar.

Why have I added avatars? you might ask. Well I’ve invited a colleague to join the ranks here at thoughthead. He will be here sharing his insights into the game industry in much the same fashion that I have been. This doesn’t mean you’ll see any less from me, I plan on posting weekly just as I always have, but now you’ll get even more to read every week. Please welcome him when you see him appear here on the site.

Before you start scratching your head as to why I’m allowing someone else to post on “my” site, understand that this has ALWAYS been my intention. thoughthead.com was created with the intent of delivering creative and intelligent insights into the video game and home theater realm. This marks the first step towards that, don’t be surprised if you see even more people contributing to thoughthead in the future.

-TS

          

A discussion has started on the International Game Developers Association forums that poses the question about whether Achievements add to the gaming experience or detract from it. The Core Argument is that Achievements and gamerscore change the way people approach games; changing even artful plot driven games into a just another high-score grind-fest. (more…)

          

Gamepro currently has an interview up with Dave Krakker from Sony about the negative PR that the PS3 has received. I seems obvious to me that he just doesn’t GET IT. Gamepro calls it “The Toughest Job in Video Games” but I don’t really think it’s all that difficult. So being the helpful guru that I am I decided to make a guide for Sony executives who want to turn their consoles image from hate to elate.

(more…)

          

In part one I discussed the Display; how to pick a technology based on your room situation, how to choose a size and resolutions, and different things to look and look out for. In part two I discussed Surround Sound; why you should avoid home theater in a box systems and how to shop and choose the best system for you. That and some media is pretty much all there is to building a home theater right? WRONG. What was originally going to be my final chapter on the subject I decided to dedicate entirely to cables, there is just too much to cover it’s deserving of it’s own article. So: Do you know what ELSE goes into building an awesome home theater experience? (more…)

          

Last Week I talked about what to look for in a high definition display. This week I’ll expand on the discussion covering the most important part of a home theater experience; Surround Sound. Once again I pose the question: Do you know what goes into making an awesome home theater experience? (more…)