About This Blog

      In my past conversations with people here and on Gamasutra in regards to some of my blogs, I get the feeling that some may missed the point of my method of blogging here. For such people, and anyone else who might be curious, I thought I'd explain the methods behind my madness and maybe give newcomers a primer of my intentions behind the blog.

Format
      With each normal post I have, I typically start out with a specific example of a digital or tabletop game. My explanation is less of a review, or even comprehensive critique of a specific game, but more to present a concrete example of the topic of discussion. I focus more heavily on concepts than examining specific titles, and I prefer to look at a specific design choice in a game and compare it to its equivalent across multiple titles.

Topics
      I try to take a different approach in regards to topics than what I see with most blogs. Rather than speaking on a narrowly defined topic concerning a single title, I prefer to look at the big picture. I am very much inspired by the work of such documentarians as James Burke or Adam Curtis. James Burke and his "Connections" series for the BBC did a great job of connecting different desperate facts and ideas via their various associations, and thus creates an interesting and compelling context to the topics he covers. Adam Curtis approaches what he covers from a very eclectic mindset, examining such things as war, politics, economics, etc from multiple different angles in a way that is very rich and intriguing. He weaves together psychology, sociology, economics, history, and political theory all into one.

      In my own humble way, I try to channel the spirit of these two great thinkers in the context of game design.

Repetition
      Some readers may notice I tend to bring up the same titles or points over again in my various blogs from time to time. This is in some sense intentional, and in another sense a way of reinforcing the connections between various topics I cover. A great Swiss-born British philosopher named Alain de Botton gave a great talk about how to use elements of organized religion to improve secular life. Among these elements, he believes that repetition of ideas is an important way for ideas to remain fresh in one's mind.

Updates?
      I generally try to shoot for one update a week, but it doesn't always work out that way with work, life, etc. Additionally I tend to take my time with bigger, more complicated topics. In short, expect quality over quantity (hopefully).
      I may add more to this section later. Hopefully this gives you a better sense of what I'm going for. Enjoy the blog!