GIAnnette Blog

Moving on...

2011-07-20T19:05:00Z

Dear GIO:

I have a bit of bittersweet news to share with you all. After two incredible years at Game Informer I am in the process of closing out my last few days as a member of the editorial staff. When I moved to Minneapolis from Chicago for the associate editor position, Game Informer became my home away from home. My time here has been amazing and I am grateful for all of the unforgettable experiences and opportunities offered to me through this position. I am also thankful for all of the friendships I have built within the industry, Game Informer Online, and of course, the GI staff who I consider as family (or a bunch of annoying older brothers :D).

The good news is I am moving on to another role within the games industry. I have accepted a community manager position at Harmonix and will be relocating to the east coast! I will be heavily involved with social media and rocking out/dancing at public events so be sure to keep in touch!

Big thanks to Game Informer and my hilarious colleagues for all of their support and for being such a huge part of my life the past couple years. I also want to give a shout out to the GIO community for being one of the best communities on the web. Rest assured that even after my departure from GI, online features such as Blog Herding and Weekend Warrior will live on though different members of the staff so keep blogging and keep filling us in on your weekend plans!

<3 Annette

[twitter: @amgo]

How To Get Your Blog Herded

2010-11-18T22:00:00Z

Just about every week you’ll find a “Blog Herding” feature on gameinformer.com where I highlight a few community blogs that stand out from the pack. These featured blogs are well-written, thoughtful, and do a great job of reflecting the writer’s personality. A lot of you have wondered how I go about choosing blogs for the post, and while I can’t tell you how to write a blog (everyone has their own techniques), I’ve decided to put together a few basic tips on how to stand out from the herd.

Headlines
Stop and consider for a moment how you browse your favorite websites. You’ll scroll through tons of stories and quickly skim headlines to only stop and click on one that draws your interest. Even if it’s on a topic you have no interest in, if the headline is compelling enough, you’ll click to see what’s past the jump (and the content past the jump should be equally compelling as well). The blogs section of GIO is no different. If your headline is simply just trying to start a flamewar, is blatantly misspelled, or says nothing about the topic you’re covering, the post probably won’t get read.

Formatting
I don’t know about you, but whenever I see blocks of text like this…
toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords toomanywords
…go on and on in one giant paragraph that continues after multiple scrolls down the page, I probably won’t get to the end. Even if your text is sound and you have some great ideas, there’s a good chance people won’t realize that what’s in front of them is a Pulitzer-worthy masterpiece because of eye strain. Relevant images are your friend.

Length
There isn’t a magic number as to how long blogs should be, but one thing I’ve noticed in comments sections of longer posts spanning multiple pages is “I haven’t gotten to finish reading it, but…” You want people to finish reading your blogs. Again, you probably have some great ideas there, but when people are surfing the web, multiple windows are usually open on screen and attention spans are short. If you do want to write a long blog you may either need to read it over and try to make your thoughts as concise as possible (otherwise it may come off as rambling), or if you don’t wish to part with anything, just break it up into a series of posts. Too many blog posts never hurt anyone.

Spell check
Spell check isn’t always your best friend as it won’t catch everything, but use it. I cnat raed somethin dat is mizzpelled, LOLZ. I’ll let a few light mistakes slide, no one is perfect, but just be conscious of your spelling. It’ll make everyone’s eyes and brains much more likely to process your thoughts.

Don’t write a news story and post it as a blog
That’s our job. While it’s great to see that readers are keeping up with the latest news, people would generally much rather read your thoughts on industry goings-on then a rehash of something we’ve already read from multiple sources. A blog is a forum for opinions so if news of studio layoffs or a price hike in Xbox Live drives you mad – write about it.

Comments
One thing I’m grateful for is that GIO by far has some of the most sane and intelligent users I’ve ever come across on a gaming site. Don’t blow it by writing hateful comments on someone’s post. It’s one thing to disagree, which is obviously welcome because it sparks discussion, but be respectful. Flat out attacking someone is not a proactive form of criticism. You’re just driving away a user from the site who may have some fantastic ideas that we’ll never get to read. If a blogger isn’t as skilled as you think you are, give them some advice instead of bashing their form. Everyone can always use help with their writing. Also, if someone writes a bad comment on your piece, don’t engage the enemy. If I did that every time I’ve gotten bad comment – well, I’d be out of a job.

Writing for the write reasons
I ask each week for users to send blogs they think are noteworthy for the herd. And despite popular belief I do read them. However, if I get a message saying something along the lines of “my blog hasn’t gotten any hits, can you feature it?” you’re probably best revising your own work and figuring out why no one will give it a look. If you put the time in and the quality is there it will be obvious and people will read it – myself included. Now if you post some misspelled, three-sentence post that reeks of troll and wonder why no one will read it, just think…would you?

Truth be told getting hits has nothing to do with me or Blog Herding. If you’re a regular blogger on the site (we have quite a few of those) you’re slowly building your own notoriety. You only get better with practice so if you’re consistently publishing polished, thoughtful work people will keep coming back. Before you know it people will click on your stories, not because of what it is, but because you wrote it. And even though Blog Herding is great to get your name out there, it doesn’t hurt to plug the work you’re proud of on social networking sites.

That about wraps it up. These mini tips may or may not help, but the best advice I can give is if you want to figure out how a good blog is written, read the blogs of people whose work you admire for inspiration. If anyone wants to share a few tips in the comments section, I’ll gladly update this post. For more insight, check out fellow GIO user Saint’s tips as well.

Happy blogging!

Overheard #11: The Resurrection

2010-11-12T19:30:00Z

The series is making a comeback! It's been gone for a few months, but now makes its triumphant return in one of the biggest posts yet! Enjoy the obnoxious conversations of my peers in the latest edition of Overheard.

“If 12-year-old Dan could look into the future and see 26-year-old Dan about to call Ed Boon his head would explode.” [Dan]

Phil: "Wait, did I just hear something about 12-year-old Dan?"
Reiner: "Yeah."
Phil: "Isn’t that just Dan?"

You should know: Dan put together a photo feature featuring LeBron James photoshopped onto different game characters. He worked on the Mega Man image and the following occurred. (Dan should also be banned from use of all Adobe products.)
Tim: “And you could make him shoot out little footballs.”
Dan: “Footballs?”
Tim: “Isn’t he a football player? I don’t know who the f*** LeBron James is.”

"Head for everyone." [Miller gives away Lemonhead candy]

"That's actually a big risk for me because if Reiner dies then I have to play." [Phil on taunting Reiner while playing Metroid: Other M.]

Annette: "I’m tired."
Phil: "Why are you so tired?"
Annette: "I haven’t been sleeping well."
Phil: "Is it the same reason that I can’t sleep? Drugs?"
Annette: "Yes. I have got to stop doing coke in alleyways."
Disclaimer: Game Informer does not advocate the use of drugs. The choices made by these editors do not reflect the choices made by staff of the publication as a whole. Or does it?'

Joe to Ben, on Ben’s obsession with pink shirts: “It’s not even a question of being a hater, it’s a question of not being an idiot.”

“Kung Fu Rider sounds like a porno.” [Reiner]

“The dreaded meatball wars went on for eight years.” [Jeff M]

Miller: "Between Reiner’s feet. Right in the hole."
Reiner: Um, what?
[Miller plays golf with Star Trek putter.]

“Do you want to mount Samus?” [Reiner refers to a Metroid painting]

JeffC: "My legs make you feel better about your legs?! We should have leg off!"
Tim: "But I don’t have a saw..."

Reiner: "Can you get that back to production?"
Adam: "Absolutely. Also, I found a volcano."

“Patrick Duffy you smug son of a b****.” [Bryan]

“Adam, your pasta smells like death.” [Ben]

Andy: I really want to beat the s*** out of someone, can you do something wrong?
Dan: [thinking]…Did you read Air Force Gator?

Referring to the Zombie Pub Crawl:
Meagan: "Zombies are about the only thing that can get me out of the house."
JeffM: "That’s the exact opposite of how that’s supposed to work…"

“Why is this lollipop thing on my desk…OOOOOH I WANT CANDY!” [JeffM then gets up and runs]

“Charlie Sheen is like the world series of hookers.” [Helgeson]

Reiner: "Yeah, you’ve had more orgies than I have."
Bryan: "Yeah, I got an std from one of those."
[Fable III discussion]

You should know: Dan played Babysitting Mama.
"And people say I'm not good at games. I just fed the s*** out of that baby."

“This one time we ruined the Vikings’ season by killing this dinosaur.” [Helgeson]

“I’m hoping we both throw up.” [Dan and JeffC plot ideas for the next Grudgematch]

"I'm hoping you would turn around, open your eyes real wide, and both your irises turn out to be Italian flags." [JeffC to JeffM after watching Assassin's Creed video. Also, JeffM is Italian]

To catch up on the Overheard series, click here.

Overheard #10: If This Were On TV It'd Get Canceled By The FCC Edition

2010-07-08T23:00:00Z

It's been far too long since I've posted one of these, but doesn't mean I haven't still been eavesdropping on conversations around the Game Informer lair. For the two of you that requested I bring this feature back, this one's for you. Enjoy the obnoxious conversations of my peers in the latest edition of Overheard.

You should know: A bunch of us stood around watching Helgeson play Mario Galaxy 2 and discussed how much Waluigi sucks.
Helgeson: Who could possibly like Waluigi? He's so lame.
Tim: Oh, Dan likes all the Wa-guys.
Joe: It doesn't surprise me that Dan likes Waluigi. If I had to liken Dan to one Mario character, it would be Waluigi.

"No, I called Bowser a fat f-ing dragon. I did call Mario the c-word, but we’ve made up since then." [Helgeson on his Mario Galaxy review]

You should know: Bryan has been biking to work and complains about comfort issues.
Adam to Bryan: Does your seat suck or is your a** just tender?
Kato: [Laughing] Are you a candy a**?

"I’m out of here. I’ll see you in prison, Dan…" [Andy]

“Deepthroating the Leaning Tower of Pisa – could I get anymore Italian?!” [Jeff M.]
You should know: Nick’s laptop puts foreground pictures in when you use the web camera. One was the skyline of Italy. Jeff M. defiled it. Threw this bit in after the quote because, well, it's just better read out of context.

"Poop farts are the future!" [Nick]

"Mega Man Zero is my b****!!! Wait…maybe…I think the whole room might explode.” [Tim]

“The first thing you can conceivably rack your balls on is a satellite dish.” [Dan playing Ow, My Balls! on iPhone]

You should know: Annette fact-checked the spelling of the game in the last quote.
Annette: Hey, Dan, what's the name of that game where you have to smash your balls against stuff?
Dan: Ow, comma, My Balls, exclamation point. Don't get it wrong. People will be pissed.

"Yeah I'm gonna go sign that online petition!!!! Wait. I have to create an account?! Pfffft. F- this." [Tim Turi, Man of Conviction]

"Hey, Tim, would you mind coming into the kitchen to slap Dan in the face?" [Nick]

"If anyone said they understood the LOST finale, they can no longer review games." [Reiner]

Bertz: I don’t know what kind of outfit we’re running here, but Sonic shouldn’t be in the top slot of our website.
Tim: Well, do you think there is another story that would make a better fit in the top slot?
Bertz: All of them.

You should know: It was moving day at Game Informer to make way for construction.
Jeff M: Do we have tape or anything? I need to close this box up.
Dan: I’m just doing the foldy-thing on the bottom.
Jeff M: You’re not worried about everything falling out the bottom?
Dan: Nah, not really. Then again, I have a long history of my belongings falling out of the bottoms of boxes while moving, so take that for what it’s worth.

Construction continues...
"The hole being cut in the floor for the spiral staircase. Don’t jump down there. It’s not a hobbit hole!" [Andy provides wise advice to his staff. Now we all just use the hole between floors to transfer things to the other floor, Portal style.]

You should know: We discussed candidates for someone to guard the vault.
Bertz: Reiner’s mom will do it.
Reiner: Do what?
Bertz: Guard the vault.
Reiner: My mom?

Jeff M: We should make a mascot for the site named Tim Termite. He’d be a little termite dressed as Tim.
Phil: In a Sonic shirt?
Jeff M: YES.

“I feel like the website and me are like that kid and E.T. When the website hurts, I hurt.” [Tim]

"Oh f-, I’m going to shoot you with my fairy lasers." [Dan reviews DeathSmiles]

You should know: Dan contemplates what might be in the odd hole in his still-wrapped Hot Pocket.
Jeff M: The microwave will probably kill a Death Maggot.
Dan: Well, I don’t want to eat a dead Death Maggot, either. I don’t want to eat any Death Maggot.
Jeff M: …good point.

"Ugh, man Harry Potter as told through LEGOs is confusing!" [Bryan plays LEGO Harry Potter]

"I was just talking about kissing you to Joe." [Jeff C. to Bryan]

You should know: The guys are huddled and giggling around Miller's TV.
Annette: What are you doing?
Bryan: We’re making babies over here. [Baby Maker Extreme]

"Are we really eating slinkys in the hallway?" [Meagan]

Note: Put the top ring of a Slinky between your teeth, hold it there, then drop the rest of the Slinky to the ground. Do it. It's awesome.

To catch up on the Overheard series, click here.

Overheard: GI Staff Quotables #9

2010-04-13T23:00:00Z

Check out the latest blog in the Overheard series. Listen closely around the halls of the GI office and you'll hear the staff say some unusual, and oftentimes hilarious things, which we have posted here for your amusement. Enjoy!

You should know: Annette explains her shoulder injury.
“I want to know what the inside of a shoulder looks like. Is it like MadWorld?” [Jeff C.]

You should know: Tim works on creating a character in 3D Dot Game Heroes. These are three separate conversations. (Check out his 3D Dot Link video.)
Dan: So I could run around this whole game as a weiner with a sword?
Tim: Joe already did that.
Dan: ***!
Tim: The only thing that happens when people pick up the character editor is weiners. Also, *******.
...
Nick: I wish you could make your own sword.
Tim: You have access to a lot of swords.
Nick: Yeah, but I want to make a weiner sword.
...
Tim: Want to see a preview of the Link I made?
Joe: I’d rather see a preview of a weiner character.
Tim pretends to unzip his pants.
Joe: No! That’s not a preview! That’s the real deal!
Tim: You’re *** right it’s the real deal.
Dan: You call your ***** The Real Deal?

Annette: “Meagan might’ve heard someone say something about a transvestite donkey back here.”
Dan: “Transvestite donkey witch.”

Tim to Dan: "You should hide action figures in your beard."

“Have you ever killed a unicorn?” [Reiner]

"I’m about to put a girl in this shark’s mouth."
[Dan works on his bizarre Photoshop creation.]

“I have a GO Phone. That’s what drug dealers use.” [Tim]

Meagan to Annette: “Did you just send me an e-mail called 'vagina'?”

"Hey six-year-old girl why don’t you f****** like Assassins Creed 2?"
[Helgeson during an issue meeting.]

"Did we ever do anything about video game Asians?"
[Ben during an issue meeting. He meant to say "agents."]

Jeff C. in reference to Dan's beard: "Dan looks like a Civil War lighthouse keeper.”

Andy in reference to Dan's beard: “If I didn’t know you and I saw that thing on your face, I would just assume you’re a sexual predator. It looks like two hair-butts on the bottom, and it makes your chin look like some kind of…face-anus.”

To catch up on the Overheard series, click here.

Overheard: GI Staff Quotables #8

2010-03-13T00:20:00Z

"Wait, Tails has a moustache?"

[Tim plays a Sonic racing multiplayer match online.]

You should know: Tim spent an entire day creating the perfect set up for his playthrough of Mega Man 10.
Joe: “Haven’t you been playing Mega Man all day?”
Tim: “I haven’t played a Single Man, let alone a Mega one.”

“He got his blaster masters”

[Tim referencing Miller’s post grad degrees.]

Annette: "My contacts have been expired for weeks and I'm still wearing them."
Phil: Gives high-five.
Dan: "Laser eyes."
Annette and Phil: ...
Dan: "Laser eyes. It's awesome."
Phil: "Can you kill people with it?"
Dan: "Yup. And see better!"
Phil: "I want laser eyes!"
Annette: Quietly exits the room.

“Charlie Sheen’s like walking herpes.” [Andy]

“I spent a little while searching for a good picture for the sex party, but they were all a little racy for our website."

[Reiner talks about a God of War III post.]

“Japanese people yelling is the coolest thing in the world.”

[Tim watches as Dan plays Yakuza.]

“There’s no dong in Heavy Rain.” [Joe]

“I’m realizing that having a giant thing of Vaseline right next to all my Sonic toys probably isn’t the best impression to give when I show people my desk.” [Tim]

Dan: "Want to sit in on an episode of Replay today?"
Tim: "We just went over this. I can’t today."
Dan: "Oh yeah…we just talked about that. I’m like the guy from Memento."
Tim: "You’re Guy Pearce?"
Dan: "No one has ever told me I look like Guy Pearce."
Tim: "Guy Pearce looks like a little girl."

“Metal Gear Solid 4 was a Benny Hill episode combined with Laugh-In. And PCP.” [Tim]

You should know: Tim rants about a minor issue in Sonic Ultimate Collection DS.
Dan: "I’m sure it plays exactly like Sonic always has, and Tim is just complaining because he has every pixel placement in those games memorized."
Tim: "It’s in my trunk if you want to see it."
Jeff M: "Is that where you hide all your shameful games?"
Jeff C: "Considering that he’s a Sonic fan, I was assuming it would be filled with a bunch of little boy’s underpants."

You should know: Andy makes fun of Dan at least once a day and Dan loves it. Here are some recent comments.
"So, you bought a dog because you wanted it to hit you in the nuts?"

"I wonder how many times during a given week Dan's dad regrets having him."

You should know: Dan likes to pull elaborate pranks. A lot.
"If you come within 150 yards of this building on April 1st, you are fired."

“There’s plenty of things that Dan does wrong.”

For more entries in the Overheard series, click here.

Overheard: GI Staff Quotables #7

2010-02-12T21:30:00Z

Dan: “She doesn’t like movies with grisly violence…”
Tim: “So you’ve been avoiding movies with bears?”

"Oh my god! There’s a badger in my car attacking me!"

[Meagan plays an indie game.]

“Just because Scrooge McDuck may be a likeable character, it doesn’t mean his corporation can’t be evil.”

[Andy Mac]

Ben: “Is that green sperm?”
Meagan: “Yes. Green Sperm: The Game.”
Ben: “Are you impregnating trees?”
Meagan: “No. I’m bringing them back to life.”
Ben: “What is that? It looks like a seal in a robot suit.”

[Meagan plays an interesting indie game, and no it's not about green sperm.]

Tim: The first batch of March issues have arrived.
Dan: Martian shoes?!

"It sucks going back and reading your old reviews. I mean why did I make so many Full House jokes?"

[Joe]

“Well, when he teleported I just oiled myself up and farted him out. Woah, he just shot a tornado out of his pelvis!”

[Dan explains what's going on in a game.]

Meagan: I forgot I put a tea packet there…
Annette: You put a tea packet where?
Meagan: Giggity.

“I’m livin’ in Fisto city, guys!”

[Joe during an episode of Replay.]

"Oh well, who cares?! Let's just kill ourselves."

[Tim after receiving a lukewarm reception to Photoshop joke he made.]

“Regret balls are the worst kind of balls.”

[Phil]

“Did you know that Knuckles’ favorite food is grapes?”

[Do I even have to say who's responsible for this quote?]

You should know: Adam picks up an unfamiliar power-up in a kart racing game.
Adam: “I’ve got some sort of green *** situation going on here.”
Dan: “Didn’t they just announce that the Green *** Situation was playing Bonnaroo?”

"I have to pretend to be Wonder Woman tonight."

[Meagan]

“Don’t push either of these things or it will catch on fire or something.”

[Dan explains to Tim how to work the video camera.]

“The Samba de Amigo monkey is an a******.”

[Tim has unresolved issues with the Samba de Amigo monkey.]

"Argh, I'm steppin' on abba-zabbas!"

[Dan as he traverses a pile of shattered peanut butter taffy on the ground like John McClane in Die Hard.]

That's all for this post. Got any funny quotes from your workplace you'd like to share? Tell your story in the comments section. Want more Overheard? Catch up with posts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6.

People Who Write "First!" In Comments Sections Should Be Banned From The Web

2010-02-05T23:11:00Z

Alright, so that's a little extreme. However, since the new Game Informer site launched back in October, we've seen this "First!" phenom go from sprinkling a few posts to now spamming nearly everything written by both editors and the community. With that said, I have one simple request: knock it off.

Back in 2005 AOL's tech site, Engadget, temporarily disabled their comments section as a result of comment spam. Here's the explanation:

"...we've all gotten a little tired of spending so much time deleting comment spam and dealing with trolls and all that "first post!" crap, so we're switching off comments on new posts for the next day or two while we think about what we're going to do to try and make the comment boards not completely sucky."

This has been a problem that has plagued countless other sites and is essentially annoying the hell out of everyone.

I regularly read comments on my stories and those of other editors to get a feel of what you respond well to, and what you don't. Now whenever I check out our comments section there's a "First!" post with five subsequent posts from that same person, then five more from other users who think the "First!" person is an idiot asking them to cut the crap. Comment sections are supposed to be a forum of meaningful discussion on the topic at hand, and sure at times we joke around a bit, but now it's just turned into a race for the top post. We don't like it. Other community members don't like it. So just do everyone a favor and keep it to a minimum, and by a minimum I mean stop altogether. Modding these comments alone would take way too much time so just stop spamming our comments sections, and comments sections of other sites for that matter. The world will be a better place for it.

Perhaps I'm missing the point here, and Firsties here is your chance to explain why you insist on being the first to comment on a story. Maybe it helps you sleep better at night, I don't know. With that in mind, instead of spamming comments sections, I have created a FORUM with your needs in mind where you can post "First!" to your heart's content. Hell, let's see who will be the lucky Firsty to make the 100th post. "Hundredth!" Now there's something to brag about.

I'm aware that this post has made all future posts bearing my name a target for Firsty fodder. This one included. In fact, Reiner said he'd spam this very post as soon as I publish it. I accept my fate and will be the martyr for comments sections all across the internet.

More importantly, however, I'd like to hear your thoughts. What do you guys think about "First!" posts in comments sections? How do you think the situation should be handled?

Also be aware that our tech-savvy Sean has installed an application through our Web site that will detect a "First!" post and will thereafter cause your computer to self destruct. You've been warned.

Overheard: GI Staff Quotables #6

2010-01-29T17:24:00Z

“Robopedophilia is the worst kind of pedophilia.”

[Dan during a strange discussion about Mega Man’s sister, Roll.]

“I feel like a little fairy boy.”

[Tim looks for apartments online.]

You should know: After the Viking’s loss, Bertz talks about being obsessed with sports to the point of losing sleep over it.
“It’s like being a Catholic in an abusive relationship. You know you need to get out, but it’s against your religion.”

“I kind of like the weiner action.”

[Reiner talks about Rogue Trip from Twisted Metal.]

“I love crystal meth.”

[Dan. I don’t know.]

“You should have stopped at tranny saliva.”

[Jeff M.]

“If that’s real: Erection city.”

[Reiner sees a rumored mock up of the iPad online before it was revealed.]

“I can be a giant space d*ck.”

[Phil on Mass Effect.]

“Nobody carries tampons around on the battlefield except mercenaries. And I’m not a mercenary, I’m in the army.”

[Reiner]

“One of the best running backs in NFL history…Ol’ ‘Tears N’ Fec*s’ Jackson.”

[Dan]

“I’ve been giving her the main line from the back room.”

[Tim could've just said he's been sending me quotes from the back of the office. Said this instead.]

Want more Overheard? Catch up with posts #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5.

Overheard: GI Staff Quotables #5

2010-01-22T19:16:00Z

"Haha, I just stole a pie from myself."

[Miller playing The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom.]

Reiner: “What if Mega Man took off his suit and it turned out he was a woman?”
Tim: “I’d have an erection.”

[Tim is a hardcore Mega Man fan. The madness continues when Reiner and Tim discuss news of the weird headlines...]

Reiner: "Man Plays Mega Man Sax At Wedding."
Tim: "Did that really happen?"
Reiner: No.
Tim: "Can he play at my wedding?"

You should know: Dan sucks at games. Plays MAG beta under Nick's profile...
Reiner: "I don’t think Nick’s going to like that you’re getting all these crappy stats under his profile."
[Dan denies crappy stats.]
Reiner: "Fine, let’s see your stats."
Dan: "Let me just finish this match."

[Match rolls into next match into next match into next match. Conclusion: His stats suck.]

“Oh man, I’m fighting a motorcycle?!”

[Joe plays an RPG.]

“This oatmeal is the best thing that’s happened to my mouth in weeks.”

[Annette finally enjoys a warm breakfast during the GI Weight Loss Competition.]

"*** you, Fetus!"

[Meagan is not a baby hater. Yelled at a villain named Dr. Fetus in a video game.]

You should know: Helgeson is going to be a father! Jeff C. who has a few kids of his own suggests Helgeson play music for the developing baby.
Jeff C: "You could put headphones on her belly playing Sonic music."
Helgeson: "I don’t want to abuse the child."

"Oh my god. There’s a Web site that turns you into a unicorn!"

[Meagan finds an interesting Web site.]

Annette: “I need to finish my review. Just a few more sentences!”
Meagan: “This is a game with multiple games. If you like games with multiple games, this game is for you. The end.”
Annette: “Brilliant.”

“Sometimes you just gotta get your angry chew on.”

[Tim after Reiner makes fun of the intense look on Tim's face while eating an apple.]

"...and its got Andy Whitfield in it. He's hot!"

[Miller talks about the new Spartacus show.]

Phil: “I’m just really happy we could make Dr. T***waffle happy.”
Reiner: "Hmmmm. Tell me more Dr. T***waffle.”

[Phil and Reiner read an interesting Twitter post.]

That's all for this post. Got any funny quotes from your workplace you'd like to share? Share it in the comments section.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Donna Pike

2010-01-13T21:20:00Z

This week The[Crafty]Gamer features Donna Pike from the U.K. Donna, also known as "Arcade Artist", has a collection of retroactive pieces that turn contemporary games such as Half-Life and Resident Evil into 8-bit masterpieces. Classic games are thrown in the mix as well. Read on to learn about Donna and check out her awesome paintings, magnets, and more.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Donna Pike (a.k.a. Arcade Artist)

Age: 34

Hometown: Somerset in Southwest U.K.

Occupation: I’m actually lucky enough to work on my art full-time

Creation: Retroactive Art

Tell us about your work. What’s the inspiration behind it?

Ever since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with video games. Being a fan of old school games I figured it'd be cool to pare down the classics to their bare essentials and transform them into 8-bit versions.

This is where the Retroactive series of magnets came from and also my new Resident Evil painting Los Illuminados (first image above).

How much time do these pieces take to create?

My paintings take 50 hours to paint on average. The Los Illuminados piece I made recently for the Child's Play Charity auction took well over 50 hours to paint, but it also takes a lot of time to design the pixel art. It raised $1,000 for the charity! I was so pleased that something I'd made could encourage such a generous donation.

For the retroactive magnet sets, a lot of hard work goes into designing the sprites. I have to make sure I capture the essence of a character in 8-bit where every pixel counts! Each set also includes a collectable card of how the 8-bit game's retro box art might have looked, this always takes some time.

Is your work available for purchase anywhere? If so, where and how much?

I sell my paintings, beadsprites and keyrings direct through Etsy where prices start from $4.50. I also take commission requests through e-mail. Commissions generally start from around $200, but it varies depending on size and complexity. Some of my bead sprites will also soon be available through the Supercombo website.

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself (your background in arts/crafts? favorite games? etc.)?

I’ve always loved all aspects of art and design. After high school I went to art college, but found it hard to pin down exactly what I wanted to specialize in. That's why I eventually went into animation. It meant I could do a bit of everything and this has carried into my work today.

Favorite games is a tough one, rather than a long list here are just a few highlights: Burger Time, Pac-Man (of course), Mario Kart, and adventure games like the Gabriel Knight series (especially fun to play with a friend).

Any Web links to other work?

There's more about my paintings and commissions on Arcade Art or you can catch me on flickr.

I must just mention that I'm currently selling limited edition canvas prints of Los Illuminados through Etsy with 50% of the profits going to the Child's Play Charity.

The[Crafty]Gamer is currently looking for entries. Take a look at the Submission Guidelines or for more information (or to send tips) e-mail me at annette@gameinformer.com.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Tyler Stallard

2010-01-07T17:19:00Z

This week The[Crafty]Gamer features fellow Illinois native, Tyler Stallard, and his NOS-inspired Xbox 360 mod. We've seen quite a few console mods across the Web, but this one is pretty cool (it's internally water-cooled and looks awesome). Read on to learn more about Tyler and his 360 mod project that began with an energy drink.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Tyler M. Stallard

Age: 18

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

Occupation: Best Buy Portable Electronics Representative

Creation: NOS-inspired Xbox 360 Mod

Tell us about the mod. What’s the inspiration/idea behind it?

I really like making stuff that not many people do, and really like the reactions I get from people when I finish a project. I was surfing the Web one night and came across an internally water-cooled Xbox 360 (there's not that many out there to my knowledge). After having fan problems with my 360 I decided to do it. I had to think of a theme and thought NOS would be perfect. I figured energy drinks and video games go perfect together.

How much time did it take to create?

I would have to say somewhere between five to six weeks. What took longest was finding a radiator for it. I was really close to buying $100 micro radiators from Britain and having them shipped here, but then I found a NAPA Auto Parts brand power steering cooler, which fit in there quite well. The fans were also an issue. I ordered two 60x10mm fans originally, but found they were too small and didnt produce enough air flow so I stepped it up to 70x15mm for the exhaust fans. I still used one of the 60mm fans for the top of the case to force air in. Other than that, the most laborious task was making the custom shaped reservoir. I actually made three and finally came out with a winner on the third try.

Is it available for purchase anywhere? If so, where and how much?

I do plan on selling it so i can start another 360 project. I'm probably going to put it up on Craigslist in the Chicago area, as well as xbox360forum.com.

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself (do you have a background in arts/crafts/mods? favorite games? etc.)?

Ha, well, I really suck when it comes to art. I've been trying to pick up airbrushing with no real results. However, sometimes stuff just pops up in my head and I decide I'm going to do it, and it happens and it turns out great!

Any Web links to other work?:

Not yet. If I get enough money from this system I want to start another Xbox project, which you will be able to find on xbox360forum.com.

Any future projects you'd like to talk about?

I want to start an industrial-themed Xbox using a lot of diamond plate, or since i love lime green and black, a Monster-themed 360.

I'd like to thank everyone on the Xbox 360 Forum for helping me with all the questions I had during the project!

The[Crafty]Gamer is currently seeking entries. For a chance to have your work featured on this blog, check out our Submission Guidelines and e-mail annette@gameinformer.com.

Overheard: Game Informer Staff Quotables #4

2009-12-11T16:48:00Z

The Overheard blog is back for another batch of Game Informer quotables. Listen closely around the halls of the GI office and you'll hear the staff say some unusual and oftentimes hilarious things, which we have posted here for your amusement. Here is Overheard #1, #2 and #3 in case you've missed them. Caught up? Good. Carry on.

“Are you gonna make his dead wife and daughter, too?”

[Tim comments on Meagan's Kratos munny.]

“I hear terrible ideas are afoot back here.”

[Jeff M. referring to a potential sword fight between Tim and Dan.]

“Sometimes a man just has to love a moose.”

[Tim referring to Dan's obsession with the inflatable moose head.]

“I’m just gonna make him stare at this orange juice in his hand until he goes into some kind of existential crisis.”

[Dan playing a preview build...for a certain game...]

“He’s a f---in’ looneycakes.”

[Andy Mac during a meeting.]

“His nipple can’t be in his armpit.”

[Meagan commenting on an Italian Borat ad.]

“I love things that are a vehicle for other things.”

[Meagan explains she eats chili for lunch as a vehicle to have hot sauce. Annette replies.]

"I was literally raised by Godzilla."

[Nick says this during what we presume was an interesting conversation with Joe.]

Dan: “My least classy moment of all time happened on a party bus.”
Annette: "Least classy?"
Dan: "Alright top 50."

“Yeah, she has a hobbit running around her apartment and had to put down a $200 deposit to protect the carpet.”

[Tim watched The Hobbit. We said he watched an actual hobbit. This was his response.]

Phil: "There's an outbreak of Korean kids named Jim."
Miller: "Jem?"
Phil: "No, 'Jim.'"
Miller: Oh, I thought you said 'Jem' as in 'truly, truly, truly outrageous.'" (watch theme song here for Jem reference.)

“That’s like saying Microsoft should’ve won in 1995 when they created the Pipes screen saver that I sat and stared at.”

[Andy Mac talks about Flower.]

“What is that, Dan? Is that Schwarzenegger shooting a Schwarzenegger rocket?”

[Jeff M. commenting on Dan's Photoshop creation.]

“People who have sex in animal costumes are going to like Avatar.”

[Helgeson on Avatar.]

“They’re like diapers for VHS tapes.”

[Nick comments on those soft, white Disney VHS cases that creaked when you opened them.]

That about wraps it up for this week. If you have any funny quotes from your place of employment feel free to share them in the comments section below.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Harrison Krix (Volpin Props Portal Gun)

2009-12-10T23:52:00Z

This week The[Crafty]Gamer features Harrison Krix, the man behind Volpin Props. The Georgia native is a graphic designer that specializes in replica and prop design. Recently, he and his fiancée have received plenty of press for their incredible Big Daddy and Little Sister costumes. You might've also heard about the Portal gun, which we got the chance to chat about. Read on for more.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Harrison Krix

Age: 27

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Occupation: Graphic Designer

Creation: Portal Gun

Tell us about the piece. What’s the inspiration behind it?

I've always been tinkering with things, building small kits and the like. Around Halloween of 2007, my fiancée and I decided to go as Link and Midna from the latest Zelda game, Twilight Princess. I took a crack at making our props, which were very well received. We went to our first convention after that, and I noticed there was a lot of attention directed at replica props. Portal came out shortly thereafter and I decided to try my hand at making the Portal gun. I always like learning new techniques and I knew I could bring this to life in a very realistic way.

How much time did it take to create?

About 4 months, working on and off. A lot of this was trial and error as I hadn't undertaken a project like this before.

Is it available for purchase anywhere? If so, where and how much?

Only five replicas are being created. I will be making extra parts for possible repairs in the future, but there will only be five finished guns. Three of these are going to private owners and two are being auctioned off to the public at a later date upon their completion.

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself?

I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts (graphic design) from the Savannah College of Art and Design (graduated in 2004). I also restore vintage cars in what little free time I have left after props and work. I desperately loved the Dreamcast and often have fantasies about a Power Stone remake for a current generation console. I never get enough sleep.

Any Web links to other work?

My Props Blog. I try to update at least once a month with new projects!

The[Crafty]Gamer is currently looking for entries! Have your work featured by checking out the submission guidelines. Shoot me an e-mail: annette@gameinformer.com to show off your work or send any tips.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Matthew Ragsdale

2009-12-03T20:14:00Z

This week The[Crafty]Gamer features Matthew Ragsdale and his NES-inspired 8-bit LEGO sculptures. Read on to find out how the Californian became interested in LEGO work and see images of his creations inspired by Mega Man, Metroid, Mario and more.

The[Crafty]Gamer: Matthew Ragsdale

Age: 23

Hometown: Modesto, CA

Occupation: It’s hard out there right now, so I hold many day jobs.

Creation: 8-Bit LEGO Sculptures

Tell us about your LEGO work. What’s the inspiration behind it?

I feel my LEGO sculptures are a simple project at first glance, but deep down they take a lot of effort in execution. I suddenly started doing this because of my love for the original Nintendo system. I grew up with the NES, and though I do own current generation consoles, the NES just has that overall presence with its music and art style that makes it so unique to me. It quickly grabbed hold of my senses from the very beginning, and still has a firm grip on me today.

Before I go into further detail, I would like to point out that none of my creations or my interest in crafting would be possible if it wasn’t for my girlfriend Kendy, who is a very crafty individual herself and encouraged me in my work. So with the interest built in by my girlfriend, I found other crafters online with 8-bit related projects that were completely amazing. At that point I decided I wanted to make my own. The problem is I don’t have any crafting skills like crocheting, sewing or even painting. Thus, for me LEGO bricks were an accessible medium for 8-bit crafts. While it doesn't require too much skill, it does require a whole lot of attention to detail and effort. What I love about using LEGO bricks is that it’s an almost near-perfect representation of the 2D character. My characters are flat, but you can hold them like a toy/statue, which is really cool.

How much time does each take to create?

Obviously the bigger the project the more time spent on it, but generally they can take from one to three hours, most time is spent gluing each little block together.

Is it available for purchase anywhere other than Etsy? If so, where and how much?

The only other place you could buy my sculptures would be in person at indie craft shows with my girlfriend in California.

Any other information you’d like to share about yourself?

I love independent music and movies. Also, keeping with the video game spirit, I love listening to chiptune music and gabber music; especially when it has that 8-bit vibe going for it. And most importantly my main passion is film. I write and direct my own films on a no-budget scale.

Any Web links to other work?

My YouTube account holds my film work (shorts and trailers), but it also has small little videos of my LEGO Scupltures, too. You can also check out my girlfriend’s Etsy store for all your mix media needs – hair bows, shrines, Day of the Dead inspired crafts and much more.