one week

Vacation time!

One week of nothing to do but sleep, think, and watch TV. Oh, and a little trip here and there, too.

Life is good.

The world seems a little smaller now that I'm working; too focused on one thing (which isn't a bad thing, really). I guess it's high time to see the world and be inspired.

Why oh why do I want a Wii this Christmas

No week has passed without someone from the industry claiming that Nintendo's Gamecube 2 (or 2 Gamecubes) is but a mere fad poised to make us look stupid and beyond. And who knows, maybe -- possibly -- they're right. But why do I still want one this Christmas? Here are the 5 reasons:

1. Wii Sports = Wii sweat

Ever since I got a job, my mom's been badgering me about those weight loss pills I sort of promised to buy her when I have the money. Well, I can give her that, but the righteous part of jg says, "No, make her work for it." Which is where the Wii comes in. Now my mom could just turn on the system, and swing, box, and bowl her way to fitness.

2. Family Fun -> 'Pogi' points for the industry

Videogames have always been a 'waste of time' in my parents' book. It took me at least 4 freakin' years of persuading and hinting and wishing to make them buy a Family Computer. Another 4 years for a PSone (we actually bought that a year after PS2 was released), and, yes, another 4 years to buy an Xbox. Ah, the pain of wanting something they call an 'expensive waste.' Now, it's time for them to appreciate the wonders of gaming, whether they like it or not. Features like Mii, Weather Channel, News Channel, and Everybody Votes Channel will, hopefully become the proverbial Trojan Horse of gaming.

3. It's cheap. And reliable.

Nintendo, in my opinion, manufactures the most reliable game consoles in the planet. So unless I accidentally spilled coffee on my Wii or plugged it in 220v instead of 110v, I'm good. Hell, even our second-hand GameBoy Color works perfectly even when dropped almost a hundred times.

4. It connects with my DS

Currently, the only Wii game that connects to the DS is Pokemon Battle Revolution (use your Pokemon Diamond/Pearl monsters and fight against other Wii-owning trainers). So, yeah, the potential is there. Somewhere.

5. It's Nintendo for crying out loud

I wouldn't even bother buying this system if it came from a strictly hardware-only company. And who would? Nintendo make their system for their software, not the other way around. Stripping Nintendo's magic away from the system is like Apple selling iPods without iTunes -- it just wouldn't work. No wonder some 3rd-party publishers are hesitant to the Wii; they're just too damn scared of the software giant behind it.


So there, the 5 reasons why I want a Wii this Christmas. I'm no fanboy and definitely not a PR zombie (though I could be) and probably I'll change my mind next year (PS3, perhaps?), but today and until my pre-ordered system arrived in a balikbayan box, all I want for Christmas is too white Wii.

happy problem, that's what

Anino's been a very busy colony lately. Major productions here and there, some just starting, some wrapping up. Compared to last year when we have days -- even weeks -- without any substantial work to do, and our producer would even recommend taking the day off (so that no one's taking a break when new projects come our way). This time, though, we're doing almost two projects at the same time. I, for one, am doing a little bit of Project X, Project A, and sometimes even checking Project C, even dabbling in Projects D and P. Whew!

Kaya natin 'to, people! 'Yes' to more projects! Keep the ball rolling! Go go go! Bawal magreklamo! Baka ma-usog!

dark days ahead

The 'leads' had a meeting yesterday - me included, amazingly. They talked a lot about the future HR-related processes which I found absolutely uninteresting. Sure, it's important, but it reminded me of catechisms and all the religious crap that my mom forced me to attend. You'll brace yourself for an impending bore-fest, thinking that you've lots of things to do elsewhere. The meeting went on and on for what seemed like eternity, and I listened to people talk in super slow-motion, their voices warping as time ignores its rhythmic stride.

jg's realization: This is not my place. Well, at least for now. (cue Vienna)

Later, the super boss revealed (or reiterated, since I already knew what was coming) the future org chart of the company, starting with the mystical Board of Directors sitting on top, then the CEO, then everyone else below - which, of course, includes me. So basically, I got a new job title with little new to offer, sprinkled with frightening responsibilities (or challenges, I guess). Unfortunately for me and the company, I'm the only one 'fit' for the job (something they call 'default'), so they have no other choice but to put my name in that small space. I would like to thank my other boss, however, for acknowledging the fact that I have other plans (and almost promising that they'll put me in my rightful place once they find a replacement). Hopefully, it wouldn't be too late.

After the meeting, people became awfully silent (metaphorically speaking), drinking the pleasure of their new-found badges. It was fun to watch people transform from sheer uncertainty to "hmm, I guess I deserve it."

Me? I just went back to work.

Ocular

Visited the new staff house this morning. One block away from La Salle, a couple of rides away from Anino's new office. The condo's penthouse is fantastic, the view's great, and the place is just big. That is, if the company decides to get that (which is a little pricier than the rooms a couple of floors below).

EA buys Bioware/Pandemic

Heartbreaking news: Megapublisher Electronic Arts has acquired two of the most respected developers, Bioware and Pandemic, for more than $800 million. Impressive numbers, yeah, but it's scary. Looks like EA's ominous shadow is getting bigger and bigger by the day. Look out, indie developers with good IP. You're probably next.

Here's hoping that both developers remain the same -- including the name.

two for two

Looks like I won't burn myself after all: Anino Games is, once again, nominated in this year's International Mobile Gaming Awards -- with two games in two different categories!


Congratulations guys! This truly is a banner year for the Philippine gaming industry!

Anyway, I guess this is a sweet reward for all the extended nights and weekends.

October

Ah, yes, October. Which means a f*ckton of new things are happening:

1. The secret project X is finally finished! Well, hopefully.
2. A semi-new project has been greenlighted. Again!
3. The sequel to the secret project X is being proposed and we're still waiting for the proverbial green light.
4. The IMGAwards nominations will be announced on October 10. My experience with that can be told by my sleepless nights and worn-out weekends. So if I don't get nominated, I swear, I'll burn myself alive. You hear that, IMGAwards? I'll burn myself alive!
5. I'll finally get my Nintendo Wii by next week, which means I'll own the two most controversial systems available -- one involves touching and stroking, the other involves waggling. Care for a game, anyone?
6. The first Philippine gaming convention will be held this weekend in SM Megamall, so it's my duty as gamer that I attend that geekfest.