Recent Dyalogues in Web Entertainment
Aug 2009
Do web series such as The Guild pose any serious threat to the traditional TV series?
Type:
DebatesStatus:
CompletedUpdated on Aug 03, 2009A discussion on web series such as The Guild, which are rising in popularity and scope amongst web geeks and newbies alike. Do these mini-series pose any actual threat to their TV counterparts, or does their often geek-centred content limit their audience too tightly to give them and real sway in the media community?
Jan 2009
Should online games use unlockable items?
Type:
DebatesStatus:
CompletedUpdated on Jan 26, 2009In many online games nowadays the trend is to have unlockable items, weapons or other equipment which are not immediately accessible to the player. These "unlocks" can only be accessed once the player completes a certain task or milestone, say winning a certain number of games or defeating a number of opponents in a specific way. These milestones are usually called achievements.
The notion of achievements is highly debated within the gaming community, with "achievement farmers" (those who use dedicated servers to focus upon completeing achievements instead of actual play) frowned upon by most members. Some unlocks, like the notorious Team Fortress 2 Medic Pack, are considered too hard, and some too easy. The balance is hard to get right, and the existence of unlocks is a source of much acrimony between both pro and casual gamers alike.
