MoMa Makes Video Games Art

MoMa, the Museum of Modern Art, has begun collecting video games.  Yeah, you heard me.  Fourteen video games were selected by the museum and officially dubbed "art."  If this does not make sure that my generation is taking over the world nothing does.  Let's look at the list:

Pac-Man (1980) - Considered the Van Gogh of the bunch.  No ears, get it?
Tetris (1984) - Obviously derivative of Picasso.
Another World (1991) - This is a game, I'm told.
Myst (1993) - Be cause matte paintings can be video games, too.
SimCity 2000 (1994) - Rodin, the thinking man's game.
vib-ribbon (1999) - I heard this existed.
The Sims (2000) - Because trapping people in a room and taking away the doors until they die is somebody's art.
EVE Online (2003) - The essence of Cheeto dust on a keyboard.
Katamari Damacy (2004) - Because Dali was bored that day.
Dwarf Fortress (2006) - Who the fuck knows why this is here?
flOw (2006) - aRt is intereSTing with ranDomness
Portal (2007) - I'ma go ahead and just give this a pass.
Passage (2008) - Sure, this was also a game that... I don't know this one.
Canabalt (2009) - Nope, not even gonna comment.  The name scares me and I don't know why.

So here's what we have: A bunch of cubists art with some surrealists sprinkled in.  Hope you enjoy.

MoMa acquires 14 video games for collection, confirms video games as art

British Library Archives Video Game Culture

The British library has begun archiving video game websites and materials to preserve the culture of the gaming industry and its peoples.

I have heard of people archiving video games (my cousin has over 45 original Nintendo games in his garage) but I think keeping the culture might be dangerous.  Imagine researchers of the future combing through message boards and comments, the thousands of files of the word "First!"  Think of how our computer overlords will look back and hear screaming 12 year olds calling out for death to campers.  Those robots will then take that as prophesy for the how the National Parks system was destroyed and view them as historical facts. 

Just be careful what you say about the next Skyrim update, I'm just saying.

British Library starts videogame website archive project - The Independent

Top Whatever of 2011

The year is done, a day is past, so it is time for a little reflection.  What really blew my socks off this year?  What did I come into contact with this year that impressed me a whole bunch?  Now, I agree a bunch of awesome stuff came out this year, I just didn't see it all.  I got shit to do, ya know?  So these lists are all the stuff I experienced.  And I will admit right off, this is my personal experience and not everything in this article may have come out this year, this is just what I enjoyed.  Disagree? Let me know in the comments or go out and write your own.  We all love lists.  Lists after the jump.

Top Stuff I Read

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
I love Jim Butcher and the newest Dresden Files book will always be on my best of stuff I read list.  Deal with it and fair warning for next year.
Nerdist Way by Chris Hardwick
Any listener to the Nerdist Podcast has at least thumbed through this book.  I found it informative and an enjoyable read that taps into what makes my mind tick and motivated me to change some things in my life.
Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
In my view, I enjoyed the Percy Jackson books more than Harry Potter.  Not to say they were better, just that they were more fun, slice and dice adventures that I could relate to in my little brain.  Again, I love the Potter but for my money these books are great.

Top Movies I Watched

[Note: I didn't go to the movies much this year, but these are the ones I really liked enough to remember.]

Tucker and Dale Vs Evil
I really get a kick out of a good horror film and when Netflix suggested this little beauty on disc I just had to try it.  And IT ROCKED.  The release for it was tiny and the promotion was next to nothing, but this movie is one of the more inventive comedy/horror films you will ever see.  At worst you could call it an American "Shaun of the Dead" sans zombies.
Captain America
Best popcorn flick I saw with decent effects that made me really want to see The Avengers.  Chris Evans really surprised me as the square-jawed, apple-pie eating Cap.
The Muppets
Did for the Muppets what Rocky Balboa did for the Rocky franchise.  Songs so good I bought the soundtrack (except for one, cough, Cooper rap, cough) and a basic fun that brought me back to my childhood.  Modern kids won't get it and I could care less.  It almost isn't for them.

Top Shows I Found

Community

I was late to the party on this comedy and have been kicking myself all the way through the box sets.  Well written, funny and engaging, I absolutely love this series.
Leverage
Another late to the party show for me, Leverage is two parts A-Team, one part Oceans 11, shaken and stirred in a way that just drips cool and fun.  The plots can get a little predictable, especially if you watch all 4 seasons in a row like I did, but the characters and acting more than make up for it.
Once Upon a Time
When your girlfriend suggests the two of you watch a show about fairy tales, you smile and nod and inwardly groan.  Then Snow White pulls a damn broadsword on the Evil Queen and you hope this series lasts forever!  Cleverly told and plotted, I hold this up to one of the happiest surprises I have had since I smirked at Buffy all those years ago.

Top Digital Time Suckers

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
What can I say that has not already been said about this game?  This is one of the most engaging titles out there and I just... Go play it.
Batman: Arkham City
You are Batman.  Gotham is a prison.  Shit's going down.  You stop it.  As the goddamn Batman.  You had me at Batman.
Portal 2
This is why I don't review video games.  I pick the most awesome ones I can find and tell you they are awesome.  Play Portal 2.  You will thank me.

Top Long Form Aural Ear Candy

Thrilling Adventure Hour
This podcast fills me with joy.  After years of listening to interviews, comedians, and others talk about random shit that made me laugh, here is fiction.  Serialized radio plays that are both funny and highly addictive.
Nerdist
The interviews are both funny and deep and the guys dicking around make me wanna call my friends.  Cannot say more without going back and re-listening, but then I would never finish writing this.  Enjoy your burrito.
LiberryCast
Ever been the librarian at the party that just trumps everyone else's work horror stories with one tale of library craziness that happened just last week?  That's the LiberryCast.

Top Short Form Aural Ear Candy

To be honest, I'm not much of a music nerd.  It just does not fall in my wheelhouse.  So I looked back on the digital stuff I bought over the last year and my most listened to tracks.  Here you go, in no particular order:
Sara Watkins
They Might Be Giants
She & Him
Social Distortion
Me First and the Gimmee Gimmees
Flogging Molly
Colin Haye
Rancid
Weezer
Cheap Trick

Top Serialized Paper Picture Books

[Note: Comics are another area where I am lacking.  Nothing has really grabbed me this year but the following and while I have a decent supplier for my crack, he can't always get the quality stuff.  Plus, I have been lapsing and not reading as much as I used to.  Kinda sad, I do love them so.]

Justice League
The reboot of the DCU excited me.  I picked up several titles such as Action Comics, Detective Comics Batman, and a few others, but this one is the only one that really grabbed me.  I still read the others, but I guess I just like a team book.  The art is not that bad either.
Ultimate Spider-man Reboot
Another reboot that I really was dreading (Make Mine Marvel), but I really fell for this book.  Ultimate Spidey is what got me back into comics years ago and killing Peter Parker sickened me a little.  But Miles Morales is a good choice for the next angsty, teenage spider-kid.  At least he's not a clone.

Top 140 Characters or Less

[Note: This isn't even scratching the surface of all the Twitter folks I love, especially the Awesome Librarians.  I made a list of those.  If you aren't on that list, let me know.  These are just three that I happen to adore.]

Steven Weber @TheStevenWeber 
Who has two thumbs, starred on Wings and sends out the craziest tweets imaginable? This guy.
Joe Hill @joe_hill
One of my favorite authors and a damn informative dude.
T J Miller @nottjmiller
Comedian and actor, Miller is one of the oddest cats with a handle.

So that's what I got for 2011.  Not all, but most.  I didn't include blogs because most of them are either included here, linked to from their twitters, or just too numerous to name.  Thank you everyone who read my drivel over the last year, both on the blog and on twitter.  You have no idea how much this writing helps me.  I plan to post more often, continue the Banned Library fiction, maybe make some videos, and continue not going slowly insane with public service.

I also want to thank the site That Guy With the Glasses for providing hours of entertainment, some of which lifted my spirits when I really needed it.  They might not ever read this but every contributor to that site has made this year a happy one.

Finally, I want to thank one special person who I should thank more often for the love and support she gives me.  Love ya, darlin, and I promise not to lay on the couch like a bitch.  (She'll get that.)

Let me know in the comments if I missed something or if you have any thoughts on any of the above.  If you have any story ideas or just want to contact me, tweet to @bannedlibrary or email evan@bannedlibrary.com.  Thanks again.

Tech News: This Week Was a Doozy of Dooziness

Okay, here we go this week with the Library Tech news that I did not cover because I was hungover or something.  Honestly, I am barely able to read most of these, much less crank out 200 words on each subject.  On to the poopy!

A Wisconsin library has begun to loan out iPads to their public as a way to educate them about technology.  Why not loan them the most expensive and easy to use piece of equipment known to man?  That'll teach them about economics. Consumerist


Facebook began sharing movies, TV shows and music this week as an attempt to keep themselves relevant.  Next they will be mapping your brain to find out what are your exact "likes" so they can better target the ad space.  SF Business Times


IT departments in most large corporations allow their employees to choose whatever mobile device they want.  Whereas in the past and IT department would dole out equipment in a unified manner, now employees have more freedom of choice.  I want one of those huge brick cell phones like Zach Morris used to have.  Can you set me up, library? NYTimes


The Spartanburg library in Spartanburg, SC has suspended use of its elibrary to neighboring county Greenville users citing overuse of resources.  I bet they won't let them ride the monorail or eat from their lemon tree either.  WSPA


Madison, Wisconsin is looking to create a law wherein when you sell a used video game to a retailer, they take a photo of you for their databases in an effort to curb theft.  Next they will require blood, urine and semen samples which should make game stores much more interesting.  If only the library could take pictures of users that try to donate.  "Ratshit's back again with a pile of National Geographics!"  Madison via Kotaku

Google Plus Books and Games Equals A Bad Blog Title

Who the hell wrote this?

Google+ announced this week that not only can you beg your friends to join the new social network service, but you can play games and share books with them while they are not there (yet). 

Kinda like a GoodReads, Google+ now allows you to integrate the Google Books ebooks you are reading with members of your circles.  Add in the Huddle feature and bookclubs are sure to get even more awkward as I always forget to read the book until the night before.

Zynga Poker, Dragon Age Legends and other games are soon/now to be available on Google+.  Match scores and stuff with your friends, or something.  I honestly can't imagine gaming like this but then I just got my Steam account and it rocks.  If Google goes more Steam and less Farmville then you can count me in like Flynn.

ITProPortal     LATimes     G4Feed     NECN

Call of Dewey: Modern Librarians Create Video Game

Librarians at Fairfield University in Connecticut have created a video game to help with freshman orientation at their school library.  The video game was inspired by Scene It (hopefully not the Twilight edition) as a point and click question and answer type game to familiarize students with basic library functions. [Library Journal]

Shudder...

This is a cool step in teaching the young'ins about libraries, but how about we go further.  Video games were doing 3D animation nearly twenty years ago with titles like Doom and Duke Nukem.  Why can't there be a tool like that in libraries?  With lower graphic standards on extremely popular Internet games (Minecraft, how I love thee), someone out there could create a virtual library that users could run around in, click on switches and items and be led to real time catalog searches and eBooks.  Think that's a weird idea?  Ask anyone who played the first Dragon Age or Mass Effect games how much crap there was to read in those games.  A 3D virtual library could revolutionize catalogs as you could look at a library shelf in real time, see what's there, pick out an ebook version, or just find something interesting by browsing.

If any programmer out there wants to start programming this library "game" I have presented, be my guest.  If you make money on it though, I want a kick back and a mention in the credits.  And you better follow me on Twitter.

Call of Dewey: Modern Librarians Create Video Game

shudder

Librarians at Fairfield University in Connecticut have created a video game to help with freshman orientation at their school library.  The video game was inspired by Scene It (hopefully not the Twilight edition) as a point and click question and answer type game to familiarize students with basic library functions. [Library Journal]

This is a cool step in teaching the young'ins about libraries, but how about we go further.  Video games were doing 3D animation nearly twenty years ago with titles like Doom and Duke Nukem.  Why can't there be a tool like that in libraries?  With lower graphic standards on extremely popular Internet games (Minecraft, how I love thee), someone out there could create a virtual library that users could run around in, click on switches and items and be led to real time catalog searches and eBooks.  Think that's a weird idea?  Ask anyone who played the first Dragon Age or Mass Effect games how much crap there was to read in those games.  A 3D virtual library could revolutionize catalogs as you could look at a library shelf in real time, see what's there, pick out an ebook version, or just find something interesting by browsing.

Looks like a library to me.

If any programmer out there wants to start programming this library "game" I have presented, be my guest.  If you make money on it though, I want a kick back and a mention in the credits.  And you better follow me on Twitter.

Will You Wii U?

Nintendo just announced their follow up to the popular Wii video game console, the Wii U, will be out in 2012.  The console sports the controller (above) with a touch screen in the middle that acts basically like a portable game system in your home.  All previous Wii peripherals will be backwards compatible.

Tell you the truth, there's a lot of functionality in that little controller but I can already see the future:  That thing sticking out of my TV because I couldn't finish off Bowser for the last time.  Not because it's all motion, that's those other wimpy plastic controllers.  This one will just piss me off like my old Gameboy used to.  

Also, what the hell is going on with Nintendo's naming department?  First, originally called the "Revolution," the "Wii" sounds like, well, if you have not read an internet joke based on that premise just google it.  But now we have the "Wii U."  What the hell does the "U" stand for?  "University"?  "Unified"? "Usual"? I know what it's gonna stand for if the product does not work "Pii U."  Like it stinks.  Get it?  Bet I am not the first to make that joke and the things only been outed for two hours.  It is that obvious.

[WSJ]

Update:  Ha, I knew I wasn't.

Video Game Pioneer Gerald Lawson Passes Away

Gerald A. Lawson, the man credited with creating interchangeable video game cartridges, died at 70 from complications to diabetes.  Lawson, while leading the video game division at Fairchild Semiconductor in 1976, developed the Fairchild Channel F, the first video game console that allowed for removable cartridge video games.  This new system revolutionized the concept of home video games, as up until that point each device sold contained only one game, much like an arcade machine.

So, let me get this straight, this guy helped create the idea of home gaming on a single console 35 years ago and I just now know his name?  I feel robbed.  That's like just finding out some guy named Henry Ford had a couple of good ideas about how automobiles should be produced.  How come this culture straight up denies the heroes of today?  Oh, yeah, let us learn about the racist old white guy and the cars he built, but not the electronics pioneers that lead the way for how we live our lives today?  Bullshit.

Think about it:  First, there were computers and rudimentary game consoles.  Then, Lawson and his team create interchangeable cartridges and companies like Atari and Nintendo ran with that.  About twenty years later, people start going to discs, like the Playstation, first CD and then DVD.  Ten years after that, we can download entire games, movies and more to our consoles, from the Xbox Live Marketplace to the apps on your iPhone.  Cloud services like Amazon's have already opened up the way for playing applications on the fly without the need of a single console.

Do you know when Mr. Gerald A. Lawson first received a pat on the back for his contributions?  Last month.  Unbelievable.

NYTimes

Newbery Announced, Video Games Could Care Less

Video Games not Pwn'd by your Newbery

When Clare Vanderpool's Moon Over Manifest was selected Monday as the 2011 Newbery Medal winner, video games gave less of a crap.  The billion dollar industry has not given a full statement as of yet, but did let slip that "[video games] did not care how many new berries those punk books have, [video games] have fire flowers, magic mushrooms, and medipaks for days, bitch pwn, lolz" during a 6 hour patch update of World of Warcraft.  Video games went on to describe how it would crouch over a dead book if the book were ever man enough to "get up itz ballz and log in."  When told that books were not able to log in and required no power, video games stared at this reporter as if he just crapped in his hand and put a birthday candle in it.  Video games then proceeded to log into Wikipedia to search for this "book" thing, possibly to slay it as one would a dragon with witch powers.

More news about new berries here

Child's Play: My Favorite Charity

I am not going to say this is the best charity in the entire world.  What I am going to say is that Child's Play, created by the webcomic geniuses Penny Arcade, is a worthwhile use of your attention and money.  Listed as a chance for gamers to give back, the charity raises money and materials for children's hospitals around the world.  It is okay if you think video games are spawned from the devil's groin, everyone can donate.  Hell, if you do not trust the hellions over at Penny Arcade with your money, that is fine.  In conjunction with hospitals around the world, Penny Arcade has set up wish lists over at Amazon.com.  That way you can donate directly to the hospital if that is your bag.

As librarians, we give a lot, if not all, of our time helping.  If you feel that is enough charity, I will back you everyday of the week.  And if you already donate your money or time somewhere, bless you as you are better than I will ever be.  But if you feel like making a few kids happy, throw out some money for a book, DVD or video game to a kid's hospital.

Also, know that Child's Play is a nonprofit organization.  I have not received any money, nor will I receive any money for this posting from Child's Play charity.  I support this charity of my own free will and have not been taken over by said organization as a ploy to integrate myself into the library community.  As if galactic space monkey fruit fuckers were that smart.