This MySQL role-playing game might be a good way to learn the syntax. Or it may just be a good way to get frustrated and bored.

A 1980s video-game DRM system required users to view a scrambled code with a prism, and then enter the code in order to continue playing the game.

A blogger has noted that Target is selling t-shirts bundled with games from the Experimental Gameplay Project, which began as a grad student project at Carnegie Mellon. I think this is an interesting use of the retail channel for distributing games.

This initiative aims to be something like the Dogme 95 of gaming. Developers are asked to develop relatively simple computer games about a common theme - over the course of one week. This could lead to some interesting new instructional approaches.

A 1970s board game tries to make Marxist political theory fun for the whole family.

Giant foam D&D dice for children from ages five to eight.

Warren Spector catalyzed this project at the Center for American History.

Some users are balking at the idea that a dark-skinned game protagonist is black.

A columnist changed her avatar's appearance to appear African, and the other users began to treat her differently.

This cool street, um, highway art reminds drivers to keep a safe follow distance.

This story from last week doesn't provide many details about the unit which will deal with 3D interfaces in and outside Second Life.

USA Today story explores advertisers increasing interest in the Second Life virtual world. I want to put scarequotes around "virtual world."

Boy howdy, this game is hard. Some of it can be attributed to interface problems, but the African nations are killer. I only scored a 55.

The US Army has introduced a strategy game that pits a futuristic American army against insurgents... the only problem is that the Americans can't lose.

"Nine months pregnant, Julie Mosley said she tried to ignore her contractions for the chance to score machines for her family, her daughter's father and her younger brother."

This video is so Austin on so many levels. First, only in Austin do people stand in line just because something seems cool and, secondly, bundle up for 60-degree weather.

Henry Jenkins on video game aesthetics.

It says puzzle games make up the bulk of the games women play but I wonder how MMORPGs like "World of Warcraft" and "Second Life" factor in.

Chip re-enacts an incident with his neighbors using "The Sims."

oh dear lord... video games about the rapture

LiveJournal entry on the closure of one of Austin's most distinctive dives

right-wing critique of war simulations that raises many good points.