Man... this week was a slog. Last weekend's Play Expo really took it out of me. My exhaustion collided with a bunch of work deadlines, and finalising a bunch of important Digitiser: The Show things which spun out of Play.
As you've probably seen, Friday March 9th has now been earmarked as the date we launch the Kickstarter. Clearly, there's a real hunger for a proper gaming show at the minute, if the slightly terrifying buzz around it is anything to go by. It's a good buzz though. Not like a bad buzz, like a giant wasp, or anything.
We will endeavour to provide you with sweet treats... and make something that's accessible, without compromising the Digitiser spirit.
If you haven't done so already, please sign up for our newsletter, which will let you know about Digitiser: The Show things as and when we think of them. You can find the link in the sidebar, or at the bottom of this page.
It goes without saying that your support - even if it's just spreading the word, sharing, retweeting - will go a long way to make this possible. The more we raise, the more we'll be able to make this like a proper proper gaming show.
But enough about that: if you'd like to appear here, or you've something you'd like me to give some attention to in our occasional Plug Zone, please send your filthy emails early to this place here: digitiser2000@gmail.com
As you've probably seen, Friday March 9th has now been earmarked as the date we launch the Kickstarter. Clearly, there's a real hunger for a proper gaming show at the minute, if the slightly terrifying buzz around it is anything to go by. It's a good buzz though. Not like a bad buzz, like a giant wasp, or anything.
We will endeavour to provide you with sweet treats... and make something that's accessible, without compromising the Digitiser spirit.
If you haven't done so already, please sign up for our newsletter, which will let you know about Digitiser: The Show things as and when we think of them. You can find the link in the sidebar, or at the bottom of this page.
It goes without saying that your support - even if it's just spreading the word, sharing, retweeting - will go a long way to make this possible. The more we raise, the more we'll be able to make this like a proper proper gaming show.
But enough about that: if you'd like to appear here, or you've something you'd like me to give some attention to in our occasional Plug Zone, please send your filthy emails early to this place here: digitiser2000@gmail.com
WORMY-KLAUS
Sorting through some old junk recently I found the Turner the Worm poster that was my reward for sending in a story idea. I don't recall what the idea was, and nor do I remember seeing it in blocky graphical glory, so it was probably rather a below par suggestion.
Still, I was delighted to receive the poster; tell-tale Blu-tack marks in the corners indicate it was stuck up on my bedroom wall. I couldn't believe the mastermind behind the Turner the Worm stories would take time out to send little ole me an autographed picture.
Apologies if you've answered this before, but did you ever consider resurrecting Turner and Glug as a print/web comic?
Bobby Chuckles
Sorting through some old junk recently I found the Turner the Worm poster that was my reward for sending in a story idea. I don't recall what the idea was, and nor do I remember seeing it in blocky graphical glory, so it was probably rather a below par suggestion.
Still, I was delighted to receive the poster; tell-tale Blu-tack marks in the corners indicate it was stuck up on my bedroom wall. I couldn't believe the mastermind behind the Turner the Worm stories would take time out to send little ole me an autographed picture.
Apologies if you've answered this before, but did you ever consider resurrecting Turner and Glug as a print/web comic?
Bobby Chuckles
That makes me really happy. I knew we'd sent those out to kids who wrote to us, but it warms my heart to see it again, knowing you've kept it. The worst letter "Turner" ever received was from a kid asking him if he could stop her parents from splitting up. It still bothers me to this day.
What was Turner's advice?
"All the best!"
Sorry to break it to you, but it was actually Digi's very own Mr Cheese who sent out the Turner pictures, and signed them on the worm's behalf.
Anyway. It crossed my mind a few times about doing a new Turner comic, just for fun... but probably not any time soon, given how much I've got going on. That said, you've just reminded me that the excellent Jason Robertson - teletext archeologist - managed to unearth the first two Turner instalments. I'll try and get them up on here next week.
What was Turner's advice?
"All the best!"
Sorry to break it to you, but it was actually Digi's very own Mr Cheese who sent out the Turner pictures, and signed them on the worm's behalf.
Anyway. It crossed my mind a few times about doing a new Turner comic, just for fun... but probably not any time soon, given how much I've got going on. That said, you've just reminded me that the excellent Jason Robertson - teletext archeologist - managed to unearth the first two Turner instalments. I'll try and get them up on here next week.
O'KAY
Thanks to your article I am now completely hooked on these two youtube channels, probably Lee's vlogging even more so. Why is it so difficult to stop watching something where absolutely nothing happens at all?
Na night, pal.
Steve
Thanks to your article I am now completely hooked on these two youtube channels, probably Lee's vlogging even more so. Why is it so difficult to stop watching something where absolutely nothing happens at all?
Na night, pal.
Steve
I don't get it either, but I'm also absolutely hooked on Lee and Kay. Have you seen Psychopaths, the exciting thriller series Lee made with his friends Kieran and Triple-S? You haven't? You must rectify this in the next few "mintues"...
The first episode is great, but it just keeps getting better.
The first episode is great, but it just keeps getting better.
MALCOLM (CHRISTOPHER) IN THE MUDDLE
I'm curious to know what you think about this new games programme that Channel 4 are showing soon?
I think it sounds this: muddled. Like a support group identified that Channel 4 viewers like comedians, reminiscing about their shared youth experiences, pop culture and panel shows, and that this was made as a result of trying to tick all those boxes.
Still, might be good.
Christopher Hyde
I'm curious to know what you think about this new games programme that Channel 4 are showing soon?
I think it sounds this: muddled. Like a support group identified that Channel 4 viewers like comedians, reminiscing about their shared youth experiences, pop culture and panel shows, and that this was made as a result of trying to tick all those boxes.
Still, might be good.
Christopher Hyde
I dunno. I'm loathe to damn a thing before seeing it, but I can't say I was particularly hopeful when I read the description of it, for the exact reason you specify. I mean, it's great that mainstream media is covering games, but as time goes on I'm losing faith that they'll ever make the sort of show I'd actually want to watch.
I think it's the inauthenticity, if that makes sense, when broadcasters try to cover gaming. It's especially apparent and acute given that YouTubers, even when they're a bit rough around the edges, are putting out stuff that feels real and honest. Too often on proper telly, all character gets polished away, and it feels like it's trying a bit too hard.
Suffice to say, Digi: The Show will attempt to keep its rough edges intact...
I think it's the inauthenticity, if that makes sense, when broadcasters try to cover gaming. It's especially apparent and acute given that YouTubers, even when they're a bit rough around the edges, are putting out stuff that feels real and honest. Too often on proper telly, all character gets polished away, and it feels like it's trying a bit too hard.
Suffice to say, Digi: The Show will attempt to keep its rough edges intact...
HAIR AND THERE
I am not on Twitter but I read your tweet about your long hair with interest. I too have quite long hair and I feel pressure from many people to get it cut but I really don't want to. I'm not great with the ladies, and people have told me I'd do much better if I cut my hair, but - frankly - I don't want to be with a woman who doesn't like it long (ooer missus).
I'm kind of the opposite of you though in that, in my head, I sometimes don't feel that attractive, but when I catch myself in a mirror or a photo I actually think I dont look half bad... and that slightly negative feeling I have is unnecessary. It reminded me of that Billy Connolly thing where he said that everyone at some point will look at themselves in the mirror and think they look the business as a psychological way to get you to leave the house.
All that got me thinking that, when it comes to video games, I much prefer 3rd person games to FPS, and that maybe if I could experience real life in 3rd person it would be so much better. If I got to see myself all the time, maybe that slightly negative worry about my attractiveness wouldn't build up.
It's nothing major, just the usual insecurity most people would have but maybe living in 3rd person might just be the answer. Plus the added peripheral vision could help in numerous other ways I'm sure.
Anyway, what do you think? Would you like to live in 3rd person? What do you reckon the advantages and disadvantages might be?
Mrtankthreat
P.S. I was also thinking there could be a Black Mirror episode in that idea: some sort of technology that allowed us to live in third person but it goes horribly wrong somehow. It would probably come down to issues with the camera controls just like with video games. Everyone keeps clipping into the walls or something.
I am not on Twitter but I read your tweet about your long hair with interest. I too have quite long hair and I feel pressure from many people to get it cut but I really don't want to. I'm not great with the ladies, and people have told me I'd do much better if I cut my hair, but - frankly - I don't want to be with a woman who doesn't like it long (ooer missus).
I'm kind of the opposite of you though in that, in my head, I sometimes don't feel that attractive, but when I catch myself in a mirror or a photo I actually think I dont look half bad... and that slightly negative feeling I have is unnecessary. It reminded me of that Billy Connolly thing where he said that everyone at some point will look at themselves in the mirror and think they look the business as a psychological way to get you to leave the house.
All that got me thinking that, when it comes to video games, I much prefer 3rd person games to FPS, and that maybe if I could experience real life in 3rd person it would be so much better. If I got to see myself all the time, maybe that slightly negative worry about my attractiveness wouldn't build up.
It's nothing major, just the usual insecurity most people would have but maybe living in 3rd person might just be the answer. Plus the added peripheral vision could help in numerous other ways I'm sure.
Anyway, what do you think? Would you like to live in 3rd person? What do you reckon the advantages and disadvantages might be?
Mrtankthreat
P.S. I was also thinking there could be a Black Mirror episode in that idea: some sort of technology that allowed us to live in third person but it goes horribly wrong somehow. It would probably come down to issues with the camera controls just like with video games. Everyone keeps clipping into the walls or something.
I'd hate to experience myself in third-person constantly. Through editing Found Footage, and recently watching myself on the video of the panel at Play Expo, and on other things such as the Found Footage behind-the-scenes doc, I despair continually at how old and fat I am. What makes it worse is that I now realise was a lot slimmer in years past, and I still thought I was fat. So... who knows?
The thing I have learned about me is that my weight tends to go up, and my hair gets longer, when I'm feeling happy and settled and like myself. Which, really, is the most important thing: if you like who you are it doesn't really matter what other people think. Providing you're not physically repulsing the person you're with. So, it's swings and roundabouts.
And on that note, what I will say is this: you're absolutely right in not wanting to be with somebody who doesn't want you to be you, long hair and all. Sod those people.
Yours sincerely,
Deidre
The thing I have learned about me is that my weight tends to go up, and my hair gets longer, when I'm feeling happy and settled and like myself. Which, really, is the most important thing: if you like who you are it doesn't really matter what other people think. Providing you're not physically repulsing the person you're with. So, it's swings and roundabouts.
And on that note, what I will say is this: you're absolutely right in not wanting to be with somebody who doesn't want you to be you, long hair and all. Sod those people.
Yours sincerely,
Deidre
TORCH SONG
Have you ever had a torch shone in your eyes when it's dark? Or sat in a parked car at night with the interior lights on? Or perhaps, like me, in the 1950s you were interrogated by the KGB about espionage with a bright lamp pointed in your direction. In these conditions, what can you see beyond a couple of metres?
Diddly jack sh*t, that's what.
So, why oh why, oh why, why, do sci-fi movies insist on featuring spacesuit helmets with lights on the inside? The wearer wouldn't be able to see anything in front of them with their face illuminated. It's utter madness.
I accept that belief must be suspended when watching massive space demons running about trying lay their eggs up the protagonist's jacksy or a spacecraft fueled by quantum juice, but c'mon, this doesn't mean basic laws of physics or biology can be ignored.
Clooney, Rapace, Pine, Pratt, to name a few, have all succumbed to this lunacy. In fact, one of the few spacefolk without lights on the inside of their helmet is Buzz flippin Lightyear and his eyes are made from pixels! He's literally the only character who could have gotten away with having his big gammon face illuminated without it impairing his vision.
I'm very angry, Mr Biffo. I don't mean to cause a hullaballoon and I might be barking up a sticky wicket, but I propose we boycott all sci-fi films that feature these silly light hats using the hashtag #giveusproperhelmets to put the necessary pressure on the studios to provide us with some accuracy.
Crusty Wheelbarrow
Have you ever had a torch shone in your eyes when it's dark? Or sat in a parked car at night with the interior lights on? Or perhaps, like me, in the 1950s you were interrogated by the KGB about espionage with a bright lamp pointed in your direction. In these conditions, what can you see beyond a couple of metres?
Diddly jack sh*t, that's what.
So, why oh why, oh why, why, do sci-fi movies insist on featuring spacesuit helmets with lights on the inside? The wearer wouldn't be able to see anything in front of them with their face illuminated. It's utter madness.
I accept that belief must be suspended when watching massive space demons running about trying lay their eggs up the protagonist's jacksy or a spacecraft fueled by quantum juice, but c'mon, this doesn't mean basic laws of physics or biology can be ignored.
Clooney, Rapace, Pine, Pratt, to name a few, have all succumbed to this lunacy. In fact, one of the few spacefolk without lights on the inside of their helmet is Buzz flippin Lightyear and his eyes are made from pixels! He's literally the only character who could have gotten away with having his big gammon face illuminated without it impairing his vision.
I'm very angry, Mr Biffo. I don't mean to cause a hullaballoon and I might be barking up a sticky wicket, but I propose we boycott all sci-fi films that feature these silly light hats using the hashtag #giveusproperhelmets to put the necessary pressure on the studios to provide us with some accuracy.
Crusty Wheelbarrow
Well now. You've hit upon one of my biggest bugbears. It has always really annoyed me too, but when I was doing The Trojan Arse Protocol I grew to understand that it's sort of a necessary evil when it comes to filmmaking. In short: if a character is wearing a helmet, it's otherwise impossible to light their faces. You can't shine an exterior lamp on them, because it reflects off the glass.
I tried fitting lights to the inside of the Xenoxxx soldier helmets, but ran out of time... so just had them take them off instead.
I tried fitting lights to the inside of the Xenoxxx soldier helmets, but ran out of time... so just had them take them off instead.
MR G-G-GRIMSDALE!
That Blade Runner film hey? What a film! I can't wait for the dystopian future. I figured I might be a loner that lives out in the dunes and sells old tech to sand pirates or something. You know like a little bit crazy but I have what you need. Where do you think you'll be in future?
Don't put dead.
Adam Grimsdale
That Blade Runner film hey? What a film! I can't wait for the dystopian future. I figured I might be a loner that lives out in the dunes and sells old tech to sand pirates or something. You know like a little bit crazy but I have what you need. Where do you think you'll be in future?
Don't put dead.
Adam Grimsdale
Press reveal to find out.
REVEAL:
MORPHINE = MORE FUN
Now that retro is the new future can we bring back kaolin and morphine at chemists please. Morphine is great and I have a cold.
Also, given how awful Sonic and Mario at the Winter Olympic Games was, can we support this year's ice fun with a different approach. Infocom have been very quiet and I think they could do a lovely job of Zork At Pyeongchang:
"There is snow here."
>Play in snow
Writes itself after that.
@purplephlebas
Now that retro is the new future can we bring back kaolin and morphine at chemists please. Morphine is great and I have a cold.
Also, given how awful Sonic and Mario at the Winter Olympic Games was, can we support this year's ice fun with a different approach. Infocom have been very quiet and I think they could do a lovely job of Zork At Pyeongchang:
"There is snow here."
>Play in snow
Writes itself after that.
@purplephlebas
I hear you. Al that button-mashing and having to time gauges was always a weak area for me. The only Olympics-y sim I ever liked was World Games on the Commodore 64. And the only bit of that I liked was the cliff diving. And I only liked that because you could make the diver smash his head on the rocks. Beautiful animation.
BACK INACTION
At Play Expo I found that I preferred the consoles/PCs to the arcade cabinets, except the driving games (as you sit down for those). My back and feet hurt a lot, but the company was first rate and was far more enjoyable than the games (we mainly did seated activities).
I enjoyed meeting celebrities who don't believe that they're celebrities. You were as lovely as ever and your Dracula friend was a very canny bloke. Alas, my addled brain forgets his name.
But he did intrigue me with the mention of Marillion chalet holidays. Could we have Digi chalet holidays? Where we all go somewhere and you have a variety of Digi/FF activities prepared for us and we can sit around a campfire of the evening and sing Sir Clive and Wozniak etc? I would enjoy that. It would involve sitting.
Thank you for a lovely weekend and bringing together a mighty fine fandom.
Glyn Heaviside
At Play Expo I found that I preferred the consoles/PCs to the arcade cabinets, except the driving games (as you sit down for those). My back and feet hurt a lot, but the company was first rate and was far more enjoyable than the games (we mainly did seated activities).
I enjoyed meeting celebrities who don't believe that they're celebrities. You were as lovely as ever and your Dracula friend was a very canny bloke. Alas, my addled brain forgets his name.
But he did intrigue me with the mention of Marillion chalet holidays. Could we have Digi chalet holidays? Where we all go somewhere and you have a variety of Digi/FF activities prepared for us and we can sit around a campfire of the evening and sing Sir Clive and Wozniak etc? I would enjoy that. It would involve sitting.
Thank you for a lovely weekend and bringing together a mighty fine fandom.
Glyn Heaviside
I can't take credit for the weekend, alas. It was Replay Events who did all the work. And I can't take credit for the company. However, I will take credit for my Marillion friend Mark, who played C.Dracula in Found Footage. Mainly because he's in Orlando at the minute, and I'm jealous. He's all my own work!
Oddly, the thing I most love about Marillion weekends is the company, rather than the music. I've dragged more than one non-Marillion fan along, and they all come again because it's such a brilliant atmosphere. There's something to be said for a getting together with a bunch of people with similar interests, and talking about things we're normally banned from mentioning in real life.
Play Expo Blackpool had a very similar feel to the Marillion Weekends, and for the most part everyone got on, behaved like grown-ups, and there was minimal drama. Even though I was so knackered it took me until yesterday to recover.
I have considered how splendid a more contained, focused, retro gaming weekender would be... though I'm not organising it yet. One thing at a time...
Oddly, the thing I most love about Marillion weekends is the company, rather than the music. I've dragged more than one non-Marillion fan along, and they all come again because it's such a brilliant atmosphere. There's something to be said for a getting together with a bunch of people with similar interests, and talking about things we're normally banned from mentioning in real life.
Play Expo Blackpool had a very similar feel to the Marillion Weekends, and for the most part everyone got on, behaved like grown-ups, and there was minimal drama. Even though I was so knackered it took me until yesterday to recover.
I have considered how splendid a more contained, focused, retro gaming weekender would be... though I'm not organising it yet. One thing at a time...
GAMING MILL'S LETTER
Dear Digi, I am writing a book. It should be fun. Will anyone buy it though?
I am in pain and in hospital (again) tomorrow and that is all.
Gaming Mill
Dear Digi, I am writing a book. It should be fun. Will anyone buy it though?
I am in pain and in hospital (again) tomorrow and that is all.
Gaming Mill
Man... you're really suffering these days, Gaming Mill. I wish you luck with your book. In the meantime, cheer yourself up by pressing reveal to see a solar eclipse:
REVEAL:
SUMERIA OF ALL FEARS
Why is Goujon John at the British Museum teaching me about Ancient Sumeria?
It's freaking me out a bit:
Why is Goujon John at the British Museum teaching me about Ancient Sumeria?
It's freaking me out a bit:
It's on YouTube if you want to check it out.
Adam K.
Adam K.
What I love about him is how he does exactly the same thing in all of his videos, but dials up the oddness a bit when I ask him to do stuff. That said, the video I got him to do for the Digitiser: The Show promo required a fair bit of re-editing due to the number of mispronunciations. I didn't have the heart to ask him to do it again.
He's brilliant, and it's my dream to fly to Florida to film something with him in person. At the same time, Found Footage was possibly a bit heavy on the Goujon John, so you're probably all sick of him.
He's brilliant, and it's my dream to fly to Florida to film something with him in person. At the same time, Found Footage was possibly a bit heavy on the Goujon John, so you're probably all sick of him.
++ PLUG ZONE ++ PLUG ZONE ++ PLUG ZONE ++ PLUG ZONE ++
Steve Perrin writes:
"I am currently hard at work at writing an in-depth book looking at some of the best British gaming developers and publishers of the 80s and 90s. My dream to publish a beautiful hardback, glossy paged handsome tome that documents companies such as Imagine, Ocean, Psygnosis, U.S. Gold to name a few. Covering how they started, some of their more notable games, the people that worked for them as well as what eventually happened to the companies.
"I have posted a rough draft of the first chapter that covers Imagine on my blog https://littlebitsofgaming.com/2018/01/31/best-of-british-game-developers-publishers-an-introduction/
"The article has much more information on my dream as well as a link to a Go Fund Me where I'm trying to raise money to pay for all the publishing costs once the book is ready as I aim to self-publish if possible. But even if I can't raise the money - the book is being written regardless.
"I hope you guys could help spread the word of my project and hopefully gain some interest. If any industry insiders that worked in or for any of the companies are interested in helping out, I'd be more than happy to send them a copy of the first draft once its been written."
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