Have you ever wanted to work in video games? Well that's what the guys at GameBizCo Inc. do. Literally.
Join the cast of Another Videogame Webcomic as we peek behind the curtain to see what exactly goes into bringing your favorite video games to the small screen. It may be a job in video games, but it's still a job.
E3 Rumors
I don't know about you guys, but I love hearing videogame rumors. And they're never more abundant than they are right before E3. They don't always turn out to be true, but it's always fun for seeing what could be and this year is no exception. Here's my take on some of the rumors I've heard recently...
The Kojima Kountdown Klock. As of this writing, there's less than a day left on the clock so by the time you read this, you'll know I was probably wrong (or possibly another countdown has taken it's place!). Doesn't everyone love a countdown? From New Year's Eve to the Final Countdown, the Kojima Productions went up a couple of weeks ago and is just as intriguing. While the smart money is on announcement of another Metal Gear, I think that may be a misdirection. It seems like Kojima likes to release new Metal Gear games on progressively better platforms and since there are no new consoles on the horizon, I'm not sure we'll see another Metal Gear. Perhaps a new franchise all together?
The PS3 slim. I'm not sure this one is true. I know that there have been pictures and a cease and desist order, but I just can't see Sony dropping a new model on the gaming public just yet. Sure they need to move more units and a redesigned, slim and cheaper to produce unit would help them do that... but exactly how much cheaper is plastic compared to the current finish of the PS3? Certainly not the 100 or so bucks that most people would like to see shaved off of the console's retail price. But I could be wrong...
The Zune Phone. The handheld market is dominated by Nintendo's DS and newly released DSi, with Sony's PSP in second place and Apple's iPhone gathering momentum as a viable gaming platform. Could Microsoft try to muscle their way into the handheld market like they did the console and PMP markets? Maybe, but probably not at E3. If anything, a show like CES would be a better place to debut something like a Zune phone, even if it has gaming capabilities.
Capcom's mysterious second E3 game announcement. We already know that the first game that Capcom teased a while back is a US version Tatsunoko vs Capcom for the Wii. But what's the second? I think it'll be a revival of an already existing franchise. Bionic Commando got the revival treatment this year and Capcom's heavy hitters (Street Fighter and Resident Evil) have had high profile sequels released this year. So what's it going to be? I'm going to go out on a limb and say Captain Commando. We haven't seen the good Captain in a while and with the rerelease of Marvel Vs Capcom 2, which features Captain Commando as a playable character, it'd be a good time to release a game featuring the former flagship character... perhaps with a four-player co-op campaign?
As for what I hope E3 will bring... I hope that Nintendo announces their next big game, but they'll probably just announce another piece of hardware with a "game" bundled with it. I think we're all hoping that Sony will announce a price cut on their prohibitively expensive console. And finally, I hope that Microsoft will announce something a little more innovative than they have the past couple of years... relying on established franchises was a great way to build a userbase, but taking on a little risk and putting out something new would be beneficial for the entire industry.
Player Two
After the resurgence of multiplayer co-op, GameBizCo Inc. hired Player Two to be the Goose to someone else's Maverick. His workload isn't quite as heavy as most of the other people working at GameBizCo Inc. and as a result, he spends a lot of time in the break room or playing computer solitaire.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
Player One
Player One is top dog at GameBizCo Inc. Nearly every game, from Pong to Mario Bros to Grand Theft Auto, requires Player One's expertise. His cocksure and sometimes inappropriate attitude is an annoyance to his coworkers but seeing as every game needs a first player, they make due.
First Appearance: Bonus Stage! Here comes Player One!
Damsel I. Distress
Whether it be a castle, a dungeon or mystical island, Damsel always needs to be saved... and she hates it. Damsel longs for the day when she's given the role of a strong female lead character who doesn't have huge breasts with hyper accurate physics.
First Appearance: LittleBIGPlanet
Final Boss
Underneath the huge brute that is Final Boss lies a timid creature who wouldn't hurt a fly. He puts on his "angry face" when throwing barrels down ramps or breathing fire but deep down he feels sorry for doing so. He's been known to throw a game or two in the player's favor.
First Appearance: World Record
John Minion
John Minion, or Min for short, is the hardest working employee at GameBizCo Inc. Playing everything from Goombas to no name thugs, Min gets beat up on a daily basis but loves every minute of it. He always wanted to work in the gaming industry and was originally hired as an intern. After years of getting coffee, his big break came when someone called in sick... and the rest is history.
First Appearance: Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Middle Manager
Middle Manager works in the Human Resources department. He runs staff meetings and interviews prospective employees. The other 90% of his time is spent playing Freecell on his computer.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
