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.
If you thought pitching was tough...
The thing I love about sports games is that they let us live out our sports fantasies when the real thing lets us down. (I'm looking at you, Philadelphia Eagles!) For the most part, sports games have covered every single aspect of every major sport imaginable. But apparently, we've missed one since MLB 10 The Show's
newest feature is being able to call pitches as the catcher. How many baseball games have we had since we've had video games and this is the first times such a pivotal position has been represented in a video game? I mean, even football head coaches got their own game!
It makes me think, what else have we missed? One Sunday afternoon while watching a football game at Joe's house, we had our answer. Why don't referees have their own game? Sure, refs aren't superior athletes like most of the guys playing the game that they're officiating but they're arguably the single most important factor in determining the outcome of any given game. So why shouldn't they get their own game?
Ref: The Game would probably be a third person action game that combines the on-field officiation with off-the-field antics. The bulk of the on-field stuff would vary depending on the sport you'd be officiating (I smell franchise possibilities!), but the version Joe and I came up with was based around American football (the "American" designation to satisfy all you international readers out there). You'd be on the field generally just trying to stay out of the way of the players while keeping an eye on potential penalties, throwing flags when appropriate... or really, whenever you want. (See below for more details.) You'd also get to go under the hood and review plays in excruciating detail.
Off the field, you'd deal with the ire of sports fans who thought you totally blew that call. There would also be an optional gambling component of the game, allowing you to bet on the games that you're officiating. So, you want to make some quick cash? Just make a few calls in your favor! But not too many or else, you'll get found out and it's game over.
As much as the whole idea of Ref: The Game is a joke, the more I think about it, the more I'd like to see parts of it as an actual game. I think the whole staying out of the way of professional athletes part could make a really good flash game. Well, maybe not so much good but hilarious. Someone should totally make that happen.
Play with the Pimps
So, the most recent update is that Blockbuster does not have MAG. And it seems unlikely that they'll get it in by next weekend. So officially we're going to cancel our Play with the Pimps night. But unofficially, I'm going to set aside some time on Saturday the 27th to be online where you guys can invite me to play a multiplayer game of your choice. I'm still taking suggestions...
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