Since I released two newsletters in March, I subconsciously decided to wait until May to release the next one. Though we're well into May, I'd like to give a mention to the April Fool's Day event this year. Though we didn't ham it up as much as last year's April Fool's joke, this year's "
leak"
of the upcoming Next Big Project was quite noteworthy. A big shout-out to Larrymurk for providing us
DRODman as a cool gift to our loyal fans who were on the lookout.
...just make sure you read the fine print before you play!
http://forum.caravelgames.com/viewtopic.php?TopicID=31653
Extending the April Fool's Day spirit throughout the year
If April Fool's Day on gaming sites involves combining games in weird ways, then Valve's alternate reality game (ARG) for an extended April Fool's Day event for promoting
Portal 2 takes the cake! (If you don't know what this is about, do a search on "
Valve ARG"
.) I've heard some jaded individuals on the nets share that they saw this event as nothing more than an opportunity to shamelessly promote their upcoming release and make some more dough in the process. Not of the potato flour variety.
As both a game player and game developer, I respond, "
What's wrong with that?"
There was such an incredible amount of content that got packed into their foolfest that it boggles the mind. Players could spend tens or possibly literally hundreds of hours seeking out all of the hidden items that appeared in the set of indie games featured in Steam's "
Potato Sack"
and given free bonus content.
As I see it, on a fundamental level, people make games to share something cool, creative and fun with others. If people are good enough at making cool, creative and fun content that people will throw money at them to experience it, then more power to them. And, big kudos to Valve for promoting indie games on Steam in such a big way.
And, speaking of last year's April Fool's contest on the Caravel Forum, can it really be that
Duke Nukem Forever is actually, really, truly, finally coming out next month? Huh. Biggest surprise of the decade. It seems that the joke's on all of us. I will never make fun of the Duke again. Ever. No, really. Starting this minute. ...Now!
Promoting the Official Number of the Eighth
DiMono is running a cool series of official Forum contests. Last month's contest was about promoting
pi, the new official number of the Eighth, all throughout the realms. After all, who could've thought of a more fitting value for the Eighth than pi? Except maybe pi/4 -- though only nerdy topologist wanna-bes would suggest such a thing. Or Stefan, but he really knows what he's talking about, and he has the celebratory material to prove it. Congratulations to Stefan, Rat Man and da rogu3 for placing in the April contest! Stefan, please have your pick from the Caravel Prize Pile!
Creative Writing Contest on the bottom of pi tin
"
So, mrimer, what's with the random puns inexplicably thrown in above?"
you ask. This month's contest is writing something creative about the Eighth that involves a lot of puns. All groaners, brow-beaters, knee-slappers, and downright all-out punners accepted.
You have until May 22nd to submit an entry of any length. Up to the fractional part of pi, that is. (It's not really as confusing as that might sound. You'll see.) Winner receives a free game or other prize from the Prize Pile!
http://forum.caravelgames.com/viewtopic.php?TopicID=31757
Don't Ask Award
This month I'm giving a Don't Ask Award to Banjooie for being an incredible force for awesomenessity on the Forum. Glad to have you around, friend! Please pick out something from the Prize Pile.
Have a good spring/fall/end-/beginning-of-school everyone!
Mike
____________________________
Gandalf? Yes... That's what they used to call me.
Gandalf the Grey. That was my name.
I am Gandalf the White.
And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide.
