Are games imitating art or is art imitating games? Are video games art or are they merely childish, mindless fun with a tendency towards hyper-violence? Once again these old questions are being bandied about. May 16 saw the launch of Game On, the biggest computer game exhibition, since, well"ever. And I went along to see what it's all about. Imagine a world where arcades don't smell of BO, aren't situated in run-down coastal towns that are well and truly past their glory days and feature all your favourite games from the past 20 years and beyond. And the best thing … Continue reading Games Imitate Art (or vice, verca) →

So many games, so little time. Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it Ferris Bueller. Technology has brought us many things; email, supersonic flight, laser surgery and all Kevin Costner's movies on DVD. Well, it can't all be good. It seems the more labor-saving devices we get, the more stuff we expect to able to fit into these busy modern lives of ours. As a gamer there's just never enough time to play and conduct a healthy social life – remember that? You know, friends and stuff. When I … Continue reading Packing The Schedule →

From one fading star, to two revamps and one new kid on the block, the UK (and Europe) is gaining more video game shows and exhibitions than you can shake a stick at. In its 14 year history, ECTS has become the highlight of Europe's gaming calendar, drawing industry bods from around the world. However, last year's shambolic effort caused more than a few grumbles of complaint. The gaming grapevine is working well and there's talk of a pretender to the crown" Early April sees a meeting of minds in Brussels to discuss the creation of a brand spanking new … Continue reading More, more, more… →

HO, HO, HO, MERRY XMAS Now, I'm slightly hung-over after an enjoyable evening in the pub with friends, so don't give me any grief because I'm not in the mood. It's all been happening over here in the UK. March has been a busy month so far in gaming terms and it's just going to get better. All I have to say is move over Solid Snake because X marks the spot! March 8th saw the long awaited arrival of Metal Gear Solid 2 to Europe and what a fuss everybody made. Maybe this is the time to say that … Continue reading X Marks The Spot →

Gamers give the games industry a bad name! It's official! Videogames are the work of Beelzebub and will no doubt lead to the hasty demise of Western civilization as we know it. Our beautiful, cosmopolitan cities will be reduced to sprawling slums, housing game-crazed youths intent only on viewing their flickering screens. They will be filled with the promise of power-ups and bonus levels, with no regard for the society around them. Governments must crackdown before it's too late! Or so the media and powers that be would have us believe. Recently the UK media has been littered with stories … Continue reading Games As The Enemy →

Hi. I’m Chella, the GiN Playmate. Welcome to my playpen people, but watch out for the console and Category 5 wires. Yes, that’s right, I’m a girl and a gamer. Tricky concept I know, but one I’m sure you can get used to. As we say a fond farewell to Ken and wonder how Mrs. Ken will cope with all that quality Ken-time, it’s time to dry our tears, stop snivelling and get on with the important business of playing, discussing and generally digging games. I’ve been reviewing games for GiN from over here in the United Kingdom for sometime … Continue reading Chella Enters The Mix! →