So once upon a time some freelance writer dude who makes a living writing about video games for lots of awesome magazines and websites across the universe had an idea: to write a book and jam-pack it full of in-depth, useful advice for aspiring game journos and established writers looking to carve out a career freelancing in the game industry. Oh hey, that’s me! And the book? Up Up Down Down Left WRITE: The Freelance Guide to Video Game Journalism. It’s coming out in just a few more months! Here’s an update on the project, where it’s at, and how you can help (if you feel so inclined) to spread the word as we gear up for this launch, DIY style. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘game journalism’
Freelance Game Journo Guide Book Update
May 16, 2013Less Than 4 Days Left: An Ominous Kickstarter Infographic (and Chuck Norris)
September 4, 2012
See that up there? That’s what impending doom for my book Kickstarter looks like. Maybe. We need to raise $4,000 in under four days. Actually…three days, seven hours, and about 15 minutes at the time I write this. Yeah. Slow and steady may win the race for some, but in this case we need this thing to spread faster than a zombie plague in the next few days if it’s going to make hit the necessary $7,000 mark by 5pm EST on Sat. Sept 8th.
Book Kickstarter Update: The Big Push (We Need One)
August 31, 2012
First off, a huge thanks to everyone who’s been pitching in to help spread the word and contribute to the Kickstarter campaign for my book: Up Up Down Down Left WRITE – The Freelance Guide To Video Game Journalism. It’s been a wild ride so far, with lots of ups and downs, and we’re nearing the end – for better or worse. I’ve added a lot of awesome bonus rewards and incentives in the past week, and we still have a LOT to raise in the remaining 8 days before the funding deadline, so I figured a big update was in order. Please read on, because I super need your help.
Ghost Recon Online Review (@GameSpot)
August 31, 2012
“When you wind up on a well-rounded team that works together cohesively and uses each class’s abilities intelligently, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Online’s brutal multiplayer firefights are among the most satisfying you’ll find in a free-to-play game. Matches don’t always click though, and since the fun in each encounter hinges on how well your team works together, getting stuck with a bunch of meathead bullet sponges can spoil your killing groove. However, a great cover system, balanced class perks, and some cool high-tech gadgets make the moments where it all comes together feel immensely satisfying.”
Check out my full written review, and the cool video review featuring the sultry voice of editor Kevin VanOrd, here at GameSpot.
Thirty Flights of Loving Review (@IGN)
August 29, 2012
“Sometimes the most intriguing tales are told without uttering a single word. Blendo Games’ Brendon Chung once again proves himself a master of succinct, abstract first-person storytelling with Thirty Flights of Loving, a short and punchy follow-up to the much buzzed-about 2009 indie freeware hit Gravity Bone. The fact he manages to cram an enjoyably dizzying story into a mere dozen minutes of gameplay is a feat in itself, but what’s truly impressive is the narrative weight and emotional impact it delivers in such a short span of time.”
Check out the full review here at IGN.
Kickstarter Mentioned on Wired / GeekDad
August 27, 2012
Poking around the internet this weekend, I discovered that Wired’s GeekDad blog did a nice news blurb about Up Up Down Down Left WRITE and the Kickstarter. Super psyched! With only 12 days left to the Kickstarter and approx $5,200 left to raise, this is a nice little boost! Getting close to the home stretch, which is when I’ll really need any interested folks who’ve been considering backing it to step up to the plate and kick out the backer jams – uh yeah, mixed metaphors.
Anyway! You can read the Wired piece here on GeekDad.
Book Kickstarter Interview w/ WhatCulture!
August 24, 2012
I had a rad chat with the folks over at WhatCulture! about freelance game journalism, the book, the Kickstarter, and more! You can check out the article and interview here!
Kickstarter Update: The book Kickstarter is currently at 22 percent funding, with only 15 days left to hit the $7,000 needed to make this happen. There’s still over $5,000 to raise by the deadline, but if we exceed that amount and hit $10,000, I’ll be writing a second shorter book and giving a free digital copy to all backers. I also have some additional gaming-related surprises in the works. Please check out the project and consider becoming a backer! Remember: if the project doesn’t hit the $7,000 goal by Sept 8. then it doesn’t get funded. ULTRA Sad panda
Shop Talk: R.I.P. Nintendo Power
August 21, 2012
Though I’m still a relative youngin’ compared to lots of other gaming folks in our midst, I remember a time before the NES existed. And I remember subscribing to Nintendo Power magazine when it first was launched. Many years later, I was lucky enough to fulfill a childhood dream when I scored a steady freelance gig writing for the magazine. I’ve really enjoyed penning articles for the mag the past few years and working with some great folks on their editorial team, which makes today’s news that Nintendo Power will be closing down all the more crushing.
Up Up Down Down Left WRITE Interview At DLYDJ
August 17, 2012
I recently chatted with the folks over at Don’t Lose Your Day Job, who were kind enough to write up a nice interview piece about the Kickstarter, the book, my thoughts on this and that, and freelancing in the game industry. I think the article came out quite well. You can check it out right here.
Also: The book Kickstarter is currently hovering at 19 percent funding, with only 22 days left to hit the $7,000 needed to make this happen. Please check out the project and consider becoming a backer! Remember: if the project doesn’t hit the goal by Sept 8. then it doesn’t get funded. Sad panda!
Shop Talk: Developing Ideas for Articles
August 15, 2012
Hunting down games to review or preview is as easy as looking at online retail lists of upcoming games or fire up a web search to see what’s cooking in the development world. Coming up with good ideas for articles and columns, on the other hand, takes a lot more effort, but it doesn’t have to be a total drag. There will be times when your creativity wanes and good ideas don’t come as easily. You can overcome these mental droughts with a little research and some brainstorming. Here are a few quick tips on how to get the noggin juices flowing and track down leads for ideas to pitch.
