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A man enters the room, his face masked by the shadows, baseball bat held calmly but firmly in his grasp. People bustle in front of him. Blackjack, Roulette, the slots. The floor is as busy as ever, players from throughout the world have come to chance their luck on this particular casino's wares. The unknown man steps forward. He has a job to do. There's a ladder to climb and he's going to have to show a lot of guts if he wants to reach the next rung. He paces towards the cashier. Most people wouldn't be stupid enough to take on a casino, but this job is about bravery, not cash. He swings the bat, landing a firm blow to the cashier window. The cashier screams, but He's already grabbed a handful of hundred dollar bills and is out of the door into the driving rain.
He sprints as a garishly coloured roadster growls past him, snorting exhaust flames. The police will be on to him in no time. It's a good job he's got this thought out fully. He rounds the street corner. Glistening in the floodlights and the rain like some strange angel, he sees his goal. Running towards the turnstiles of the Football stadium he's almost safe. It'll be a hard job for the cops to find him amongst the frenzied crowd. If only they were the only people looking for him. Two Harrier Jets blast across the sky, low over the stadium. Distracted as he pushes through the crowds at the edge of the pitch, a wave of searing hot pain floods though his chest. He turns to see his assailant as his leg buckle. The chiselled face of his attacker blends into the background as he keels over the hoardings and collapses onto the immaculate turf. As he gasps his last breath he glimpses at the hoarding-some sort of an acronym? P.E.S...
Sorry to ramble on there, but I wanted to paint a picture. Gaming is experiencing some good changes right now. Broadband internet is making online gaming into a quality, easy to access experience. At the same time games such as the GTA series are pushing the boundaries of how immersive a game can be, along with really bringing non-linear gameplay into the limelight.
And, letting my overactive imagination runaway with me when I should have been concentrating on other things, I've been thinking. Will we ever see a day where games all merge into one world. An artificial world very much like the real one, but for the sole purpose of playing games?
Like the image that i was crudely attempting to paint at the start of this post, Could there ever be an online environent, where all the games that we know and love today link together and play as one huge gaming experience. Maybe It would start off like Grand Theft Auto, in a sprawling imaginary city. And you can just roam the city if you like. If you want to gamble, then head to the local casino and actually gamble. If you want to fly a fighter jet, start up a game, get in the car and head to the local airbase. Suit up and walkout to the aircraft waiting on the tarmac. Similarly, if you want to race cars, just head to one of the racing circuits within this virtual world.
The possibilities are endless. Unlikely, but endless. For example:
1/ Pro Evolution Soccer World:
Taking the existing master league to a new level, PESW sees you take on the world in one big league. Play opening games on school playing fields in a backwater suburb, suffering petty squabbles, poor referees and the desperation of when a player turns up late for kick off because he's hung over. Only the best get to play in the top stadiums, though these may still be subjected to gunfights breaking out between rival gangs in the crowd!
2/ Microsoft Flight Simulator Unlimited:
Fly the world in commercial and military aircraft past and present. Land at the worlds most well known airports. Dogfight over the cliffs of Dover. Alternatively buzz those skateboarding kids on the high street. Or bomb them. Finally MFS has stuff worth doing in it.
3/ Gran Turismo 3 D-Spec: The Illegal Driving Simulator:
All the latest Japanese Grey Imports, tuned to within an inch of their lives and ready to be thrashed around the track. But why stop there? Blast down the motorway at 180mph pursued by the cyber police. Cruise with your stereo blaring, and challenge anyone who so much as looks at you to a burnoff. Watch out for those carjackers though!
4/ Tony Hawk Pro Skateboarder 8:
Bust fat air off park benches and grind stairway railings in the seemingly endless expanse of the online gaming world. Compete in championships, or simply "hang" with your online buddies seeing who can pull off the coolest flatland tricks. Turn that plank of wood with wheels into the weapon that it rightly deserved to be when a couple of internet pedestrians open a can of whoop-ass on you for skating over their toes!
5/ Medal of Honour: War of the World.
Join the army and travel the world. Enrol in any division. Snipers, mine sweepers, air support, artillery, The choice is yours. Then simply log into one of the hundreds of battles raging 24/7 on the internet. Armies from around the world clash for no good reason except killing, maiming and causing very large explosions.
6/ Grand Theft Auto Worldwide:
The GTA series meets Quake. Follow a series of programmed missions, or alternatively form an online GTA "clan" and engage in rioting, drugs cartels and general trouble making.
Almost all games could be interpreted into a form where they could link into one huge gaming environment. Now I realise that there would be all sorts of hosting issues, and problems with the sort of processor power needed to run or log onto such a system. It's not particularly likely to happen, certainly not in the near future, but I can dream can't I? It's an entertaining thought that may become a reality, or it may not.
There's all sorts of issues involved with how such a concept could ever work. How would you prevent environments going through spells where very few people are logged in? How would you stop cities turning into one massive gangland battle a la Liberty City Survivor? Would you even want to stop that from happening? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this concept. Would it be any good in your opinion? Will it ever happen?
If you've made it this far, congratulations! Thanks for reading, I'm sure it made no sense what so ever.
He sprints as a garishly coloured roadster growls past him, snorting exhaust flames. The police will be on to him in no time. It's a good job he's got this thought out fully. He rounds the street corner. Glistening in the floodlights and the rain like some strange angel, he sees his goal. Running towards the turnstiles of the Football stadium he's almost safe. It'll be a hard job for the cops to find him amongst the frenzied crowd. If only they were the only people looking for him. Two Harrier Jets blast across the sky, low over the stadium. Distracted as he pushes through the crowds at the edge of the pitch, a wave of searing hot pain floods though his chest. He turns to see his assailant as his leg buckle. The chiselled face of his attacker blends into the background as he keels over the hoardings and collapses onto the immaculate turf. As he gasps his last breath he glimpses at the hoarding-some sort of an acronym? P.E.S...
Sorry to ramble on there, but I wanted to paint a picture. Gaming is experiencing some good changes right now. Broadband internet is making online gaming into a quality, easy to access experience. At the same time games such as the GTA series are pushing the boundaries of how immersive a game can be, along with really bringing non-linear gameplay into the limelight.
And, letting my overactive imagination runaway with me when I should have been concentrating on other things, I've been thinking. Will we ever see a day where games all merge into one world. An artificial world very much like the real one, but for the sole purpose of playing games?
Like the image that i was crudely attempting to paint at the start of this post, Could there ever be an online environent, where all the games that we know and love today link together and play as one huge gaming experience. Maybe It would start off like Grand Theft Auto, in a sprawling imaginary city. And you can just roam the city if you like. If you want to gamble, then head to the local casino and actually gamble. If you want to fly a fighter jet, start up a game, get in the car and head to the local airbase. Suit up and walkout to the aircraft waiting on the tarmac. Similarly, if you want to race cars, just head to one of the racing circuits within this virtual world.
The possibilities are endless. Unlikely, but endless. For example:
1/ Pro Evolution Soccer World:
Taking the existing master league to a new level, PESW sees you take on the world in one big league. Play opening games on school playing fields in a backwater suburb, suffering petty squabbles, poor referees and the desperation of when a player turns up late for kick off because he's hung over. Only the best get to play in the top stadiums, though these may still be subjected to gunfights breaking out between rival gangs in the crowd!
2/ Microsoft Flight Simulator Unlimited:
Fly the world in commercial and military aircraft past and present. Land at the worlds most well known airports. Dogfight over the cliffs of Dover. Alternatively buzz those skateboarding kids on the high street. Or bomb them. Finally MFS has stuff worth doing in it.
3/ Gran Turismo 3 D-Spec: The Illegal Driving Simulator:
All the latest Japanese Grey Imports, tuned to within an inch of their lives and ready to be thrashed around the track. But why stop there? Blast down the motorway at 180mph pursued by the cyber police. Cruise with your stereo blaring, and challenge anyone who so much as looks at you to a burnoff. Watch out for those carjackers though!
4/ Tony Hawk Pro Skateboarder 8:
Bust fat air off park benches and grind stairway railings in the seemingly endless expanse of the online gaming world. Compete in championships, or simply "hang" with your online buddies seeing who can pull off the coolest flatland tricks. Turn that plank of wood with wheels into the weapon that it rightly deserved to be when a couple of internet pedestrians open a can of whoop-ass on you for skating over their toes!
5/ Medal of Honour: War of the World.
Join the army and travel the world. Enrol in any division. Snipers, mine sweepers, air support, artillery, The choice is yours. Then simply log into one of the hundreds of battles raging 24/7 on the internet. Armies from around the world clash for no good reason except killing, maiming and causing very large explosions.
6/ Grand Theft Auto Worldwide:
The GTA series meets Quake. Follow a series of programmed missions, or alternatively form an online GTA "clan" and engage in rioting, drugs cartels and general trouble making.
Almost all games could be interpreted into a form where they could link into one huge gaming environment. Now I realise that there would be all sorts of hosting issues, and problems with the sort of processor power needed to run or log onto such a system. It's not particularly likely to happen, certainly not in the near future, but I can dream can't I? It's an entertaining thought that may become a reality, or it may not.
There's all sorts of issues involved with how such a concept could ever work. How would you prevent environments going through spells where very few people are logged in? How would you stop cities turning into one massive gangland battle a la Liberty City Survivor? Would you even want to stop that from happening? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this concept. Would it be any good in your opinion? Will it ever happen?
If you've made it this far, congratulations! Thanks for reading, I'm sure it made no sense what so ever.
There have been no replies to this thread yet.
A man enters the room, his face masked by the shadows, baseball bat held calmly but firmly in his grasp. People bustle in front of him. Blackjack, Roulette, the slots. The floor is as busy as ever, players from throughout the world have come to chance their luck on this particular casino's wares. The unknown man steps forward. He has a job to do. There's a ladder to climb and he's going to have to show a lot of guts if he wants to reach the next rung. He paces towards the cashier. Most people wouldn't be stupid enough to take on a casino, but this job is about bravery, not cash. He swings the bat, landing a firm blow to the cashier window. The cashier screams, but He's already grabbed a handful of hundred dollar bills and is out of the door into the driving rain.
He sprints as a garishly coloured roadster growls past him, snorting exhaust flames. The police will be on to him in no time. It's a good job he's got this thought out fully. He rounds the street corner. Glistening in the floodlights and the rain like some strange angel, he sees his goal. Running towards the turnstiles of the Football stadium he's almost safe. It'll be a hard job for the cops to find him amongst the frenzied crowd. If only they were the only people looking for him. Two Harrier Jets blast across the sky, low over the stadium. Distracted as he pushes through the crowds at the edge of the pitch, a wave of searing hot pain floods though his chest. He turns to see his assailant as his leg buckle. The chiselled face of his attacker blends into the background as he keels over the hoardings and collapses onto the immaculate turf. As he gasps his last breath he glimpses at the hoarding-some sort of an acronym? P.E.S...
Sorry to ramble on there, but I wanted to paint a picture. Gaming is experiencing some good changes right now. Broadband internet is making online gaming into a quality, easy to access experience. At the same time games such as the GTA series are pushing the boundaries of how immersive a game can be, along with really bringing non-linear gameplay into the limelight.
And, letting my overactive imagination runaway with me when I should have been concentrating on other things, I've been thinking. Will we ever see a day where games all merge into one world. An artificial world very much like the real one, but for the sole purpose of playing games?
Like the image that i was crudely attempting to paint at the start of this post, Could there ever be an online environent, where all the games that we know and love today link together and play as one huge gaming experience. Maybe It would start off like Grand Theft Auto, in a sprawling imaginary city. And you can just roam the city if you like. If you want to gamble, then head to the local casino and actually gamble. If you want to fly a fighter jet, start up a game, get in the car and head to the local airbase. Suit up and walkout to the aircraft waiting on the tarmac. Similarly, if you want to race cars, just head to one of the racing circuits within this virtual world.
The possibilities are endless. Unlikely, but endless. For example:
1/ Pro Evolution Soccer World:
Taking the existing master league to a new level, PESW sees you take on the world in one big league. Play opening games on school playing fields in a backwater suburb, suffering petty squabbles, poor referees and the desperation of when a player turns up late for kick off because he's hung over. Only the best get to play in the top stadiums, though these may still be subjected to gunfights breaking out between rival gangs in the crowd!
2/ Microsoft Flight Simulator Unlimited:
Fly the world in commercial and military aircraft past and present. Land at the worlds most well known airports. Dogfight over the cliffs of Dover. Alternatively buzz those skateboarding kids on the high street. Or bomb them. Finally MFS has stuff worth doing in it.
3/ Gran Turismo 3 D-Spec: The Illegal Driving Simulator:
All the latest Japanese Grey Imports, tuned to within an inch of their lives and ready to be thrashed around the track. But why stop there? Blast down the motorway at 180mph pursued by the cyber police. Cruise with your stereo blaring, and challenge anyone who so much as looks at you to a burnoff. Watch out for those carjackers though!
4/ Tony Hawk Pro Skateboarder 8:
Bust fat air off park benches and grind stairway railings in the seemingly endless expanse of the online gaming world. Compete in championships, or simply "hang" with your online buddies seeing who can pull off the coolest flatland tricks. Turn that plank of wood with wheels into the weapon that it rightly deserved to be when a couple of internet pedestrians open a can of whoop-ass on you for skating over their toes!
5/ Medal of Honour: War of the World.
Join the army and travel the world. Enrol in any division. Snipers, mine sweepers, air support, artillery, The choice is yours. Then simply log into one of the hundreds of battles raging 24/7 on the internet. Armies from around the world clash for no good reason except killing, maiming and causing very large explosions.
6/ Grand Theft Auto Worldwide:
The GTA series meets Quake. Follow a series of programmed missions, or alternatively form an online GTA "clan" and engage in rioting, drugs cartels and general trouble making.
Almost all games could be interpreted into a form where they could link into one huge gaming environment. Now I realise that there would be all sorts of hosting issues, and problems with the sort of processor power needed to run or log onto such a system. It's not particularly likely to happen, certainly not in the near future, but I can dream can't I? It's an entertaining thought that may become a reality, or it may not.
There's all sorts of issues involved with how such a concept could ever work. How would you prevent environments going through spells where very few people are logged in? How would you stop cities turning into one massive gangland battle a la Liberty City Survivor? Would you even want to stop that from happening? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this concept. Would it be any good in your opinion? Will it ever happen?
If you've made it this far, congratulations! Thanks for reading, I'm sure it made no sense what so ever.
He sprints as a garishly coloured roadster growls past him, snorting exhaust flames. The police will be on to him in no time. It's a good job he's got this thought out fully. He rounds the street corner. Glistening in the floodlights and the rain like some strange angel, he sees his goal. Running towards the turnstiles of the Football stadium he's almost safe. It'll be a hard job for the cops to find him amongst the frenzied crowd. If only they were the only people looking for him. Two Harrier Jets blast across the sky, low over the stadium. Distracted as he pushes through the crowds at the edge of the pitch, a wave of searing hot pain floods though his chest. He turns to see his assailant as his leg buckle. The chiselled face of his attacker blends into the background as he keels over the hoardings and collapses onto the immaculate turf. As he gasps his last breath he glimpses at the hoarding-some sort of an acronym? P.E.S...
Sorry to ramble on there, but I wanted to paint a picture. Gaming is experiencing some good changes right now. Broadband internet is making online gaming into a quality, easy to access experience. At the same time games such as the GTA series are pushing the boundaries of how immersive a game can be, along with really bringing non-linear gameplay into the limelight.
And, letting my overactive imagination runaway with me when I should have been concentrating on other things, I've been thinking. Will we ever see a day where games all merge into one world. An artificial world very much like the real one, but for the sole purpose of playing games?
Like the image that i was crudely attempting to paint at the start of this post, Could there ever be an online environent, where all the games that we know and love today link together and play as one huge gaming experience. Maybe It would start off like Grand Theft Auto, in a sprawling imaginary city. And you can just roam the city if you like. If you want to gamble, then head to the local casino and actually gamble. If you want to fly a fighter jet, start up a game, get in the car and head to the local airbase. Suit up and walkout to the aircraft waiting on the tarmac. Similarly, if you want to race cars, just head to one of the racing circuits within this virtual world.
The possibilities are endless. Unlikely, but endless. For example:
1/ Pro Evolution Soccer World:
Taking the existing master league to a new level, PESW sees you take on the world in one big league. Play opening games on school playing fields in a backwater suburb, suffering petty squabbles, poor referees and the desperation of when a player turns up late for kick off because he's hung over. Only the best get to play in the top stadiums, though these may still be subjected to gunfights breaking out between rival gangs in the crowd!
2/ Microsoft Flight Simulator Unlimited:
Fly the world in commercial and military aircraft past and present. Land at the worlds most well known airports. Dogfight over the cliffs of Dover. Alternatively buzz those skateboarding kids on the high street. Or bomb them. Finally MFS has stuff worth doing in it.
3/ Gran Turismo 3 D-Spec: The Illegal Driving Simulator:
All the latest Japanese Grey Imports, tuned to within an inch of their lives and ready to be thrashed around the track. But why stop there? Blast down the motorway at 180mph pursued by the cyber police. Cruise with your stereo blaring, and challenge anyone who so much as looks at you to a burnoff. Watch out for those carjackers though!
4/ Tony Hawk Pro Skateboarder 8:
Bust fat air off park benches and grind stairway railings in the seemingly endless expanse of the online gaming world. Compete in championships, or simply "hang" with your online buddies seeing who can pull off the coolest flatland tricks. Turn that plank of wood with wheels into the weapon that it rightly deserved to be when a couple of internet pedestrians open a can of whoop-ass on you for skating over their toes!
5/ Medal of Honour: War of the World.
Join the army and travel the world. Enrol in any division. Snipers, mine sweepers, air support, artillery, The choice is yours. Then simply log into one of the hundreds of battles raging 24/7 on the internet. Armies from around the world clash for no good reason except killing, maiming and causing very large explosions.
6/ Grand Theft Auto Worldwide:
The GTA series meets Quake. Follow a series of programmed missions, or alternatively form an online GTA "clan" and engage in rioting, drugs cartels and general trouble making.
Almost all games could be interpreted into a form where they could link into one huge gaming environment. Now I realise that there would be all sorts of hosting issues, and problems with the sort of processor power needed to run or log onto such a system. It's not particularly likely to happen, certainly not in the near future, but I can dream can't I? It's an entertaining thought that may become a reality, or it may not.
There's all sorts of issues involved with how such a concept could ever work. How would you prevent environments going through spells where very few people are logged in? How would you stop cities turning into one massive gangland battle a la Liberty City Survivor? Would you even want to stop that from happening? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this concept. Would it be any good in your opinion? Will it ever happen?
If you've made it this far, congratulations! Thanks for reading, I'm sure it made no sense what so ever.