Deepminded

Hello all....

My beginnings started with a bit of Wargaming and D&D pen and paper with some Society for Creative Anachronism members in 1970 while in college.

Electronic gaming.
My first introduction through a visit to the Intel company in 1969 and witnessing a very early "computer" game of Chess.

Later in the 70s, I remember how much PONG made a splash when it first came out but never played it (couldn't afford it!) My first "handheld" was a $25 Mattel "Submarine" game. A very simple game of red LCD lights and beeps to help you stalk and fire torpedoes or warn of depth charges from the destroyer.

My first console gaming was Nintendo with my children, though in the 80s. Kept wearing my thumbs out trying to keep up with them. Puzzle games, RPG, shooters and "Mario"....and "Link" (of course) "Solstice" and games like it were a favorite of mine.

I had been reading about computer games in the late 80s. My first computer game introduction was D&D's "Pools of Radiance" on a friend's 286 in 1992. Then Castle Wolfenstein and DOOM introduced me to FPS. In 1995, we finally got our first PC (a PacBell P 90) and played Heretic and Hexen. A year later, the Internet became available in my rural area and I started looking for older games I missed from the 80s but read about in the magazines. Found a MUD with a Viking theme. But do not remember its name anymore.....very different, I must say.

By 1997, I finally got a HP P 120 and was able to play Descent and Quake. But only had a gig HD to do anything with. My computer was not good enough nor fast enough for many games coming out in 2000, though. So kept with the Abandonware sites like "The Depot" (defunct) and "HoTU" for olders ones or played demos/shareware of new ones I could. In February 2000, I learned of a Viking themed third person actioner by a new studio made up of former RavenStudios personnel. Found the sanctioned fansite and joined. Later was invited to become co Admin because of my interest in all things "Viking" as a history reenactor (and willing to be there at all hours of the night answering questions/helping out) Been Admin there for the past 8 years now. While RUNE was still in development, I helped Human Head with some aspects and am listed as "Historical Advisor" in the credits. The game was released in October 2000 with a MP standalone, Rune: Halls of Valhalla, released the following year.

Although I keep my own game, RUNE on my computer (for obvious reasons) I play different other game genres as well. But ever since I found PlaneScape: Torment years ago, I kept it on each of my computers as I upgraded (until just recently) Both my children are now "twenty year olds" who game too, whether pc or console. I finally have a computer that has everything I wish for as a long time gamer. And keep up on what is being released for awhile.

As a parent and gamesite admin, I have my own views just how "awful Video gaming is" according to certain journalists and politicians who use fear of the unknown for their own purposes.

To me, gaming can be fun and a positive therapy. Overall, it is has more positive than negative aspects. It is a social avenue when other means are not always readily available. It links you globally in a more immediate manner through MP, fansites, their forums and clans. It allows you to make acquaintances/friends that can be quite close. Artistically, it is way to let your imagination and skills grow if you mod, map or code. If not, you can walk around in a "world" of another's making (although "Life" is the best game of all) As an artist in other non computer mediums, I appreciate all the hard work and applaud the efforts that have gone into these.

As a parent, it is good to know what kind of game your kids can handle. True, not all games are suitable for all ages so a bit of supervision may be needed. Games and gaming, like TV was accused of being when I was little,...cannot be a "babysitter". But I have met several adults who game online and act far more immature than many younger players I have come to know within my own Runegame.com community and elsewhere.

Ok enough of my soapbox.......thanks for listening.