5/1/2010:
As those made it out to the MoCCA Art Fest or frequent the blog are well aware of, the latest installment of the my gaming zine didn't quite make it out as originally planned. But it's all good, cuz that just means the party wil be even harder at Babycastles!
What's Babycastles you might be asking? Why, it's only New York City's first and only indie arcade! Located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, and housed in the legendary DIY music and art space known as Silent Barn, that's where I'll be celebrating the launch of the newest issue, THREE: FORT90ZINE. Copies will be on-hand (promise), along with a number of games that are mentioned in the brand new issue, as well as ones past, including my very first indie creation, Jizzmoppa. Which, btw, is also being added to the venue's line-up!
In addition to the launch festivities, the evening will also serve as the latest arcade opening, featuring games from Mark Essen, otherwise known as Messhof, and the creator of this year's winner for the Independent Games Festival Award for Best Mobile Game Design at GDC 2010, Glow Artisan for the Nintendo DSi, Ramiro Corbetta. Both men will also be giving talks about their work, as will I, plus there'll be performances by Mark DeNardo and Blue Leader!
As you can see, it's a party that you simply cannot afford to miss. For additional info, make sure to hit the event's Facebook page.
4/10-11/2010:
Despite being a bit earlier than usual, it's time once again for The Big Apple's premier small press and DIY goods throwdown, the MoCCA Art Fest! Though what will make this year's show super special and an absolute do notmiss is how it's also Attract Mode's grand debut in NYC!
I'll be selling much of the goods that one can find online (sans shipping costs, so at the very least it's a great way to save a few bucks), along with a few surprises that's not available quite yet! Such as... the third installment of the FORT90ZINE, which will be making its world premiere at the show.
As always, I'll be sharing the table with my girlfriend, Katie Skelly, and you to find out more at the official site.
3/26-28/2010:
For those who might have missed the big news, I am now the official east coast representative for Attract Mode! Which means you’ll find me at various shows and conventions, like the MoCCA Art Fest and SPX, spreading the word on the web's definitive source for video game culture at its finest, and for sale, but in the flesh! Which means manning a table loaded with all the flat-out amazing game related goods that the site has become synonymous for, but without the associated shipping costs.
I'll be doing a few other things related to Attract Mode as well, but more on that when the time is right. Anyhow, first stop? Boston! Myself and Attract Mode founder Adam Robezzoli will be attending the inaugural PAX East. For more information on the show itself, make sure to check out the official site.
2/6-19/2010:
It is with great honor and excitment that I announce that for two weeks I will be a guest blogger over at Tiny Cartridge! For those who might be unfamiliar with the place (and my response to that is either I'm sorry or what is your problem?), it's "pretty much the best Nintendo DS site ever", and that ladies & gentlemen is no exaggeration.
Anyhow, one half of the awesome two-man team that runs the show, Eric Caoili, was kind enough to ask me (along with a few other fine folks) to fill his shoes while embarking on some much needed r&r, and I fully intend on living up to the high standards that Tiny Cartridge has set for import, retro, and homebrew reporting, as well as pass along some of the stuff that I'm known about as well! So please sure to stop on by.
11/3/2009:
I am now the new video game blogger over at Heavy.com!
So, what does that mean exactly? Well, I'll be writing about games, much like I normally do around here, but with a slightly more mainstream (as well as larger) audience in mind, as well as on a more frequent basis (since it is a daily column after all). Though in the end, one will surely find all the staples of my own personal blog eventually (personally, I believe my interest in shmups and loli molestation games will be of great interest to the average Heavy visitor, whose mostly into UFC and the like). Be sure to stop on by Heavy's games section to see what I come up with!
9/25-27/2009:
The New York Anime Festival is coming back to the town, and not only will I be on-hand to take copious amounts of pictures of coplayers as I usually do, but this time I'll be a guest speaker to talk about, what else? Video games!
In just a few short years, the NYAF has become the premier destination for all otaku who live in The Big Apple, and all points surrounding, and this year's show promises to be even bigger and better than last year's, which for anyone who attended, is saying a lot! And I'll be helping tofill out the video game portion of the show, by running the following presentations...
- Games From Japan Vs. Games From The US: Who's Winning The War? (Friday, Sept 25th, 7:45PM-8:45PM)
- How To Get A Job In Video Games (Sunday, Sept 27th, 3:00PM-4:00PM)
- The Ten Best Damn Games Ever Made & The Ten Worst As Well (Sunday, Sept 27th, 4:15PM-5:15PM)
... I'm fairly certain that they're fairly self explanatory; the first two will included various experts in the field, to discuss their work and field question, plus the final one is a return of the top ten lists that were such a big hit at ICON, updated and revamped for the NYAF of course! Remember folks, for that last one, Final Fantasy VII need not apply/Final Fantasy VII haters will get preferential seating. For more information, simply check out the NYAF website.
9/17/2009:
Central Booking is a brand new space located in the heart of DUMBO, Brooklyn, which focuses on the art of books and printmaking, as well as their place in the world of art at large. And it'll also be the very first brick and mortar location to carry the FORT90ZINE: SUMMER CARNIVAL '09, which thus far has only been available at small press comics and zine shows throughout the summer (as well as online, but that's only been the case for about three days now).
So if you're in NYC but was never able to hit one of the aforementioned shows for whatever reason, here's your chance to finally get those mitts on a copy! The first issue is also available, btw.
The gallery opens it's doors on September 10th, though the following week will be the grand opening, where a number of the artists whose work are carried will be in attendance, including myself! For more information on Central Booking, please check out their website.
9/14/2009:
Attract Mode, the gaming culture shop that the world has long needed is finally open for business! You'll find all sorts of neat video game related wares for purchase, such as shirts, buttons, music, original artwork, even reading material... including the FORT90ZINE! Not only is SUMMER CARNIVAL '09 making it's long awaited online debut, but from this point forward, Attract Mode will be the exclusive online distributor for my zines period!
9/4/2009:
That's the last day one can vote for this SXSWi panel that my pal Jonathan Beilin, who helps run the Web Ecology Project, is proposing and would be running. And if it goes through, I'll also be a part of it as well!
As some folks already know, I have a fairly rich and storied past when it comes to internet dating. Hate to toot my own horn here, but I do consider myself somewhat of trailblazer to a certain extent; in this modern age, it's actually somewhat acceptable to find and interact with people found on the internet, and then carry those relationships into the real world. Even when it comes to romantic entanglements, thanks to sites such as Facebook and OK Cupid to name just a few. Whereas I was attempting the same during Web 2.0's earliest, and perhaps darkest days, when folks thought I was positively nuts for using LiveJournal and Friendster, which must didn't realize was the perfect avenue to interact with the opposite sex. In the end, I have a ton of stories, which are not only fun to tell friends at dinner or at a bar, but might almost be of importance for those interested in anthropology and ethnography, again as it relates to online social behavior.
Once again, if the panel gets approved, I will be one of it's featured speakers, but the only way that can happen is if enough people vote for it. And doing so is quick and easy! Plus it'll be sincerely appreciated. Though the deadline is approaching fast, and since I also have no idea how many votes are needed, please feel free to spread the word!
6/6-7/2009:
The first weekend of June is gonna be a crazy one! First on the 6th, I'll be in Danbury, CT for The Connecticut Film Festival. The theme of this year's event is "Creating and Sharing"; in addition to traditional filmmaking, there will also be a focus on animation, the web, gaming, free and open source software, plus advocacy.
Among the panels will be "New Media Frontiers" which shall discuss the various fronts of communication in the 21st Century, from the traditional... such as print, radio, and television... to the new... including blogs, cultural jamming, and video games of course! For more information on the event, such as the full film and programming schedule, simply refer to the CTFF's homepage. The entire things runs from June 2nd through the 7th. Unfortunately, I can only be there for just the Saturday, because...
This year's MoCCA Art Fest is happening that very same weekend, though I'll only be in attendance the second and final day, on the 7th. The action goes down at a different location this time, as it moves uptown... goodbye Houston St, hello Lexington Ave... but promises to be the same premier go-to spot for mini comics, original artwork, silkscreened shirts, and assorted other DIY goodness for New York City as it's been for years now. And just like last time, I'll be sharing sharing the table with my girlfriend Katie Skelly and good friend Hilary Florido!
Not only will UNLUCKY #4 make its NYC show debut, but so will the FORT90ZINE! Furthermore, if things work out just right, there might a second installment making it's grand debut as well! Once again, the show takes place June 6th and 7th. Additional information can be found at the official site.
4/3-5/2009:
What's that smell? It's the aroma of flower blooming, grass finally growing, and... nerd sweat. Yes, spring is upon us once more, which also bring with it ICON!
Once more, I'll be out in Long Island for the three entire days of the biggest and boldest and (flat-out weirdest) nerdgasm that one will find anywhere in the northeast. And yet again, I'll be bringing with me a host of friends, as well as some chiptunes! Been a long time coming, I'll tell you. But yes, this time, it is officially a party!
Though things will be a bit different this time around as well: no more top ten lists for me. This year, I going to be a judge! Huh? Of what? And it's not happening in Stony Brook University this time? What? All questions will be answered, though more will ineveitably pop up, when you head over here!
2/2/2009:
Those of you who frequent my journal already know this, but for everyone else and haven't heard, earlier today I announced a Persona 4 Art Contest! Basically, I'm such a fanatic of the best damn game of 08, and have been wanting to do contest over at the blog for some time now, that I figured merging the two would be a neat idea. Anyhow, all details, including the totally awesome first prize package that's up for grabs, can be found here.
And don't forget: the deadline is this April 18th!
10/3-4/2008:
This year I'll be returning to the Small Press Expo, for SPX, the Small Press Expo! Alongside Katie Skelly, I will have both the latest installment of UNLUCKY, which this time will have three, count 'em, THREE different contributors: Zack Giallongo, Travis Nichols, and Dave Savage!
But that's not all! In addition to my auto bio mini-comics, I will have the very first edition of the FORT90ZINE! It's basically a "best of" collection of stuff that I've written about, on the subject of games of course, from various online sources, including my blog, but in a printed format. And wait till you see the uber hawt screenprinted cover! Though the very best part will be the totally hawt centerfold of video game hottie, which I'm hoping will be a regular thing, courtesy this time around of Hilary Florido!
Both UNLUCKY #4 and the FORT90ZINE#1 should be available for sale online shortly thereafter, but I'll be totally honest: SPX might be the only real chance for people to get their hands on an edition of the zine with the aforementioned silkscreened cover, because they're such a bitch to produce! For general information about the show, here you go.
6/7-8/2008:
Summertime is finally here, and you know what that means? Yes, time to buy some comics! This year's MoCCA Art Fest is fast approaching, and I'll be on-hand along with my partners in crime, Katie Skelly and Hilary Florido!
MoCCA is simply put the place to feed your burning desire for awesome mini comics, hip silk-screened attire, and assorted super cool arts and crafts thingys. But aside from being New York's premiere small press event, it also happens to be this time around the very first big indie comics show of the year! So the excitment of the year is ten-fold? Maybe because, not only will I (hopefully) have yet another preview mini-installment of UNLUCKY, but perhaps the very first half of HARVEST, the naked girls covered in goo and being cloned, science fiction spectacular that everyone will be talking about!
For more info on the show, be sure to hit the offical site. BTW, myself, Katie, and Hilary will be found on the top floor, so don't miss it, or us!
4/4-6/2008:
Spring is almost here! And I personally cannot think of a better time of year to visit the lovely campus of Stony Brook University, to enjoy the fresh air, the sights of trees and rolling green hills, the sounds of... nerds passinonately arguing whether Episodes 1-3 should be acknowledged or ignored as part of Star Wars canon? And perhaps for the last time?
This year will mark by fifth, and quite possibly final, appearance at the northeast's premiere fantasy and science fiction (and science fact) convention, aka ICON. Once more, I'll be on-hand to talk about the history, art, politics, and anything else related to video games. Even girls. Plus, like before, I'm bringing some friends, but this time there will be even more. And, the last two years in a row I've hit home runs with my hour long talks/rants. But instead of doing another top ten list, I'm going to do something a bit different...
For more information, check out the ICON 27 homepage.
2/18-22/2008:
So I'm finally making my (somewhat long-awaited) debut appearace at the Game Developer's Conference. I have been asked to attend and act as judge for The Independant Games Festival's inagural mobile gaming competition!
For years the IGF has brought together the best of the best independent game designers and producers, and this will be the first time that the focus is purely mobile platforms, such as the Nintendo DS, the Sony PSP, and cell phones. Additional info can be found here.
10/9/2007:
I just got word that Vanilla Gorilla, the story that appears in the first UNLUCKY preview mimi, which was illustrated by Katie Skelly, was given a honorable mention in The Best American Comics 2007! Yay! More information can be found in the journal.
8/18-19/2007:
Hey Canada! Folks living up in the Great White North will be the first ones to get a chance to check out the latest preview mini of UNLUCKY!
The third installment includes two additional tales, one illustrated by Matthew Bernier, and the other by Toby Craig. Its official debut at The Toronto Comic Art Festival, so if you're able to, come to the show! Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend due to a scheduling conflict, but MK Reed will be on-hand, with not just the latest issue but every edition thus far.
Also, that following Monday, issue three will be available for sale via the store, for those of you who can't make it up to Canada either. Expect it in all the usual brick & mortar shops where my stuff is already readily available, like the always awesome Rocketship. And coming very soon, UNLUCKY will also be available on at the Optical Sloth online store!
5/1/2007:
As of today, am I am officially the brand new blogger over at Zedge.net!
So what exactly will I be doing? Well, more or less the same exact thing I do over here, just with an emphasis on cell phones and the mobile lifestyle. As I see it, 95% of cell phone blogs are rather dry and too heavy on the technical side of things, which makes zero sense given that 95% of the cell phone users out there are by no means techheads. So expect the same, straightforward, somewhat humorous, and occasionally inane banter, as well a wacky link or two, about the wild and wacky world of cell phones! I'll be posting pretty much everyday, so be sure to stop by often!
BTW, my handle there is "ZedgeNova".
3/23-25/2007:
It's that time again.... ICON, the northeast's largest fantasy and science fiction (and science fact) convention is back, and once more, I'll be on-hand to talk about video games, naturally. Among the regular points of discussion, such as censorship, video games as art, the next generation of consoles, and what it's like to be an indie game developer, I will be doing a follow-up to my highly successful and popular discourse from last year, which was "the 10 best games of all time". This time around it will be "the 10 worst games of all time... that you probably like"!
To be amoung the 6,000 geeks that travel wordwide to this event each every year, simply go here for more info.
UPDATE: For those of you who couldn't make it, you can read about my top ten list at MTV News!
11/21/2006:
Some might recall my recent guest appearance over at the Weekly World News website. Well I will now be a regularly appearing talent at the paper's online portal! Keep your eyes peeled for video starring myself, either recalling an appearance of a disembodied cat's head with just the legs attached, my search for Bigfoot (as an obsessed furry), and much more.
10/13-14/2006:
It's time once again for SPX, the Small Press Expo. I'll be on-hand once again, along with everyone else from RMK Books, including MK Reed, Robin Enrico, and Katie Skelly. Unfortunately, I won't have any new books this time around (due to time constraints and other assorted reasons), but if you haven't gotten either of my minis, here's an excellent opportunity, plus everyone else definitely has new books available!
Each year and every year SPX brings together the very best from the world of small press and independent comics. This time around, things have changed a little; to find out more, such as the new location of the show, please refer to the official site.
UPDATE: SPX 2006 was simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ! For my detailed account of the whole show, click here.
9/24/2006:
That's the date of the Philadelphia Zine Fest, and I'll be in attendance as part of RMK Books, which will also see the debut of the "label".
And what does RMK stand for? Well... either Reed, Mary Kate... Robin (Enrico), Matt (that's me, obviously), and Katie (Skelly)... though Liz Baillie is also part of our crew. The important thing to know is that it's the one stop place for all our books at comic shows (and soon on the web).
Anyway myself, MK, Robin, and Liz will be at the show, so stop on by if you're in the Philly area! For more info on the event, simply click this link.
9/21/2006:
By now a few folks might have noticed my name pop up here and there over at GameSetWatch, as well as my special report on the NYC game culture scene that I filed earlier in the summer. Well, I now have a regular column!
It's called Cinema Pixeldiso and I'll be reviewing movies either based upon or dealing with video games, with an eye towards the obscure or the misunderstood. You can check them out here.
8/31/2006:
I have decided to relinquish my position as lead game designer at PixelJump. I am also leaving the company as a whole.
PixelJump was formed by myself and my colleague Jason Sawtelle back in the fall of 2002, and since then the original two man operation that was just about making games from cell phones evolved into something else, a fully-fledged company that sought to create cutting edge mobile entertainment, beyond just games. But at a certain point, it eventually became apparent that my original vision for PixelJump and the course that the company was on was no longer the same, hence the decision to break away.
I learned quite a bit throughout the entire process of starting and managing my own company, and I would like to wish everyone at PixelJump the very best of luck with all their future endeavors.
7/5/2006:
Some are already aware that I'm a special contributor to GameSetWatch, which I believe to be, pound for pound, the best video game blog out there. Those of you who have been interested in the video game culture in New York City might be interested in checking out my very special report To Live and Game in NY, which can be found here.
6/24/2006:
In addition to my game design course, am I now teaching Mac Basics at the School of Visual Arts. So for those of you who wish to be more familiarized with the Mac OS X environment, simply call 212-592-2200 or follow this link.
6/10-11/2006:
That's when this year's MOCCA Art Fest will be taking place. In just five short years, it's become New York City's premier small press event, with tons of mini's, silk-screened shirts, and assorted other cool comic related art-type stuff on-hand. Plus, it'll be the first NYC show to have UNLUCKY. And I hope to have some other cool stuff ready in time as well. For more information on the show, please visit the offical site.
Though if you're local to New York City but can't make the show, you can always pick up a copy at Rocketship.
5/13/2006:
I will be appearing at SPACE, the Mid-West's largest small press exhibition, which will take place in Columbus, Ohio. I'll be there with MK Reed, so if you're in the area, stop on by and get some comics! For more information, simply check out the site.4/8-9/2006:
Those of you in the San Fransico area can pick up the second installment of UNLUCKY which will be making its debut at the Alternative Press Expo. This edition has two new stories from the upcoming comics anthology, and features the talents of K. Thor Jensen and MK Reed. MK will also be at the show will copies of both Unlucky minis, along with her new book Pale Fire.For more info of on the show, here you go. But if you can't make it to APE, there's always the store.
3/24-26/2006:
This will be my third year as a special guest at ICON on the behalf of their electronic gaming programming. As before, I'll be talking about a number of issues related to video games, such as the creative process, their social value, gender issues, and much more, as well as other topics related to freedom of speech and socialization via the internet.This year will also mark ICON's 25th year as the northeast's largest science fiction and fantasy festival. For more information, please check out this link.
3/11-12/2006:
Parsons School of Design and Atari are once again bringing together students from schools all across the NYC area to see if they can create a video game in just 24 hours. Last year it was the 2600, and this year's platform will be cell phones, hence why it's no longer a game design jam, but a mosh, as in the Mobile Game Mosh.
I was on-hand perviously as a mentor for the SVA team, but now I will be one of several local game design professionals who will offer advice to each team and playtest their games. And like last year, I'll be in attendance the whole 24 hours to file a report for Gamasutra.
1/17/2006:
I've just been signed by Allworth Press to write a textbook on game design. It will serve as an introduction to the subject, by covering the fundamentals and exploring key concepts that any designer should keep in mind, as well as provide a historical context by pointing towards noted works from the past, and even a look into the possible future.The book is slated for a spring/summer release in '07. I'll be passing along further information as things develops.
9/30/2005:
You can now purchase the first preview minicomic featuring stories from my upcoming comic book anthology UNLUCKY from the brand spanking new store section! There are two stories, based on stuff that really happened to me, and drawn by Joe Simko and Katie Skelly.The next preview mini will feature stories illustrated by MK Reed and myself. Look for it early next year, or perhaps even later this year! Also, keep an eye at the store section; I hope to have tons of other cools stuff for sale, such as t-shirts and the like!
9/23-24/2005:
I'll be appearing at this year's Small Press Expo with the first preview minicomic to feature stories from my upcoming "Matt Hawkins Anthology" (working title). The mini will feature the work of Katie Skelly and Joe Simko. I'll be sharing a table with MK Reed, who will have her acclaimed comic Catfight on-hand; the collected volume will be making it's SPX debut.Each year SPX brings together the finest artists from the world of small press and independent comics, and this year's show marks the Expo's tenth anniversary. For directions, hotel info, and all other questions, simply check out the official site.
5/2/2005:
I will be a participant in Hi-Res vs. Low-Res: A Game Design Debate, sponsored by the IGDA and SIGGRAPH. I'll be appearing alongside fellow game makers in the New York City area to discuss the role of graphics and how it affects both the game and game player. For more information can be found here. UPDATE: You can check out a report of the entire event right here.4/8-10/2005:
I'll be making my second appearance at ICON this year as a guest speaker on the behalf of the gaming programming. I'll be talking on numerous panels the whole three days of the convention, with topics ranging from the art of video games, gender issues, ratings and censorship, games that are yet to be and have never been, cultural differences related to those who produce games and those who play them, plus more.ICON is the northeast's largest science fiction and fantasy festival, with over 6,000 attendees each year. For more information, please check out this link.
4/2-3/2005:
Parsons School of Design and Atari presents Retro Redux: a 24-Hour Game Design Jam. Students will have just one day to create a fully playable game for Atari's Flashback game console, which is based upon the classic 2600 system. The winning game may even appear in a future version of the machine later this fall.I will be on-hand as a mentor for the School of Visual Arts team, as well to report on the event on the behalf of Gamasutra. I recently began writing for the esteemed site, starting with a series of interviews with various folks from the world of game design. Keep an eye out for the very first one, with Eric Zimmerman, as well as my coverage of Retro Redux, in the coming weeks.
UPDATE: Team SVA's game received the award for Best Visual Design! For more info, go here.