The shell

We are always looking for graphics, mechanics, dynamics, information architecture, gameplay, writing and many other features of a game. But, there is one aspect of them that is always overlooked: the shell.

As Omernick says (2004, p.248) “the word shell describes the initial screens and menus a player encounters when first starting a game. The most basic purpose of a shell is to act as an introduction and a doorway to the gameplay. By offering options like Save and Load, controller configurations, and a good old Start button, you are allowing players to choose how and when they want to play the game”.



The first contact with the game is fundamental to establish a dialogue with the player. It’s simple, but the initial menu is the primary access to the gaming world. Keeping it simple and intuitive is a key factor for a good experience. Even for casual games, the shell is an essential thing to capture the user’s attention to the gameplay.

In your next project, take time to watch the first steps of the player within the game.

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Reference:

OMERNICK, Matthew. Creating the art of the game. California: New Riders, 2004.

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How Much Does Owning A Pet Really Cost In A Year?

By:  Laurie Brzostowski

As the Owner/President of Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, I take care of all kinds of animals like fish, bunnies, cats, dogs, etc.  I also know what the pet parents go through when they get a new pet.  There is the expense of food and supplies, treats, medical bills, etc.  I have had dogs my whole life so I completely understand the cost of raising and taking care of a pet.

Are you looking at getting a puppy, a kitten, a bird or even some fish?  I think that is awesome, but there are some things you need to think about before getting your pet.

Remember... most dogs live to be about 7-15 years of age.  A cat and large birds can live even longer.  This means pet supplies, medical bills, food, etc. 

Getting a pet is a lifetime commitment so let's break it down for you !

DOGS:

• Dog lovers spent an average of $254 on dog food and $70 on treats within 12 months.

• Routine vet visits cost dog owners $248 on average. Flea and Tick preventive medicines ran owners another $161.

• Grooming ran $73 on average per visit (I take my dog to the groomer twice per year).

• Impulse buys (the kind where you buy an extra treat for your doggie at the pet supply store) added another $43 each year.

• Some jurisdictions may also require licensing fees. De-worming and microchip identification will also drive up early costs. This can range from $470 to $565 for dogs.

• Average yearly cost for a dog: $580 to $875.

CATS:

• While cat food costs less than dog food, it's still $220 on average and about $41 for treats.

• Cat supplies like scratching posts, litter boxes and litter can range widely in costs.  Some litter will be more expensive the more environmentally friendly it is.

• Vet visits are also cheaper than dogs.  In fact, some cats that live completely indoors do not get completely vaccinated, however, owners do pay an average of $219 for route vet visits.  Preventative medications including supplements and flea prevention runs an average of $110.

• Grooming your cat is definitely cheaper than a dog and costs around $34 per visit.

• Don't forget the cat toys like laser pens and catnip.  Toys for cats are definitely cheaper than for dogs but still run an average of $21 over 12 months.

• Average yearly cost for a cat: $670

BIRDS:

• Caring for a small bird could cost around $200 per year.

• Vet costs are definitely cheaper than dogs and cats.  Roughly aroiund $117 per year.

• Grooming, cages, and toys add up to around $100 per year.

• Larger birds can be more expensive so keep that in mind when choosing birds.  Also, larger birds live longer and have much for complex needs for socialization and care.

• Average year cost for a small bird? Up to $200.

FISH:

• Freshwater fish owners spent the least amount of money to care of their companions. Food cost about $26 on average per year.

• Fish owners paid an average of $63 within the last 12 months and around $25 for bowls and/or tanks.

• Water test kits usually run an averaqe of $15 and add in an additional $32 for other supplies.

• Aquariums can be expensive running up to $200 initially and of course adding in those decorative items in the tank can be expensive.

• If you plan on doing a saltwater tank, then you are moving into a more expensive arena.

• Average year cost for freshwater fish: $35

So there is your breakdown on how much "on average" a pet really can cost you in a year.  Of course, there can be medical emergencies and other issues that come up which can drive costs up throughout the year.

Make sure when you decide you do want to get a pet, put some money aside for any emergencies that may come up in the care of your new pet.  Checking into vet/pet insurance may also be a wave for you to save on vet costs.

But, if you are like me, those "costs" are just part of owning a pet.  That pet will bring you years and years of happiness and contentment.  Personally, I have no idea what life would be like without my doggies !  

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Article: Brazilian Gaming Market

Craving to disseminate information about the Brazilian gaming market, my friend Mauro Berimbau and I wrote a brief article explaining some peculiarities of this environment with many relevant research data. We want to share our feelings with you.



Click here to download the PDF. We are waiting for your opinions!

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Casual games for casual players

Today’s post is about one of my favorite subjects: casual game design. Undoubtedly, the contemporary multiplatform environment, with so many connections between different devices, becomes a privileged ambient for games, especially casual games.

Casual games are everywhere: in the console, in the smartphone/tablet, inside Facebook and even in analogical card/board games.



To discuss some essential points about casual game design, we bring Jesper Juul into the discussion. In his awesome book Casual Revolution (2010), Juul points out (2013, p.50) that casual game design has five components:

1.Fiction: “The player is introduced to the game by way of a screenshot, a logo on a web page, or the physical game box”.

2.Usability: “The player tries to play the game, and may or may not have trouble understanding how to play”.

3.Interruptibility: “A game demands a certain time commitment from the player. It is not that casual games can only be played for short periods of time (…)”

4. Difficulty and punishment: “A game challenges and punishes the player for failing. Casual games often become very difficult during the playing of a game, but they do not force the player to replay large parts of the game.”

5. Juiciness: “Though this was not predicted by the description of casual players, casual game design commonly features excessive positive feedback for every successful action the player performs.”

All these topics help us think how to develop better games and – in some way – how to reinvent video games for a broader audience.

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Reference:

JUUL, Jesper. A casual revolution. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2010.

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Help! I Can't Keep My Dog Anymore!

By: Laurie Brzostowski

One of the hardest things that I read online is usually when someone leaves their dog behind when they move.  It is heartbreaking to think that these furry family members are left behind to die just because people were not aware of the things they can do to find their pets a new home.

If you happen to be someone who, for some reason, can no longer keep your dog there are steps you can take to make sure your dog has a place to go.

PLEASE do not just drop them off at a shelter or leave them behind to die somewhere alone.

Here some things to consider first:

• If you are considering surrendering your dog because of problem behavior:
• Is the dog spayed or neutered? This simple procedure can have a dramatic impact on some behaviors, and there are low-cost spay/neuter operations available.
• Consult with an animal behaviorist, dog trainer or obedience school. Many of these classes and consultations are very inexpensive and yet have amazing results.
• Read this and try to correct your difficult dog behavior and how to place a dog if you have no other options.
• Discuss the problem with your vet. Your vet may be able to suggest a training method or even a medication to eliminate the problem.
• Keep in mind that if you don't want to deal with the problem, a stranger won't want to deal with it either -- and might even become abusive to the dog. You might also be liable for undesirable and/or undisclosed behavior. In the end, if you don't solve the problem, the dog might be considered unacceptable and ultimately euthanized.

• If you are considering surrendering your dog for any other reason:
• Place an ad in the paper. Be responsible enough to have any dog spayed/neutered before he/she leaves your care. Even puppies at 8 wks can be spayed/neutered.
• Don't give a dog away for free. People collect free dogs and sell to research, dog fighting groups etc... Charging an adoption fee is like giving your dog an insurance policy.
• Do a home visit and a vet reference check to anyone who is considering adopting your family member.
• Post a flier with the dog's picture, height, weight, breed, personality traits, at your vet office / groomer, pet stores, grocery stores, coffee shops, work place etc.
• Utilize the internet such as Facebook and Twitter. 
• Network with family, co-workers and friend.
• Check internet sites for purebred rescue groups and low cost spay and neuter.
• Contact a dog rescue group for assistance and advise. There are breed specific rescues. Be aware that rescue groups get many calls every day of people wanting to surrender their dog who is like their "child" and must deal with good and bad reasons for surrendering of dogs...You must help yourself to help this dog. Rescues can only do so much. We are regular working people just like you, who do rescue because we love dogs. Rescue is a volunteer activity and rescue people commit countless hours and money helping homeless dogs. 
• Contact local shelters/humane societies about their owner surrender policies. Be aware that dogs over the age of 4 are generally euthanized automatically. Also know that the American Bulldog is generally considered a "pit type" breed and may not be put up for adoption. 
• Remember, if you must place your dog in another home, you are in a better position to do this than most rescue groups. Knowing the dog's temperament, you can screen potential families and identify the best match for your dog. And you can ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible, without any time spent in strange and traumatic circumstances.

Whatever you choose to do, PLEASE do not just drop your dog off somewhere or leave them behind to die.

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