Who do you think would win in a fight; a bear with sharks for arms or a shark with bears for arms?
A bear with sharks for arms. The bear could swim well enough to keep the sharks alive for the purposes of combat. A shark would spend its time underwater and drown the bear, making it a useless collection of godless parts.
Did you go through rigorous torture interviews before becoming a member of the team? Or was this more of a merger of talents (rather than them... acquiring you)?
I wonder if your content may be better off if posted on the frontpage on 'off' days. If there is already a comic and the newspost(s) on Mon-Wed-Fri, why not post your content Tue-Thu-Sat? Generate more pageviews on what I am assuming are the 'slower' days for the mainsite?
I'm really not sure what would work the best, but right now I think readers understand that if they show up on those days they're going to get a funny comic and some great writing. Expanding that to include news seems like the natural thing to do. It's possible in the future there will be content put up on other days as well.
Did you go through rigorous torture interviews before becoming a member of the team? Or was this more of a merger of talents (rather than them... acquiring you)?
I traveled to Seattle to meet with the team and talk about the things we could do together before I was hired, but it was nothing like the grueling process you've seen on PATV. I love Ars Technica, and I wasn't interesting in leaving unless I thought I could do something really special with Penny Arcade, I'm such a big fan that my main concern was messing it up. After a few hours it became clear that it was a good fit, so we moved forward with the plans to bring my onboard.
What will your presence be at PAX East? Considered doing a panel with Q&A about what sort of topics people want to see covered in this new endeavor? More importantly.... will you be in the autograph book Mike plans to create?
0
Donovan PuppyfuckerA dagger in the dark isworth a thousand swords in the morningRegistered Userregular
So happy for you Ben. I've been a big fan from Ars and looking forward to your work at PA. When I agree with your writing (Deus Ex, Binding of Isaac, et al) I find the warm glow of knowing I made a good choice, and when I disagree with you (Serious Sam, AvP, et al) I rail in my head against the inconsistencies in logic and failings of journalism (I come around pretty quickly though). Here's to what is sure to be a fantastic pairing of minds at PA. Cheers!
Ben, as a disabled gamer, I've always been a bit disappointed in the overall lack of...care? Inclusion? Consideration? Many game companies and publishers display towards disabled gamers. The lack of standard programmable controls, subtitles, color blind display options, and font/display size options all point me to the conclusion that publishers are either unaware of the issues facing disabled gamers, or that they just don't care*. While, on the one hand, the fact that these options exist is a step forward, they're often added as an afterthought, and haphazardly so.
Sites like ablegamers.com do a great job of advocating for the disabled gamer community at large. The problem is that these concerns are still largely out of the mainstream gamer space. Out of sight, out of mind.
To get to my question, do you think this is something that PA Investigations (or whatever what you'll be doing will be named) should cover, in general? Or, similarly, gender and/or age issues both within the industry and user spheres? I know you probed a bit deeper than other game journalists over at Ars, so I'm wondering if that will continue, and how far.
*Obviously, there need to be some limits. A gamer can't expect to rejigger the entire UI.
what should I name my soldiers in X-Com UFO Defense?
Name them after female cast members of SNL that didn't get much screen time. Then when they die, cluck your tongue about how sexist this world really is.
Where's home base for you? I imagine you are not relocating to Seattle and can write from where ever you live. I'm sad to admit that you (and Ars Technica) weren't really on my radar until now.
Edit: Welcome to PA btw
Drain on
"I don't know why people ever, ever try to stop nerds from doing things. It's really the most incredible waste of time." - Tycho
I've been a big fan of your work on Ars Technica. You haven't been afraid to confront issues in the gaming industry (e.g. Gran Turismo 5's horrid user experience). A couple questions:
1) Will we still get to see an occasional Nerf review?
2) Glad to hear you want to keep some indie games in the mix (I am a fellow lover of Adventures of Shuggy). How are you going to select what games (indie or otherwise) to cover? Is it based on personal interest? I am all for keeping coverage limited to legitimately interesting games (ex GIA staff, here).
3) Due to having played Dark Souls to completion beforehand, I couldn't bring myself to really enjoy Skyrim as it felt like a clunky 10 year old game in comparison. This isn't a question, I just had to throw it out there.
What will your presence be at PAX East? Considered doing a panel with Q&A about what sort of topics people want to see covered in this new endeavor? More importantly.... will you be in the autograph book Mike plans to create?
It's going to be a mixture of a few different things. I'll probably be moderating some of the panels, and I'll also be covering the show just as I would for any other outlet. If there's an autograph book, I would hope to be included, right under Princess Aurora.
Ben, as a disabled gamer, I've always been a bit disappointed in the overall lack of...care? Inclusion? Consideration? Many game companies and publishers display towards disabled gamers. The lack of standard programmable controls, subtitles, color blind display options, and font/display size options all point me to the conclusion that publishers are either unaware of the issues facing disabled gamers, or that they just don't care*. While, on the one hand, the fact that these options exist is a step forward, they're often added as an afterthought, and haphazardly so.
Sites like ablegamers.com do a great job of advocating for the disabled gamer community at large. The problem is that these concerns are still largely out of the mainstream gamer space. Out of sight, out of mind.
To get to my question, do you think this is something that PA Investigations (or whatever what you'll be doing will be named) should cover, in general? Or, similarly, gender and/or age issues both within the industry and user spheres? I know you probed a bit deeper than other game journalists over at Ars, so I'm wondering if that will continue, and how far.
*Obviously, there need to be some limits. A gamer can't expect to rejigger the entire UI.
This is a topic we'll be covering, although I can't say when or in what capacity. I do think gaming should be an inclusive things, and making gaming friendlier to people with disabilities is a huge part of that. It's a subject I've tackled in the past, and will continue to do so.
Here's a tough one Ben: I just registered on PA, having followed you from Ars. I suspect this will be the case for many.
I can also seen by Ken's response at Ars, that your departure is understood and you're not getting a lawsuit for twitter followers, like Noah Kravitz http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16338040.
But I wonder what's your take on the value of your online persona - after all it is thanks to the exposure that Ars gave you, that you have been able to build your fame and following, also they have been paying for for that and now with your departure, they're losing traffic, subscribers etc
A genuine, tough question - perhaps a parallel from Holywood would be welcome
Where's home base for you? I imagine you are not relocating to Seattle and can write from where ever you live. I'm sad to admit that you (and Ars Technica) weren't really on my radar until now.
Edit: Welcome to PA btw
Thanks for the welcome! I live in Cincinnati Ohio, and will continue to write from here for the next few years. I just travel extensively. I'm hopping on a plane to head to Seattle to do some PA work tomorrow, in fact.
I've been a big fan of your work on Ars Technica. You haven't been afraid to confront issues in the gaming industry (e.g. Gran Turismo 5's horrid user experience). A couple questions:
1) Will we still get to see an occasional Nerf review?
2) Glad to hear you want to keep some indie games in the mix (I am a fellow lover of Adventures of Shuggy). How are you going to select what games (indie or otherwise) to cover? Is it based on personal interest? I am all for keeping coverage limited to legitimately interesting games (ex GIA staff, here).
3) Due to having played Dark Souls to completion beforehand, I couldn't bring myself to really enjoy Skyrim as it felt like a clunky 10 year old game in comparison. This isn't a question, I just had to throw it out there.
1) There is no way in hell I would stop doing Nerf and toy reviews. I get to shoot at my children with guns I get for free and it works towards earning me a paycheck. That's shit you don't just walk away from.
2) Deciding what games to cover is tough, but it's usually just what games interest me, or seem to be doing something different, or have a unique story in them or behind them.
3) Old Republic has taken me completely away from Skyrim, so don't fee bad.
0
El SkidThe frozen white northRegistered Userregular
I'm not sure if this is me proposing an idea or just asking you a question but...
You're a writer who is now working for a very popular comic strip. Admittedly I don't know if you have any experience in writing for a comic, but have you ever dreamed of, thought about or expressed interest in writing a PA guest strip at some point in the future?
Here's a tough one Ben: I just registered on PA, having followed you from Ars. I suspect this will be the case for many.
I can also seen by Ken's response at Ars, that your departure is understood and you're not getting a lawsuit for twitter followers, like Noah Kravitz http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16338040.
But I wonder what's your take on the value of your online persona - after all it is thanks to the exposure that Ars gave you, that you have been able to build your fame and following, also they have been paying for for that and now with your departure, they're losing traffic, subscribers etc
A genuine, tough question - perhaps a parallel from Holywood would be welcome
I think I had a great relationship with Ars, and we both gave and took equal amounts, and it was incredibly important to me that I go someplace they respect and enjoy reading themselves. I don't expect them to lose traffic of subscribers, because Kyle Orland is a wonderful writer who is going to do a great job. Gaming will continue to be a huge part of Ars, but it will also change with someone else steering the ship. It's a healthy shakeup for both of us.
In the time since Diablo 3 has been officially announced, I've gotten engaged, married, and now have a kid coming in about six weeks, probably minimizing my ability to play the game at all.
Can you find out who I need to sleep with at Blizzard so that they can put out a largely iterative game in under ten years?
I'm not sure if this is me proposing an idea or just asking you a question but...
You're a writer who is now working for a very popular comic strip. Admittedly I don't know if you have any experience in writing for a comic, but have you ever dreamed of, thought about or expressed interest in writing a PA guest strip at some point in the future?
No, that's not really my thing, and Mike and Jerry do it so well it would be silly for me to jump in. My job is to expand the site's reach with coverage of games and the industry, not to really interact with the strip. Besides, I love the comic, and I enjoy being surprised three times a week just as much as you guys do. I'd rather still be a fan and stick to what I do best.
In the time since Diablo 3 has been officially announced, I've gotten engaged, married, and now have a kid coming in about six weeks, probably minimizing my ability to play the game at all.
Can you find out who I need to sleep with at Blizzard so that they can put out a largely iterative game in under ten years?
Maybe just show up and start throwing the team some handies. Couldn't hurt!
If I'm not exactly a videogame news/opinions junkie and haven't really read your stuff, what articles of yours would you link me to so I could get a taste of Ben Kuchera's heart/soul/squishy innards?
TychoCelchuuu on
0
Jamison TrumpetsBrappin it up'On the Barry Gib Talk ShowRegistered Usernew member
Congrats Ben.
My question is regarding games now and what they have become. What do you think is really missing from most games nowadays that causes them to be incredibly unmemorable.
If I'm not exactly a videogame news/opinions junkie and haven't really read your stuff, what articles of yours would you link me to so I could get a taste of Ben Kuchera's heart/soul/squishy innards?
I didn't write all the stories in that list, but I did edit them and put them together with the writers, and it shows the kind of thing I like doing. I hope that helps!
My question is regarding games now and what they have become. What do you think is really missing from most games nowadays that causes them to be incredibly unmemorable.
Human stories, full stop. The games that we remember are the ones with great characters, stories, or dialog.
0
Vargas PrimeKing of NothingJust a ShowRegistered Userregular
Ben!
I saw through your Twitter that Ian Bogost called the people at PA "manchild idiots," and that working with them was a waste of your talents.
Posts
Yes, I'll be traveling extensively. I'm a big fan of getting out there and getting your hands dirty.
Have you played Deadly Premonition and did you like it?
Congrats ben and welcome!
A bear with sharks for arms. The bear could swim well enough to keep the sharks alive for the purposes of combat. A shark would spend its time underwater and drown the bear, making it a useless collection of godless parts.
Did you go through rigorous torture interviews before becoming a member of the team? Or was this more of a merger of talents (rather than them... acquiring you)?
I'm really not sure what would work the best, but right now I think readers understand that if they show up on those days they're going to get a funny comic and some great writing. Expanding that to include news seems like the natural thing to do. It's possible in the future there will be content put up on other days as well.
I traveled to Seattle to meet with the team and talk about the things we could do together before I was hired, but it was nothing like the grueling process you've seen on PATV. I love Ars Technica, and I wasn't interesting in leaving unless I thought I could do something really special with Penny Arcade, I'm such a big fan that my main concern was messing it up. After a few hours it became clear that it was a good fit, so we moved forward with the plans to bring my onboard.
want Dropbox? use my referral! | steam
just how much do you love hitman 2?
Big dreamcast fan? Were gonna get along juuust fine.
Bother EVERYONE for a new Cannon Spike, Power Stone and see what you can do about another Blue Stinger.
Again, welcome!
What will your presence be at PAX East? Considered doing a panel with Q&A about what sort of topics people want to see covered in this new endeavor? More importantly.... will you be in the autograph book Mike plans to create?
I ask you to disregard this Mr Kuchera.
Please utilise whatever industry influence you may have into expediting the release of Resident Evil 6.
Thank you for your time, and your good graces.
Seabiscuit. Duh.
what should I name my soldiers in X-Com UFO Defense?
I've actually been slowly working up a tolerance, so I'll be just fine.
Sites like ablegamers.com do a great job of advocating for the disabled gamer community at large. The problem is that these concerns are still largely out of the mainstream gamer space. Out of sight, out of mind.
To get to my question, do you think this is something that PA Investigations (or whatever what you'll be doing will be named) should cover, in general? Or, similarly, gender and/or age issues both within the industry and user spheres? I know you probed a bit deeper than other game journalists over at Ars, so I'm wondering if that will continue, and how far.
*Obviously, there need to be some limits. A gamer can't expect to rejigger the entire UI.
Name them after female cast members of SNL that didn't get much screen time. Then when they die, cluck your tongue about how sexist this world really is.
Edit: Welcome to PA btw
"I don't know why people ever, ever try to stop nerds from doing things. It's really the most incredible waste of time." - Tycho
I've been a big fan of your work on Ars Technica. You haven't been afraid to confront issues in the gaming industry (e.g. Gran Turismo 5's horrid user experience). A couple questions:
1) Will we still get to see an occasional Nerf review?
2) Glad to hear you want to keep some indie games in the mix (I am a fellow lover of Adventures of Shuggy). How are you going to select what games (indie or otherwise) to cover? Is it based on personal interest? I am all for keeping coverage limited to legitimately interesting games (ex GIA staff, here).
3) Due to having played Dark Souls to completion beforehand, I couldn't bring myself to really enjoy Skyrim as it felt like a clunky 10 year old game in comparison. This isn't a question, I just had to throw it out there.
It's going to be a mixture of a few different things. I'll probably be moderating some of the panels, and I'll also be covering the show just as I would for any other outlet. If there's an autograph book, I would hope to be included, right under Princess Aurora.
This is a topic we'll be covering, although I can't say when or in what capacity. I do think gaming should be an inclusive things, and making gaming friendlier to people with disabilities is a huge part of that. It's a subject I've tackled in the past, and will continue to do so.
I can also seen by Ken's response at Ars, that your departure is understood and you're not getting a lawsuit for twitter followers, like Noah Kravitz http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16338040.
But I wonder what's your take on the value of your online persona - after all it is thanks to the exposure that Ars gave you, that you have been able to build your fame and following, also they have been paying for for that and now with your departure, they're losing traffic, subscribers etc
A genuine, tough question - perhaps a parallel from Holywood would be welcome
Thanks for the welcome! I live in Cincinnati Ohio, and will continue to write from here for the next few years. I just travel extensively. I'm hopping on a plane to head to Seattle to do some PA work tomorrow, in fact.
1) There is no way in hell I would stop doing Nerf and toy reviews. I get to shoot at my children with guns I get for free and it works towards earning me a paycheck. That's shit you don't just walk away from.
2) Deciding what games to cover is tough, but it's usually just what games interest me, or seem to be doing something different, or have a unique story in them or behind them.
3) Old Republic has taken me completely away from Skyrim, so don't fee bad.
You're a writer who is now working for a very popular comic strip. Admittedly I don't know if you have any experience in writing for a comic, but have you ever dreamed of, thought about or expressed interest in writing a PA guest strip at some point in the future?
I think I had a great relationship with Ars, and we both gave and took equal amounts, and it was incredibly important to me that I go someplace they respect and enjoy reading themselves. I don't expect them to lose traffic of subscribers, because Kyle Orland is a wonderful writer who is going to do a great job. Gaming will continue to be a huge part of Ars, but it will also change with someone else steering the ship. It's a healthy shakeup for both of us.
In the time since Diablo 3 has been officially announced, I've gotten engaged, married, and now have a kid coming in about six weeks, probably minimizing my ability to play the game at all.
Can you find out who I need to sleep with at Blizzard so that they can put out a largely iterative game in under ten years?
No, that's not really my thing, and Mike and Jerry do it so well it would be silly for me to jump in. My job is to expand the site's reach with coverage of games and the industry, not to really interact with the strip. Besides, I love the comic, and I enjoy being surprised three times a week just as much as you guys do. I'd rather still be a fan and stick to what I do best.
Maybe just show up and start throwing the team some handies. Couldn't hurt!
My question is regarding games now and what they have become. What do you think is really missing from most games nowadays that causes them to be incredibly unmemorable.
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/12/our-favorite-gaming-stories-of-2011.ars
I didn't write all the stories in that list, but I did edit them and put them together with the writers, and it shows the kind of thing I like doing. I hope that helps!
Human stories, full stop. The games that we remember are the ones with great characters, stories, or dialog.
I saw through your Twitter that Ian Bogost called the people at PA "manchild idiots," and that working with them was a waste of your talents.
Can you tell him to fuck right off?
sketchyblargh / Steam! / Tumblr Prime