Girl Gamer, Esq.

MegaUpload and MegaVideo Go Dark

Anne-Marie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:46:58 +0000

Yesterday the US Federal Government shut down the popular hosting service MegaUpload, and by extension, the video sharing website MegaVideo. Authorities allege that the proprietors made over $150 million through ad revenue and selling premium memberships, while depriving content owners of their share of the proceeds.

Were the majority of the files on MegaVideo illegally shared content? Possibly. Was it a fairly safe source for streaming content without requiring users to download additional plugins or fill out spam-creating surveys? Yes. Does the shuttering of this website mean the end of the sharing of unlicensed uploaded content? Of course not.

MegaUpload, by contrast, had far more legitimate users and uses, and the loss of the file sharing site is unfortunate, especially as this bust seems to signal that the US government is once again cracking down on alternative uses of technology that disadvantage outdated business models.

The Supreme Court recently upheld a decision stating that works may exit the public domain, being covered under Copyright laws once more. The outcry over the poorly written and overbroad legislation known as SOPA reflects just how far behind the times the US Legislature is at the moment.

This year may well be a banner year for arresting individuals and closing down hosting sites. After all, it’s not like that tactic has ever failed to make a difference before…

Battlestar Galactica – In a 4 Minute 8-Bit RPG

Anne-Marie — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:01:48 +0000

Retro Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Trailer

Anne-Marie — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:24:17 +0000

Sadly, my laptop does not have the power to run the game that came out last week, but I’d no doubt be able to get this tribute to play…if it actually existed.

Phoenix Wright – Objection!?

Anne-Marie — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:57:23 +0000

The Phoenix Wright series is an odd take on an “Attorney Video Game” but it is quite enjoyable once you get into it. The above video shows a clip from Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and in that fighting game, some of Phoenix’s moves include throwing the book at his opponent, an assistant coming out to do damage on his behalf, and the “Objection!” word balloon doing actual damage. Not sure I’d buy the game, but the video looks interesting enough to hang out somewhere else and watch it for a bit.

Class Video Project

Anne-Marie — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:19:59 +0000

Last year I graduated from an LL.M. program here in Seattle, where as part of one class we were asked to make a creative presentation from the point of view of someone affected by, but on the outskirts of, the Viacom v. Youtube litigation. I haven’t been able to source most of the clips used, but our video is online and can be found on YouTube.

Game of Thrones…the 8-Bit RPG?

Anne-Marie — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:23:12 +0000

Contains some Adult themes and major spoilers for the first book of the series/Season of the TV show.

Tim Schafer pitches “New Game Concept”

Anne-Marie — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:58:56 +0000

Of course, the amusing part isn’t the idea that the creator of the Monkey Island games and Psychonauts (to name at least two of my favorite games of all times) would have to pitch a new idea…but the reaction of the “producer” controlling the funding.

And it’s true! Zombies are so 2007…

Updated: Found another source of the video…I think. Live as of 4pm 8/5/11.

A Portal for Link?

Anne-Marie — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:00:38 +0000

I hesitate to make this blog focus mostly on examples of fan-based mash-ups of video games and other nerdly endeavors, but this concept combined two fan favorites into one adorable mash-up. What if there had been a Portal gun in Link to the Past?

Art for Two Hearts

Anne-Marie — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:00:26 +0000

And in yet another unlikely cross-over, we have today’s fan-art comparing the number of hearts the characters possess. (That’s the fez-less 11th Doctor with an eponymous and adorably drawn video game character.) Dig the teeny Tardis in the background.

2 hearts, is that all? by *pirpintine on deviant ART

Parody Video – Slytherin

Anne-Marie — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:43:14 +0000

Hey, so remember a while back there was a “Friday” parody called “Ravenclaw”? Well, the same people have created a new video called “We R Slytherin”. I may or may not have more of an affiliation with the House of Ravenclaw *cough*nerd*cough* but this song is still quite cute and bouncy. Enjoy!