As I’ve been away for much of the past week, I’m not sure how much attention these two videos have received, but I want to call them out in the event people haven’t seen them.
Spore “Leipzig” Trailer (Link) – I preferred the simpler look from earlier videos, but the creation tools still amaze me. Looking forward to any news regarding a fab-on-demand store so people can 3D print their critters.
Croquet Demo – New (Link) – this is a nice video showcasing the open source Croquet system, and of course, the 3D creation tools are of interest to me. Also, the 3D hyperlinks seem to be much smoother now (could just be the result of using more capable computers than what I’d previously seen).
By the way, via The Weekly Squeak comes word of an open source book, “Squeak by Example” (Link), that should be available soon. Great news for us newbs.
I dont play too many computer games, mostly i’m on the Wii and DS, but Spore will be something I am looking forward to.
Simply it is a game that is strategically different from the rest. I was getting tired of how many versions of RTS or FPS can companies create.
Have to confess it’s the modeling portion and the reports of a fab-on-demand store that has me excited. There’s an advertising angle to this as well, which I shared with someone earlier this year, but I don’t want to post about it in public.
I’m very curious to see how the toy industry reacts if the fab-on-demand thing turns out to be a hit.
Hahah, currently its so amazingly competitive and they are one of the fore runners of crowd sourcing.
I believe fab-on-demand will kill it, but the problem as always is can the technology keep up?
I’ve not given it much thought, but I suppose the toy industry will probably follow the general prediction I made years ago regarding how the design profession will split between mass and niche. Toys may be the first to experience that development.
And the Webkinz stuff points to the kinds of true reverse product placement business models that help level the playing field for independents. It’s certainly the avenue I intend to explore.