PlayFirst Grapevine
Winning for the Write Stuff
2008
by sillypsyche
JUL
30
I just got back from a fabulous trip up to Seattle where I manned the PlayFirst booth at a casual game developer conference called Casual Connect. Our booth featured two enormous, seven foot tall cut outs of Flo and Quinn as well as images of some our most iconic games, including Chocolatier®, Dream Chronicles® and The Nightshift Code®. We also rewarded all of the tired convention visitors with decadent chocolate truffles (a la' Chocolatier) and amazing chair massages. Everywhere I went, people were talking about how much fun it was visiting the PlayFirst booth.
The second night of the convention featured Gamezebo's Zeebys awards. It was a great night for PlayFirst! We brought home three major awards. Our winning games were:
- Diner Dash: Hometown Hero – Best Time Management Game of 2007
- Dream Chronicles – Best Hidden Object & Adventure Game of 2007
- Chocolatier – Best Strategy Game of 2007
Throughout the evening, music from each of the games that was nominated for the Best Sound award was performed live. Above the band they projected scenes from the games that went along with the music that we were listening to. The first music performed was from Dream Chronicles. Often when I'm playing games I have the sound off and don't really get to appreciate how much artistry goes into creating the sound track for each of our titles. Watching the violin bows dance back and forth across taut strings while images of the Dream Realm were displayed overhead really put into perspective how intricate the music from our games actually is. From now on I'm playing with the speakers blaring!
It really meant a lot to all of us that these rewards represented the people's choice. We've always believed in the power of strong narrative and engaging story-telling as driving forces behind compelling gameplay and were thrilled to have confirmation that it means a lot to all of you, as well.
Although it was an exciting trip, I'm happy to be back in San Francisco. I missed Cody & the playful people back here at the office. Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to have such a cool office culture.
Player of the Month: EuroDC
2008
by applesun
JUL
22
Our Player of the Month is a college student working toward his A levels and ready to wind down and dive into the summer holidays: EuroDC! He admits he’s a “little mad” – not angry, mind you, but eccentric in that delightfully European way. He has run through large fountains in the rain and donned a ‘free hugs’ sign (and really, who hasn’t?), both on impulse and in the service of fun. EuroDC admits that he finds face-to-face contact challenging and took an eventual diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome in stride. He tells us that since the diagnosis he feels more widely accepted, but confides that chatting online and in forums are important and comfortable modes of communication for him, a fact to which those who regularly visit the PlayFirst Lounge can readily attest! Find out more about our friend from across the pond in our Player of the Month interview!
How long have you been a gamer? How were you introduced to video games and what was the first game you remember playing?
I was introduced to games originally back when I was very, very young, when I was given a second hand Sega by one of my cousins. It had only one game cartridge with it and in-built game-Alex Kidd in Miracle World. I really enjoyed playing on Alex Kidd and was hooked on it for ages, until I got a computer and a PlayStation. After that I went off Alex Kidd and got hooked on other games such as Rayman for PS1, which I still play from time to time now.
How often do you play games?
I play games as often as I can. It used to be every day but now it only tends to be a couple of times per week when I have the time to really get sucked into them, since most of the time I’m bogged down with homework. Still, whenever I get chance, I get on the computer and have a play, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Aside from playing games, what are some other ways you like to relax and unwind?
When I’m not playing games and not busy, you can normally find me up in my retreat (some would call it a bedroom, but retreat definitely describes it better for me). I just feel so at home up there because I know it has everything in it that is mine and about me, and it provides me with a place to call my own where I can just go and escape everywhere else. Other than that I like to design things in my spare time. I don't really know why I do, nor how I got into it, but I like to just doodle and design things to solve problems that in reality don't even need solving. Just one of my weird habits, I guess.
What games are you currently playing?
At the minute I’m still playing Diner Dash: Hometown Hero, mostly because I never had time to finish it because all of my college work is taking up most of my time. I'm also playing Rollercoaster tycoon (still!). I completed it ages ago but still always go back to it when I have the chance. Other than that I have also been playing some online games like the impossible quiz, and the impossible quiz 2, I have completed the first but still not finished the second one.
What is your favorite game of all time?
I've said it so many times before and no doubt I’ll still be saying the same when I’m an OAP: the best game of all time has got to be Rollercoaster Tycoon. When a game can keep you entertained for over 7 years it has to be good! I doubt I’ll ever get bored of it. It's just a shame that Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 had to kill the series though.
Anything else?
I don't really know what else there is to say but thanks, I'm really surprised to have been chosen as Player of the Month. I guess all I can really think of is to thank everyone, so 'Thanks Everyone!!! You're all great, but then, you all knew that already anyway' :D
A New PlayFirst.com For *You*!
2008
by darrolio
JUL
9
We’re always working hard at PlayFirst to give you the best gaming experience we can imagine (and we have pretty vivid imaginations)! That’s why we’re giving you a preview of our new site. Check out: http://www.playfirst.com/beta/ to see what we’ve been up to…in addition to making great games.
So what’s new about PlayFirst.com? Here are a few highlights to look for:
Give and ye shall receive…
For a while now, we’ve noticed that people become desperate for help whenever they get stuck in any of our games. Maybe not you since you’re an expert…but we notice lots of fans asking for advice in our forums, other community sites, and even in the comments sections of game review blogs. When we asked what you wanted most in a new site, it was a way to get help on any casual game. That’s why we made PlayFirst Tips™. Its like calling a friend to say: “help me, I’m stuck!” Someone from the community will give you the tip you need to get to the next level. Why? Online karma—to get help, you have to give it, too. PlayPoints will help you keep track. You get rewarded for answering – and you get even more if you give the best answer. Stuck right now? Don’t worry, you get 100 points to start, so get in there and ask for help!
The site is the community…
In our current site, the “community” is behind a little button on the top of the page. But we know you’re much more than that! We want to make the whole site about all of you. Sign in and you’ll see your profile and avatar right on the playfirst.com home page. Plus Tips from the community are there as well. On our game pages, you’ll get game-specific tips and reviews from your friends right there – just click on the tabs to see. Finally, to learn more about your fellow members, we’ve made the new profile page fun and easy to use.
You’re first at PlayFirst…
As our CEO said a few blog posts ago, *you* are a critical part of the PlayFirst story. We always want to know what you think and we strive to make our products better with your suggestions. You can send feedback on our new site by filling out this brief survey. For those of you who got a sneak peek last week, thank you for all your input (and you’ll notice that we are already listening – check out that blue background!). We’ll keep evolving the new site over the near future, so keep it coming! We’ll be listening.
Enjoy!
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PlayFirst is the creator of Diner Dash, Chocolatier, Dream Chronicles and other award-winning casual games.
