Internet – Brian Selzer

Instafilms.com – Menlo Park

Posted on January 18, 2009April 28, 2009 by Brian

We continue to build out Instafilms.com for a Q1 ’09 release. While most of the site focuses on video game related content, we are launching new and original shows as well. Here is a sneak-peak at one of the new characters and environments for a show we call “Menlo Park.” I wrote this very quickly as a test to see if the new assets are working properly, and also because I am bummed I can’t buy peanunt butter right now due to a selmenella scare.

Instafilms.com – Machinima for the Masses

Posted on December 6, 2008May 15, 2009 by Brian

My latest project is in rapid development right now, and I am truly excited about this one!

The site is called InstaFilms, and allows you to make a high-end CG (3D) animated show instantly! The tools are really easy to use, the technology utilizes “text to speach” so you simply type in what you want the characters to say, and they speak them right away. Choosing camera angles, sets, characters, animations could not be easier.

We will be importing high-end video game characters, sets and other assets. If you are familiar with the quality level of these assets, you start to get an idea of what these movies will look like. Now, anybody can be making their own Pixar-like shows.

Please sign-up to be notified of our Private Beta Launch in January 2009. We will be rolling this out to the public during Q2 2009.

Mashade.com Launches

Posted on June 25, 2008May 31, 2009 by Brian

I get to add another website to my ever-growing list of creations now. This one is particularly fun and a reflection of current trends in online entertainment… User-Generated Content.

When looking at the online video game trailer landscape online, it became clear there was opportunity here to do more.

Mashade.com allows users to editing video game trailers and in-game footage. You can not only watch all the latest video game trailers, but now you can “mash them up” to make them your very own. We have added in all sorts of fun audio clips, music and graphics which you can add into your video to truly personalize it.

Blockade partnered up with GorillaSpot on this site, and we think it will grow to become quite popular amoung gamers and those who just want to make fun viral videos with some really compelling content.

Check it out, make your own mashup, and let me know what you think.

Serious Gaming

Posted on July 6, 2007May 28, 2009 by Brian

Recently, there has been a lot of attention focused on the notion of “Serious Games.” I could not be more pleased, as this is an area of great interest to me, and one I intend to explore much more of in the coming years.

I am excited at the notion that gaming can have a powerful impact on society, by tapping into social networking, educating players to important issue, and perhaps motivating them to take action in the real world. This idea has been gaining in popularity, but I think the break-out game is nowhere in sight! The game that will truly change the world for the better on a global scale! It’s possible!

A bit of background…

My experience with Superdudes has had a lasting impact on me. Back in 2002, I had the privilege of collaborating with some amazing people who took their role as “real-life-superheroes” to heart. Together we created a social network gaming portal, which had a higher-purpose — to change the world!
Superdudes had modest success, with over 1 million sign-ups in just under two years. The site was acquired by Intermix Networks and than later by Fox Interactive as part of the MySpace deal. Today, the site is still active with loyal members despite no updates to it since 2005. The magic that site produced is undeniable, and will live on in one form or another.

Fast forward to today…

The Serious Games Initiative is focused on uses for games in exploring management and leadership challenges facing the public sector. Part of its overall charter is to help forge productive links between the electronic game industry and projects involving the use of games in education, training, health, and public policy. This is a good thing!

There are also companies like Persuasive Games who are focused on games for persuasion, instruction, and activism. The hope to influence players to “…take action through gameplay” and understand that “games communicate differently than other media; they not only deliver messages, but also simulate experiences. While often thought to be just a leisure activity, games can also become rhetorical tools.”

Games like World Without Oil and Darfur is Dying are early success stories on what is certain to become a growing trend in Social Activist Gaming.

I’ll be tracking and repoting on these types of projects in the future.

It’s time to get serious about having fun!