Modern videogames

In considering how the computer games that my children play differ from those I once played, two time-related points come to my mind. Not only do their games tend to be difficult to pause at arbitrary moments but, partly through being online, there are various login bonuses, temporary events and other such offerings that mean one loses out by taking time out. Back when I played nothing of games' design encouraged me to play when I might not have otherwise but many modern ones seem intended to be both hard to put down and hard to leave alone.

Warm and sunny

This weekend we have had beautifully warm, sunny weather. It reminded me that one of the reasons why I want to return to (a suitable region of) the US is the weather (and the porches and wire mesh screens). Unfortunately I had to avoid the yardwork I would have done because I am trying to allow my shoulder more time to heal so this has been a lazy time for me.

Yesterday afternoon I spent some time around my workplace. DeeCon was happening on campus: anime, comics, gaming, and cosplay. It was fun to sit and walk around campus a little and see what I could from outdoors. In terms of cosplay the unusually warm weather far better suited the scantily clad than those in full-head-and-body mock-armored suits such as a rather hot-looking Darth Vader. Perhaps some of the indoor spaces were air-conditioned.

Update: Today it reached 72°F.