#Ken Birdwell

[mvfm-25]

" Cabal \ka-'bal\: To unite in a small party; to promote private views and interests by intrigue; to intrigue; to plot... "

Game Developer Magazine - December, 1999

[mfthree]

Blog 1 – Balancing Narrative and Gameplay 

Video games must carefully balance narrative storytelling with gameplay to deliver the best experience. In this blog, we’ll explore several recent games and the techniques they employ to present compelling narratives without sacrificing gameplay enjoyment. 

“The first lesson for any game designer is to get the player to stop and look at something you want them to see, and the second is to repeat that first lesson throughout the entire game" (Valve, 2023). These words from Ken Birdwell, gameplay designer at Valve and contributor to Half-Life, highlight the ongoing challenge of engaging players with the game’s lore and narrative while offering them the freedom to explore and enjoy diverse gameplay mechanics. Hence, the task is twofold: creating an environment rich with storytelling while encouraging players to slow down and engage with the narrative amidst the lure of the game’s mechanics. 

To address this challenge, game studios employ a variety of methods—ranging from cutscenes that require players to watch non-interactive story segments, to granting players nearly complete autonomy with minimal narrative guidance. While some players might prefer one approach over another, ultimately, the balance of story and gameplay remains a subjective choice. Many studios have demonstrated that different approaches can successfully integrate storytelling and gameplay. 

One of the most iconic methods used to balance narrative and gameplay is the narrative cutscene. The term 'cutscene' was coined in 1987 by Ron Gilbert when he introduced fully animated story sequences in Maniac Mansion. During a presentation in Germany, Gilbert explained that he chose the term 'cutscenes' because these moments “cut away” from gameplay to focus entirely on storytelling (Elumski, 2012). Games like the Metal Gear Solid and Yakuza series embody this approach, believing that true narrative impact is difficult to achieve if players retain full control, as unrestricted play creates too many possibilities that may dilute the crafted storyline. These games will usually allow their players freedom to explore their virtual worlds in order to enjoy their entertaining gameplay but, eventually, will revert this freedom back when it is time to deliver the narrative.  As Jesper Juul (2001) describes, even if players act out every scene of Shakespeare's Hamlet, they still wouldn��t experience the precise narrative Shakespeare intended, as they would if they simply watched the play unfold. 

But recently, new creators and studios have begun to challenge this traditional approach by crafting vast worlds filled with complex gameplay mechanics that require time and skill to master—while offering little explicit information about the game’s lore or narrative. Games like Elden Ring and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild exemplify this approach, using only sparse cutscenes or abstract textual cues to hint at the storyline. Despite the unconventional approach to balancing narrative and gameplay, these games employ a concept known as goal-oriented narrative storytelling, where story elements are revealed only after players overcome difficult challenges. They leverage the idea that 'player interactivity is a key dimension of computer game narrative' (Qin, Rau & Salvendy, 2009). By presenting the narrative as a reward for engaging with gameplay mechanics, these games encourage players to actively seek out story elements through their actions. 

While many games succeed in balancing gameplay and narrative, some narrative experts argue that 'interactive storytelling' is inherently contradictory. They reason that a cohesive narrative requires a certain level of uninterrupted focus, whereas video games frequently introduce distractions through gameplay mechanics. For players to truly understand a game’s narrative, they must not only follow the immediate storyline but also grasp the broader world, including its lore and the character's role within it. Games like Heavy Rain and the Dark Souls series have been criticized for disrupting key narrative moments with elements like quick-time events or enemies that attack players during pivotal scenes. These interruptions can momentarily pull players out of the story, diverting their attention and ultimately detracting from the narrative, which in turn can impact the overall experience. 

Yet, despite these potential pitfalls, many games have successfully struck a balance between engaging gameplay and complex storytelling. By employing concepts of embedded and emergent storytelling, games enable players to discover narrative elements within the game world while also crafting their own unique stories through gameplay. This approach brings a certain realism to video games, mirroring how stories in our daily lives are often products of our actions and experiences rather than a predefined narrative. This realism, in turn, deepens immersion, which remains a key aspiration for game developers seeking to create truly impactful gaming experiences. 

Sources 

Elumski (2012). Ron Gilbert - Maniac Mansion postmortem. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNpjGvJwyL8 [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024]. 

Juul, J. (2001). Games Studies 0101: Games telling Stories? by Jesper Juul. [online] www.gamestudies.org. Available at: https://www.gamestudies.org/0101/juul-gts/. 

Qin, H., Rau, P., Salvendy, G. (2009) Measuring Player Immersion in the Computer Game Narrative. In: Entertainment Computing [online] https://www.researchgate.net Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220302079_Measuring_Player_Immersion_in_the_Computer_Game_Narrative. 

Valve (2023). Half-Life: 25th Anniversary Documentary. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbZ3HzvFEto&t=3124s [Accessed 11 Oct. 2024]. 

[thethinkingman]

From Charlie Kirk

The Ken Paxton sham impeachment verdict is expected to come back between today and Saturday. The Texas AG needs 10 state senators to vote to acquit. I've been told by insiders the following senators' votes are unknown at this time. If you're a Texas resident, kindly, respectfully contact these elected representatives offices and tell them you support the attorney general, a man who was overwhelmingly re-elected by double digits by over 4 million Texans, even after every allegation against him was made public:

1. Bryan Hughes

(512) 463-0101

2. Mayes Middleton

(512) 463-0111

3. Drew Springer

(512) 463-0130

4. Phil King

(512) 463-0110

5. Charles Perry

(512) 463-0128

6. Brian Birdwell

(512) 463-0122

7. Pete Flores

(512) 463-0124

8. Kevin Sparks

(512) 463-0131

9. Charles Schwertner

(512) 463-0105

10. Kelly Hancock

(512) 463-0109

Repeat, be respectful. These are potentially the AG's greatest allies for acquittal.

[lambdageneration]

In celebration of Half-Life turning 19 today, here’s a few photos of the original Half-Life dev team working hard and having fun at the old Valve office.

Crazy to think this was 19 years ago!

From top to bottom: Gabe Newell, John Guthrie, Chuck Jones, Mike Harrington/Gabe Newell, Ken Birdwell, Half-Life Dev Team Group Photo

[cytharatunes]

13 Republican state senators co-authored this bill, which was submitted 3/11/21. For context, there are only 31 senators in the Texas Senate, 18 Republicans and 13 Democrats.

Those 13 are: Charles Perry (lead author), Paul Bettencourt, Brian Birdwell, Dawn Buckingham, Donna Campbell, Brandon Creighton, Bob Hall, Kelly Hancock, Bob Hughes, Angela Paxton (wife of attorney general Ken Paxton), Charles Schwertner, Drew Springer, and Larry Taylor.

For the senate directory that gives information about each senator, the areas they represent, as well as their office addresses and phone numbers, look here.

For current information on the bill as it progresses, look here.

Texas Republicans are now trying to pass Bill SB1646, which would remove transgender minors from parents who affirm their gender and support them getting proper transition care.

I repeat, they are trying to criminalize parents supporting their trans children and make it legally child abuse, and a removable offense

Source: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/html/SB01646I.htm

[tonin-terets]

SUBSTANCE from Jamaal Bradley on Vimeo.

Follow Us here: substanceshortfilm.com facebook.com/substancefilm/ twitter.com/JamaalBradley

Based on True Events; Two brothers battle over the future of the family, but it will be a young girl who changes her fathers SUBSTANCE and the fate of generations.

Written & Directed by •Jamaal Bradley

Co-Writer and Lead Story Artist •Michael Yates

Executive Producers •Ken Birdwell & Bruce W. Smith

Producer •Jamaal Bradley

Associate Producers •Amid Amidi & Nicole Weinstein

Musical Composition •Stephen "Bud'da" Anderson

Vocal Composition •Adolphus "Scottie" Scott III •Avery Sunshine •Dana "Big Dane" Johnson

Surfacing Supervisor •Nikie Monteleone

CFX Supervisor •Eric Warren

Modeling Supervisor •Mridul Sen

Rigging Lead •Dilip Lawani

Lighting Supervisor •John Huikku

Lighting Production •GIXEL

[thatorigamiguy]

Oh boy, love music stuff! I'll post some of my recent favorites from the past few months.

1. Sing into my Mouth - Iron and Wine and Ben Birdwell

2. Duvet - Bôa

3. Oh Sister - Neutral Milk Hotel

4. Space Asshole - Chris Remo

5. Adam Warski - Ken Ashcorp

@noneatnonedotcom @tanakavox I would tag more but most of the usual suspects have already been tagged.

🎶✨️when u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favourite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool)🎶✨️

Oh boy oh jeeze

1. Let the rainbow remind you - mlp

2. Monster - skillet

3. 20 million trees - black gryphon

4. 1,2,3,4 - Alan doyle

5. Tír na nÓg - Celtic woman

@pilot-boi @remy-steel-official @queen-sloth @trislosher-main @pottermusprime @albion-93 @i-like-the-stars @kirbeejack @dicknouget @howlingday

There we go 10 lol love you all!!!

[albino-sun]

SUBSTANCE from Jamaal Bradley on Vimeo.

Follow Us here: substanceshortfilm.com facebook.com/substancefilm/ twitter.com/JamaalBradley

Based on True Events; Two brothers battle over the future of the family, but it will be a young girl who changes her fathers SUBSTANCE and the fate of generations.

Written & Directed by •Jamaal Bradley

Co-Writer and Lead Story Artist •Michael Yates

Executive Producers •Ken Birdwell & Bruce W. Smith

Producer •Jamaal Bradley

Associate Producers •Amid Amidi & Nicole Weinstein

Musical Composition •Stephen "Bud'da" Anderson

Vocal Composition •Adolphus "Scottie" Scott III •Avery Sunshine •Dana "Big Dane" Johnson

Surfacing Supervisor •Nikie Monteleone

CFX Supervisor •Eric Warren

Modeling Supervisor •Mridul Sen

Rigging Lead •Dilip Lawani

Lighting Supervisor •John Huikku

Lighting Production •GIXEL

[irfan-things]

SUBSTANCE from Jamaal Bradley on Vimeo.

Follow Us here: substanceshortfilm.com facebook.com/substancefilm/ twitter.com/JamaalBradley

Based on True Events; Two brothers battle over the future of the family, but it will be a young girl who changes her fathers SUBSTANCE and the fate of generations.

Written & Directed by •Jamaal Bradley

Co-Writer and Lead Story Artist •Michael Yates

Executive Producers •Ken Birdwell & Bruce W. Smith

Producer •Jamaal Bradley

Associate Producers •Amid Amidi & Nicole Weinstein

Musical Composition •Stephen "Bud'da" Anderson

Vocal Composition •Adolphus "Scottie" Scott III •Avery Sunshine •Dana "Big Dane" Johnson

Surfacing Supervisor •Nikie Monteleone

CFX Supervisor •Eric Warren

Modeling Supervisor •Mridul Sen

Rigging Lead •Dilip Lawani

Lighting Supervisor •John Huikku

Lighting Production •GIXEL

[realjamespat]

  Oakland Defensive Backs Nemiah Wilson, Willie Brown, Dave Grayson & George Atkinson

The Oakland Raiders lost another link to their storied past when AFL historian Todd Tobias announced on Twitter that Raider great defensive back Dave Grayson had passed away at the age of 78.  No cause of death was given at this time.

Dave played for Oakland between 1965-1970.  He played for the Dallas Texans/Chiefs before that, and was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.  Grayson was an undrafted free agent out of the University of Oregon.

Al Davis Traded for CB Dave Grayson in 1965 (he traded him for future actor Fred “The Hammer” Williamson) from the Chiefs and then for Willie Brown from Denver in 1967.  This allowed the Raiders to play the physical bump and run style that has been a trademark of the team for years.

When NFL and former Cowboys personnel guru Gil Brandt was asked who were the 4 best cornerbacks in Dallas history his first 3 were not a shock.  Mel Renfro, Herb Adderly & Deion Sanders.  “I also include Dave Grayson.  He was drafted by us but didn’t play with the Cowboys but he’s so good I’m including him.”

Dave Grayson went undrafted because at 5’ 10” and 185 pounds, he was dubbed too small by many NFL experts including Cowboys coach Tom Landry.  Gil Brandt liked him a lot and told the upstart AFL team the Dallas Texans (eventually the Kansas City Chiefs) to give him a shot.  Grayson was a key cog in the KC return game and at defensive back.  Grayson was fast and a ball hawk, something Hank Stram loved.

Dave Grayson hamming it up with AFL All Stars Jim Tyrer, Earl Faison, Bud McFadin & Future Iconic Pro Wrestler Ernie “The Big Cat” Ladd

Grayson held the AFL record for the longest interception return for a touchdown at 99 yards against the New York Titans in 1961.  Dave made many other key plays for the Chiefs including his famous interception off of Houston QB George Blanda in the Texans epic double overtime win in the 1962 AFL Championship game.

For the Raiders he was a great player both in the regular season and in the post season.  He ended up with 48 total interceptions with an amazing 933 return yards after his interceptions.  His best year was in 1968 where he had 10 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery.  He was also a quality top 10 kick return man as well.

Other career highlights:

-48 career interceptions with an amazing 19.4 yard return average

-25.4 kick off return average

-6 time AFL all-star

-4 time First team All Pro

-2 time AFL Champion

-Voted on the AFL all time team

-Career interception leader in the AFL

The Greatest Defense Nobody Knows About:

Dave was a part of the amazing Oakland defense called the 11 angry men.  This defense is one of the greatest of all time that never gets their due.

In the amazing 1967 season, the Raiders had an astounding 67 sacks & 30 interceptions.  Teams averaged 3 turnovers a game against the Raiders.  This was also only in a 14 game season.  The record for sacks is held by the 1984 Chicago Bears at 72, and with almost a 5 sacks per game average, it’s pretty safe to say that the Raiders would have eclipsed that record fairly easily.

Houston trying to come back from 3 touchdowns behind against the Oakland Raiders “11 Angry Men” in the 1967 AFL Championship Game

Even with only 14 games, the Raiders STILL hold the record for causing the most yards lost while an opponent passes.  This record is now 50 years old.

  Another record that stands is that the Raiders lead the league in sacks for 3 straight years.  Another 5 decade old record.  Oakland also have the all time record for leading the league in sacks at 5.  That’s how great they were. The offense always gets the publicity but even in their Super Bowl wins and in the 1960’s, getting pressure on the QB was paramount to the Raiders success.  Offense puts butts in the seats and gets all of the publicity, but defense wins championships.

(Below are the all time stats for sacks by a team; many records are held by the Oakland Raiders)

http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/def/sacks

Amazing Names:

With the likes of Ken Davidson and Tom Keating leading the way the Raiders had a huge and ferocious defense.  The names of the past are a who’s who of Raider lore.  Two more underrated DB’s in Rodger Bird, Kent McCloughan and Warren Powers were teamed up with Howie Williams, Dave Grayson and Willie Brown.

Charger receiver Lance Alworth catches pass against the Raiders Dave Grayson and Nemiah Wilson. 1969 Photo Ron Riesterer

Dan Conners played MLB while Bill Laskey & Gus Otto shored the outside positions.  Dan Birdwell and Ike Lassiter, Carleton Oats and Art Thoms; so many proud names of the past that helped the Raiders to unreal records in the 1960’s.  From 1967-69 the Raiders were a ridiculous 37-4-1, the best record in football.

Hall of Fame:

I’ve written at length about the biases and of the NFL Hall of Fame and why some are not in the hall.  There are many that should be I the hall of fame (i.e. Cliff Branch) and I’ve written about them below.  I’m glad that more people are agreeing with me.

One of the great biases with NFL historians, is their turning their noses up at the AFL saying how it was no where near as good as the NFL.  In the beginning days I totally agree.  As time went on though, that myth was changed when the Jets beat the heavily favored Colts in Super Bowl 3.  More than a few people feel the Raiders and the Chiefs of the 1960’s had more talent and speed than the aging Green Bay Packers but they were overwhelmed in the Super Bowls against a mythical team with the greatest football coach of all time and an aura and mental toughness and a refusal to make mistakes.

It’s a shame that only 3 all time AFL defensive players are in the NFL HOF.  There are others that deserve it and I think Dave Grayson is one of them.  With his speed and ball hawking skills, he made big plays at big times and he’s never received the credit he deserved, much like the great Raider defenses of the day.

I hope that others will join me in giving appreciation for this great Chief and Raider player.  Another forgotten icon of the AFL and NFL who should never be forgotten.

“The Oakland Raiders lose another NFL Hall of Fame Worthy Icon From the Past in Dave Grayson” The Oakland Raiders lost another link to their storied past when AFL historian Todd Tobias announced on Twitter that Raider great defensive back Dave Grayson had passed away at the age of 78.