[GLLUG] computer gaming at Penguicon

[Marshal Newrock]

A demo or talk can be done with a single computer, but it is definitely
better with more.  For an actual gaming event, four if we can manage.
And yes, signage.  That's one of the biggest (and hopefully easiest)
areas for improvement for the computer lounge next year.

I think we need to overshoot for hardware.  If we want 20 terminals, we
should have hardware for 22-24 on hand.  At least 5 gaming machines for
a table of 4 (and recruitment should start shortly after the GLLUG
Penguicon wrap-up meeting). And a spare terminal server if we can manage
it.

Oh yes, and absolutely no last-minute updates.

On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:52:49 -0400
"Caleb Cushing" <xenoterracide at gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm all for scheduled gaming events and signage. I should have had
> signage. But when the terminal server was down it WAS the only
> terminal. The reason I didn't create any events was do to hardware or
> lack thereof. I was expecting 2 machines, and if I hadn't have
> forgotten about rick offering me his videocard for the con we could
> have potentially had 3. but my machine wasn't up to par, and I didn't
> find out Jason's machine wasn't going to be available until 5-ish on
> Friday April 20th, when he called me at the con. 1 machine for gaming
> isn't enough for an event, it would be for mythtv.
> 
> On 4/25/07, Marshal Newrock <marshal at idealso.com> wrote:
> >
> > It looks like as we circle round and round on this topic, we slowly
> > begin to approach consensus.
> >
> > As has been pointed out, while Penguicon is not kid-hostile, neither
> > does it claim to be kid-friendly.  If we set up "kid-friendly"
> > machines, it might be implied that we're accepting responsibility
> > for the kids, and that's not something we want to do.  Also, space
> > is limited, and I'd rather reserve as much space as possible for the
> > Installfest, although it's difficult to say if it will be as
> > possible if Ubuntu doesn't release a new version at the same time
> > as Penguicon. I'm guessing it will.
> >
> > On the other hand, there's a number of games which are simple and
> > low-cpu, and which could run on the terminals.  If we simply avoid
> > any 3D games, we've probably got a very good selection.  I don't
> > think that would be inappropriate use of the terminals, as long as
> > there's usually some free.  Next year, if the hotel wireless is up
> > to par, the computer lounge may see less use.  They've got a year
> > to implement the plan that was given to them, so we shall see.
> >
> > I think the biggest problem with computer gaming was a lack of
> > scheduled events.  Similar to MythTV, without events and demos, it
> > was just another computer.  I know at least one person attempted to
> > use it as a terminal.  And as just another computer, it didn't
> > advocate computer gaming on Linux at all, it was just a place for
> > people (especially kids) to play.  So scheduled talks could do much
> > for this. To restate my original thought of having it in a
> > different room, I don't think most people would care if it's only
> > available for a few hours on one night.  Most people didn't come to
> > the con to play games.
> >
> > I'm not vehemently opposed to having it in the computer lounge
> > itself, but the question is, what kind of draw would a
> > demonstration of computer gaming on Linux have?  I'm simply not
> > sure there'd be adequate space.
> >
> > Nothing needs to be decided now, of course.  We have at least half a
> > year to decide, and it also depends on the final hotel plans.
> >
> > --
> > Marshal Newrock
> > Ideal Solution, LLC - http://www.idealso.com
> > _______________________________________________
> > linux-user mailing list
> > linux-user at egr.msu.edu
> > http://mailman.egr.msu.edu/mailman/listinfo/linux-user
> >
> 
> 
> 


-- 
Marshal Newrock
Ideal Solution, LLC - http://www.idealso.com