Month: March 2016

Eric Swain External Sources

Mind of the Machine: AlphaGo and Artificial Intelligence

I finally wrote a new column for PopMatters. I stayed up all night several days in a row to watch the AlphaGo vs. Lee Sedol match play out. It was being held during the day in Korea so that meant it started around midnight here on the East Coast. I feel it was worth it. I really like the game of Go and try to talk about it when I can, but unless you are ingrained in the game, a lot of the specifics are utterly meaningless. I suppose that’s a lesson that could be applied to most games. | more

Eric Swain External Sources

Hinduism and Buddhism Meet Science Fiction in ‘Cradle’

This week’s episode of the Moving Pixels Podcast is on the indie game Cradle. I was on this podcast, but it was quickly apparent to me that I had nothing to say on this game. I was near catatonic I was so bored with this game. So, I’m introduced, make some comments at the beginning and then am pretty much silent for the rest of the running time. Which is a pity given all the fascinating things Chris and Nick were able to get out of this game. | more

Eric Swain External Sources

Critical Distance Confab – Minisode 10 – Abstract Aesthetics

I’ve heard from former Critical Distance editor-in-chief, Kris Ligman, that people like these minisodes as a shorter format discussion. Well, sorry for this month. Sometimes there’s such a good rapport with a guest that controlling the time gets away from me. Heather Alexandra and I had such a rapport. Of course, what do I know. I’m just throwing stuff into the void. Wish I could figure out the download figures for each episode. Find out if anyone is listening. | more