technology castes

I have been wondering if the day would come when "normal" computers are just as closed as game consoles and developers would need a sponsor, license, registered "dev kit" and all that just to write a computer app. ...or the computers aren't locked down but if you want to connect to the "safe* internet" you would have to follow the above types of restrictions and develop to the approved list of closed "safe internet" platforms.

(* "safe" meaning DRM, etc. implemented at the hardware level)

We're heading toward two classes of computers: one for people like me, and one for people like my Mom.

[...] Computers, by and large, are still designed for geeks. This is why we all buy T-shirts that say "No, I will not fix your computer". The genius of the iPad is that it cannot get things like viruses. It is a closed platform. You can't put apps on it. You can't write and distribute software for it without Apple's permission. This is why geeks hate it and normal people will love it.
-- Eric Sink

Twitter! Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal! (ignore the title)

Gee Dee Cee 2010 !!1!

Back from GDC! This year was extra special: while I love doing my game tools round-tables (7th year!) this is the first year I have had the honor of presenting (as part of the AI Summit). A special thanks to the AIGPG for the privilege.

Most talks are really good, a few are less good, and a select few are indescribably awesome. I have returned riding a wave of euphoria, inspiration, enthusiasm. I also carry nostalgia and longing for the company of the friends I see there.

The game industry itself has plenty of good and bad, but the people who populate it are amazing, wonderful, and thought provoking. This is the real reason I attend: to mingle with these real-world fae-folk from a magical world of imagination.