The Nukezilla Sunday Supplement – May 22nd 2011

Every Sunday we’re going to post links to articles we think are interesting from the last week. Sundays are usually very quiet around here, so this seems like the best day to do it. We’re going to link to articles on range of subjects, including videogames, technology, movies, geek culture and much, much more.

Videogames

All Games Are About Death – What Games Are. “A common whipping boy theme in the media regarding games is that they are violent. Why must they always involve killing, ask the exasperated. Why can’t games be nice? Games certainly can be nice, but take a step back from the visceral element of the violence question and what they’re really asking is: Why must games be based around death?”

BioWare 2011: The Doctors Speak – Gamasutra. ”In this extensive interview, Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, founders of BioWare, speak to Gamasutra about the company’s current efforts — everything from launching Dragon Age II to its Facebook companionDragon Age Legends (in collaboration with EA2D) to Star Wars MMOThe Old Republic, DLC launches, and beyond.”

Internet

Wikipedia and the death of the expert – The Awl. This article takes a look at Wikipedia, and how it has become one of the most important educational tools – despite its ability to be edited by anybody.

Technology

Sailing by Ear – Michael Chabon. This is an interesting article written by a non-audiophile who realises that his speakers suck and are impeding his musical experience. As someone who values a good stereo (valve amps, baby) this makes for an interesting read.

News & Current Events

Here We (Don’t) Go Again: Revisting the Millerites in Light of 5/21/11 – Being Wrong. So apparently the world ended yesterday, with certain groups predicting the rapture. This article takes a look at the last time this was predicted: in 1844. Of course, assuming there’s no Nukezilla in heaven only the damned will be reading this.

The Dark Arts – Vanity Fair. “It started when the News of the World hacked into the voice mails of the British royal household, in 2005, touching off a scandal that Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.—and, apparently, the British authorities—tried to contain. After a score of lawsuits and new arrests, the cover-up is falling apart.”

Comedy

Paul Merton: ‘Am I allowed to call myself working-class now?’ – Guardian. Paul Merton’s known for his quick mind and regular performance on British political comedy show Have I Got News For You. Here, he talks about his style of comedy and his origins.