Second Skin takes an intimate look at three sets of computer gamers whose lives have been transformed by online virtual worlds. An emerging genre of computer software called Massively Multiplayer Online games, or MMOs, allows millions of users to interact simultaneously in virtual spaces. Of the 50 million players worldwide, 50 percent consider themselves addicted. From individuals struggling with addiction to couples who have fallen in love without meeting; from disabled players whose lives have been given new purpose to gold farmers, entrepreneurs and widows, Second Skin opens viewers’ eyes to a phenomenon that may permanently change the way human beings interact.
In March 2008, Second Skin premiered opening night of SXSW. Without any news of a theatrical or DVD release, Second Skin landed extensive coverage in Newsweek, NPR, Wired, BBC, The Dr. Phil Show, Boston Globe, Variety and dozens of other major media outlets. Second Skin was also voted the #4 Documentary of 2008 by internet juggernaut Ain’t It Cool News.
This August, Second Skin will become the first widely released movie about virtual worlds- a movie for the 50 million gamers who spend most of their time in virtual worlds, and all those curious to understand this phenomenon.
[btw slightly peeved that I was at SXSW and missed it!]
Trailer
Eye-opening – even for a trailer! Looks like a balanced view of the whole phenomenon.
Potential Christmas present?
If anyone would like to buy this for me for Christmas, here is the link ;-D :
I thought I should write up my thoughts re my recent attendence at GameHorizon:
It seems pretty clear that the Computer Games industry is a major success story
Apparently making more money than film & music [although all I can find on Google are rather dodgy get-rich-quick schemes which refer to this…!]
What I *did* find was a report from back-end of 2008, quoted here and here, saying “Verdict research predicts gaming will become the UK’s premier leisure activity before 2009”
But it seems to be in ‘stealth mode’ in terms of profile
There have been various controversies about computer games – which are set out in this section from Wikipedia
Reminds me of my MBA paper on Microsoft & Public Affairs paper [which I should publish]
The nub of this was that Bill didn’t take politics seriously until he found his competitors were using their political connections as a business strategy
Also is on the cusp of convergence of various positive technological trends
3D & virtual worlds
Serious Games
Favourite sessions
‘Sneaking in the Back Door to become an AAA Multiplatform Studio‘ Sponsored by Game Republic – Paul Wedgwood, CEO and Game Director, Splash Damage Ltd.
‘Separating Fact from Fiction: the Future of Digital Distribution’ – Roger Walkden, CEO, AWOMO
‘Development Opportunities in PlayStation Home’ Peter Edward, Director, PlayStation Home Platform Group
Panel Discussion: ‘Game Exposure – The naked truth about marketing your self published IP’ Sponsored in partnership by BAFTA and Northern Film + Media.
[that’s enough – Ed.]
Pretty reasonable games industry in the UK, also in Europe
Cutting edge stuff going, which I have highlighted in my list of favourite sessions
What struck me was the the Social Media / online component that many companies are only now discovering seems to be standard operating procedure for the games industry – as Paul Farley (Managing Director, Tag Games) explained.
I met some good people & am following up various business opportunities. This was an eye-opener for me, and I expect to see the Games industry as part of a major convergence of computing trends in the home.
Live bloggging info
If you would like to read my live blogging notes from the conference, please see this summary page.
Panel Discussion: ‘Game Exposure – The naked truth about marketing your self published IP’ Sponsored in partnership by BAFTA and Northern Film + Media.
Chaired by Charles Cecil, MD of Revolution Software with
Martyn Brown (Development Director, Team 17),
Mark Morris (Managing Director, Introversion),
Paul Farley (Managing Director, Tag Games).
‘How games can be used to help drive other Interactive Content’
Marc Goodchild, Head of Interactive Children’s TV, BBC
