What Do You Want From Video Games? Let Developers Know!

Advances in computer hardware and programming have made it possible for companies to produce a wider range of video games that meet the desires of target audiences. Parents looking for kid-friendly games can find them easily. Of course, teens and young adults can choose violent games that let them get their aggression out in a safe way. As a video game aficionado, you want to make sure developers know which features interest you most. Use these tips to help your favorite company make a video game that you will love.

Use Game Forums to Make Suggestions

Forums have several uses. Gamers can seek advice from other players when they struggle to move beyond a difficult level. Players also use forums to complain about game quirks that annoy them.

You can also use forums to tell your favorite companies what you would like to see in their next release. Most video game programmers are also game fans. That means they visit forums just like you. Post your suggestions and you might point them in the right direction for a new game.

Fill Out Surveys

Some video game companies survey their fans to determine what types of projects they should work on next. In addition to long online surveys, you can also find short one- or two-question surveys on many game sites. Companies like KISS Insights make it easy for you to answer one or two targeted questions that will keep developers in the know. Visit their sites regularly to contribute.

You can, of course, also send emails to your favorite developers. No matter how you go about, make sure they hear your suggestions.

 

Inside iPhoto

iPhoto is the basic photo-editing software that comes pre-installed on Apple computers. For free software, this program’s actually pretty handy. Many amateur photographers only use iPhoto to edit their images. Though iPhoto comes with enough gadgets and tools to keep the amateur shutterbug satisfied for years, more advanced shooters or those looking at online Bachelors programs in Photography should make an investment in Adobe Photoshop.

Basic Editing Features in iPhoto

Use iPhoto to perform basic editing techniques like cropping, rotating, or image resizing. iPhoto comes with an “Enhance” button that acts like an auto photo editor, brightening or adding contrast to a picture automatically. You can retouch blemishes with an airbrush tool and correct red-eye either through automatic detection or manual removal. You can also manually adjust each photo’s setting through a basic “Adjust” window which includes toggles for:

  • Exposure
  • Contrast
  • Saturation
  • Definition
  • Highlights
  • Shadows
  • Sharpness
  • Denoise
  • Temperature
  • Tint

Users can also play around with various instant effects, such as:

  • Black and White
  • Sepia Tones
  • Antique
  • Fade Color
  • Boost Color
  • Matte
  • Vignette
  • Edge Blur

Cataloging Photos

iPhoto lets users add a location to each album. You can then visit the iPhoto map and see virtual “pins” of all the places you and your camera have been. iPhoto also has unique face-recognition software that helps users “tag” photos of their friends and family. These tags can then be easily uploaded to Facebook. Several exporting plug-ins are available, including one for Facebook, Flickr, and MobileMe. Users can create custom albums or have iPhoto automatically create a “smart album” for them