Physics Games and Physics-Based Game Downloads

Just a note, because I’m getting some emails about this–I haven’t had time to look through all of the application for game reviewer and forum moderator positions yet. I have an excuse, though; there are lot of them! Over 40 reviewer applications, and over 30 for moderator. I want to make sure I follow up with promising candidates carefully, so I won’t be announcing the positions until later this week.

I’m out of town this week, but will have email access, so I’ll be following up with select people in the next few days. Sorry for the delay, but work has been busy (lot of casual games to cover lately, with some new titles like the Hidden Expedition: Everest game coming out this week too…not that physics game players particularly care!)

Up until now, Fun-Motion has been a solo effort. I do all HTML/PHP work, writing, video capture/editing, forum moderation, etc. As is apparent lately, though, I’ve been busy. I could use some help to keep the page chugging along with new reviews, articles, and on-topic forum discussion. So, I’m taking applications for the following positions:

Writer -Reviews

If you have a passion for physics games, with a knack for writing, get in touch with me! I’m looking for someone to write reviews for games not yet covered on Fun-Motion. If, for some reason, you aren’t familiar with the format here, check out my list of physics games for all 60+ reviews.

Job Requirements:

• Write reviews for new or undiscovered physics games
• Able to articulate game “feel” into written form.
• Concise, clear writing style.
• Good grammar and sentence flow.

Bonus Points

• Video capture/editing capability.
• HTML knowledge

To apply, email me some basic information about yourself and a review writing sample (feel free to use a game I’ve already reviewed). This is a paid position.

Writer – Features

In addition to the reviews, there are other writing tasks to be had: editorials, developer interviews, articles, and so on. If you’d like to write for Fun-Motion, but don’t have the time to do full reviews, we could still use you!

Job Requirements:

• Compose interview questions for game developers.
• Write articles covering history, trends, or whatever.
• Report on physics-related game industry news

To apply, drop me a line and include some basic information about yourself, what you’d like to do, and a writing sample.

Moderator – Forums

The Fun-Motion forums are a relatively recent addition to the site. An influx of users and the creep of off-topic, spam, and generally pointless activity necessitates forum moderators. I’m looking for a small group of mature, reliable moderators to keep things in line. This is an unpaid position.

Job Requirements

• Keep the forum clear of bona fide spam (automated posts)
• Keep the forum on topic and civil.
• A thick skin and the ability to separate your ego from the job.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to lead by example with polite maturity.

If you’re interested in becoming a forum moderator, email me with answers to the following.

• Some basic information about yourself.
• Why do you want to be a moderator?
• A user constantly posts crappy, substance-less posts. What do you do?
• Most of the forum hates a user, but you think they’re overreacting. How do you calm the masses?
• You and another moderator strongly disagree about something they did. How do you resolve this?

About Fun-Motion

Fun-Motion is the leading resource for physics games. With over 60 reviews, its catalog represents the single largest index for the genre. Matthew has spoken on physics games at such venues as IGDA Phoenix meetings and the Game Developer’s Conference.

Good luck!

The European Association for Computer Graphics, Eurographics, just send word that they’re putting on a competition for innovation in physics games. Eurographics has a pretty strong Siggraph-like research focus, so it’s great to see that they’re reaching out to the game development community. There’s a lot of synergy to be had here!

The competition’s goals are stated as:

What new physics techniques might be employed in future games? Can physics help redefine the interface with the user? Can entirely new gameplay paradigms emerge when full physics simulations are employed? We’re hoping that teams and individuals out there are already exploring these ideas and are prepared to share their progress with the industry and with the research community.

Sony Computer Entertainment US R&D is putting up €2000 (~$2700 USD) of prize money, so there’s something to be had here for the savvy developer with a physics game already in the works. Winning entries will also be shown at the Eurographics 2007 conference in Prague.

The deadline for entries is August 24th. More information is available at the competition’s official page.