I’m the sort of nerd that doesn’t play videogames, but since college one of my favorite entertainment activities has been watching people with far greater skills play Grand Theft Auto. And unless you’ve been spending eighteen hours a day in a dark, windowless room (a situation not uncommon in my other line of work, theater acting), you notice that GTA IV is out. It is far, far better written, acted, and produced than most plays I’ve seen. Or heard about. Or been involved in.

So what does the preeminent art form of the twenty-first century have to say about the preeminent art form of the negative tenth through nineteenth? more »

In all seriousness, this is sad. Not all of us knew the sublime pleasure of holding a twenty-sided die in a trembling hand, needing a miracle to defeat that Beholder. But if you ever enjoyed Final Fantasy, World of Warcraft, or even Pokemon, you owe Gary a debt of gratitude.

By the way, this is why you ALWAYS travel with a Cleric in your party. A little “Raise Dead,” and Gary would be back up in no time.

Good morning. It’s-a me, Mario.

It’s wonderful to see so many old friends here. I feel like I’m back in Super Smash Brothers. But of course, the circumstances today are very un-super. We mourn a man many of us thought of as a father.

Pac-Man, you will be missed.

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