The Bloggings of The_B

Those of you that are interested or care - I would ask that you purchase the latest issue of PC Gamer UK magazine out from today, open it up and look at the contents, spefically the contributors section.

Yes, I am a bit chuffed, and very happy to see my name and work in print in a magazine. I can’t say thanks enough to the team, but I will.

Aw man!

I’m stuck here in Jersey without my computer and Team Fortress 2. Yet I still have enough access to the net to read about the new Pyro updates - which look awesome. Most entertaining is reading both Chris Livingston and Tom’s Francis’ adventures in getting the OMGWTFBBQ achievement. On the positive side, I suppose by the time I get back to play there won’t be so many Pyros for me to go up against to get it myself.

And a couple more TF2 related things - in an uncharacteristically prompt move, Valve have actually updated the Medic Achievement Unlock Requirements to bring them in line with the Pyro’s. I am pleasantly suprised. Also of positive note is the fact that the development team have started their own TF2 Blog which is well worth a read to get the insider scoop on the inner workings of the game. Consider it added to my links over on the right.

In more personal news: Jersey is lovely but very, very hot - I’ve been sunburnt - and I’m still on the job hunt. Bah.

See the rest of my Spore Creature Creations here.

Right then, as of Friday the 20th of June I should, all being well, be in Jersey. And from then until the end of August/beginning of September I’ll be spending some time with my lovely housemate’s family. However, this does mean I will also be away from my regular computer for the summer - so yes. It does look like I’ll miss the Team Fortress 2 Pyro Update (boo), along with pretty much everything else gaming related for a little while.

So consider this as a warning to perhaps a slight decrease in games related posts from my own perspective for a while. If you want to contact me, well those of you who have my contact details should probably be looking out for a message soon from me with my updated ones, but if I miss you out, email me. I will have some internet access to speak of in some form, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too silent around these parts.

On the positive side, I’m looking forward to the Jersey experience. It will definitely make a change to my usual summers, and some sunshine and fresh air will do me the world of good (or so I’m told) - time and sunburn will probably tell.

See you on the other side.

Bath. A city that gave me a brilliant week while I took myself there for a week in order to partake in Work Experience for PC Gamer magazine. Yes, I enjoyed it immensely, and I’m really glad I took the opportunity while I could. The hostel meanwhile was alright for the price, but the less said about it the better to be frank. The showers especially were those annoying water saving ones where you have to hold the button down if you require more than a trickle of water that is enough to wet one side of your nose.

So I arrived on the Monday a little overdressed, but ready for work. After negotiating several construction sites I finally found my way to PCG Towers, which I found to be a very nice building and enviroment - the offices are decent inside as well. A great working atmosphere and the team themselves are nothing but lovely, friendly people. Kudos to Craig, Tony, Tom, Aimee, Dan, Tim and Ross for putting up with me for the week and keeping me very busy during my time there. I had the opportunity to work on several sections of the magazine, including the news, Extra Life, reviews and many other areas. It was really eye opening - in a good way - to see how a magazine like PCG is put together, especially during a deadline week.

I’d love to be able to say more, and I may do eventually, but obviously there’s certain things I can’t really disclose further until the magazine is out, although highlights would have to be Tom’s hilarious review process of a Game I Cannot Mention Or How Well It Did Yet. Lunchtime TF2 games also proved to be a highlight of my week, as well as pub visits with Ross and Tim on the Monday and Richard, Tim (and his other half whose name escapes me now - sorry), Tom, Tony, and Jim on the Friday. Again, I can’t emphasise enough how brilliant these people are, and I really hope to work with them more in the future. So the big thanks of the week to Tim Edwards for giving me the opportunity, and additonal thanks to all the PCG team for having me. And also thanks to Graham, who wasn’t there but his desk provided me with a work station for the week.

Oh, and some pictures then:

So thanks again guys. It was lovely to meet you all in person, and I really enjoyed myself.