Of course, We all know who this will actually benefit…

Almost anyone can go a bit overboard if given enough power, as we can see based on Onezumi’s reaction. (although let’s be honest here, some enemies do need to be squished with extreme prejudice)

So somebody has to make these hard choices, so why not Onezumi?

A classic example is occurring right now with the most release of the newest version of Simcity. In a nutshell, the game is pretty crappy, with less abilities and value than their previous versions–with a very negatively designed DRM function that requires the user to be connected to the internet even when playing single player. At first EA claimed this was done so that the server side functions could handle a large part of the simulation work–but this was quickly proven to be false. They then said this was designed because “some people really wanted to play with other players”, but most modern games have multi-player, it just doesn’t require you to be online for single player. They then finally just came out and said they did it because it “matched their vision” for the game. (As a side note, why didn’t their vision for this game just have it called “Simcity Online”, which would have made this whole thing less of a screwjob and more honest?)

Their “vision” is obviously adding in what used to be core components of the game, but as additional downloads and costs to the player in an epic money grab. It’s also clear that they wanted to fight piracy by forcing legitimate buyers into this crappy always online system–but hackers have already broken that part off.

So what is the message here? Screw and squeeze the legitimate customer sums it up. Pirates will always win, and have the better play experience.

The only message we as the audience for these games can say in return is what the company in today’s comic receives back in a very clear manner….

And with our return a few things have changed.

First off, I’m now the primary writer for S&IDAC. Previously I edited many of the scripts Oni wrote, and suggested some stuff, but she really wants to focus on the “My Annoying Life” comic, so she asked me to take over the duties here. Of course she will still have a high level of input into the scripts, and contribute her unique art style spin on things, so you will still see the same high quality of stupid crap you’ve come to expect from us.

I’m very excited over the direction we plan to take things, and we hope you are strapped in for the ride–or at least settled in in a better way than the unfortunate orc that Oni dragged down the corridor in today’s strip.

First off we just added our newest podcast to our Itunes account, so for you guys who have iPods or other i devices can go grab it from there. For the rest of you, check it out here: February 2011 podcast.

In another bit of news, We’re at Katsucon this weekend (February 18-20th) with both a Stupid and Insane Defenders Against Chaos table, and an Intervention table. We’ll be taking registrations at the con by cash or credit card, and of course selling plush owls and all of our other stuff.

I’d suggest checking out our schedule page to find out where we’ll be, but we’ll be at our table(s) anytime else when the room is open.

Obviously we’re working a lot, but today’s comic is about trying to squeeze more work out of those who potentially are past the squeezing point.

I should mention that the extremely popular Coffee is My Homeboy shirt is now back in stock in all sizes in both men’s and women’s styles. I don’t know how long it will be in stock, so if you want one, get it now.

The other popular meme is people complaining that book 1 still hasn’t come out. I have a printed proof that I’m going over this week, so it is going to come out soon-ish. It is a lower priority than some of my other projects for the time being. I’m not one of those people who wanted a print career, but went web. The book seems to be the last piece of the puzzle considering everything else that I do with companies and speaking and teaching and making conventions. That doesn’t mean that it’s not important or awesome – that just means that I don’t think I’m getting rich on a box of books. Since there is only 1 Onezumi with 2 hands, critical tasks came first. I am very excited to do the best job on it, though. That’s the other reason why I waited until I had the time to give it the attention it deserves. It will have a lot of bonus content. Consider this site the rough draft and the book the real story.

I’ve been super busy working on the Intervention website. Don’t forget to register!

So much goes on behind the scenes for an event like this that it’s kinda insane. I’m putting together a volunteer FAQ now because we are going to be drafting even more staff. Woot!