EA, Louisiana Partner on New QA Facility at LSU
EA, Louisiana Partner on New QA Facility at LSU
August 20, 2008
As recently as 2006, Louisiana's state government embarrassed itself by hopping into bed with Jack Thompson for an unconstitutional piece of video game legislation that quickly crashed and burned in federal court.
But the worm has seemingly turned with today's announcement that Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal (left) and Electronic Arts have partnered to create a new global quality assurance (QA) center in Baton Rouge. EA will work with Louisiana State University and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to bring the project to fruition.
Along with Gov. Jindal and other Louisiana officials, EA exec Sharon Knight was on hand for the announcement. Said the Guv:
EA putting the first-of-its-kind video game testing center in the U.S. right here in Baton Rouge is a terrific win for the city and the future of our state. We know our economic development initiatives have to be aggressive, but they must also be innovative, and EA has both of these important attributes.
This testing center will create 20 full time jobs, and more than 200 part-time jobs for LSU students who will get paid to play video games. I know this will be a dream job for some kids, but it is also a key part of strengthening our state's economic development so we become the best place in the world to do business and all of our children can stay right here at home to pursue their dreams. This job win is a critical step in creating a digital media economy that will generate even more high-paying high tech jobs and help us compete for even more jobs within EA in the future.
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Posted 11/18/08 at 07:10pm
PHX Corp: I found somthing that Describes JT http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dickhead sorry for the vulgar Comment
PHX Corp: I found somthing that Describes JT http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dickhead sorry for the vulgar Comment
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:50pm
sqlrob: @Chandra: By those definitions, Dawkins, author of "God Delusion" is agnostic
sqlrob: @Chandra: By those definitions, Dawkins, author of "God Delusion" is agnostic
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:43pm
JDKJ: "Belief can kill and belief can cure" -- West African proverb
JDKJ: "Belief can kill and belief can cure" -- West African proverb
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:41pm
Michael Chandra: Agnostic: "a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience."
Michael Chandra: Agnostic: "a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience."
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:41pm
Michael Chandra: Atheism according to dictionary.com: " the doctrine or belief that there is no God."
Michael Chandra: Atheism according to dictionary.com: " the doctrine or belief that there is no God."
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:16pm
Larington: http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/27935/Suicide-game-sparks-latest-Flash-controversy
Larington: http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/27935/Suicide-game-sparks-latest-Flash-controversy
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:15pm
sqlrob: @Flamespeak: Currently it's not "inconclusive", it's "unnecessary"
sqlrob: @Flamespeak: Currently it's not "inconclusive", it's "unnecessary"
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:15pm
Flamespeak: I need booze and a bed. Goodnight all.
Flamespeak: I need booze and a bed. Goodnight all.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:14pm
sqlrob: @A-wel Cruiz / Flamespeak: I doubt very much there are any atheists by that definition, none rational anyway.
sqlrob: @A-wel Cruiz / Flamespeak: I doubt very much there are any atheists by that definition, none rational anyway.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:13pm
Flamespeak: Course, I am an illogical Taoist. :-P
Flamespeak: Course, I am an illogical Taoist. :-P
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:12pm
Flamespeak: It is the only decision I can see anyone arrive at. The equivalent of 'Inconclusive"
Flamespeak: It is the only decision I can see anyone arrive at. The equivalent of 'Inconclusive"
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:12pm
Flamespeak: Agnostic, on the other hand isn't a religion. It is pure logic based.
Flamespeak: Agnostic, on the other hand isn't a religion. It is pure logic based.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:12pm
Flamespeak: Agnostic, on the other hand isn't a religion. It is pure logic based.
Flamespeak: Agnostic, on the other hand isn't a religion. It is pure logic based.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:11pm
A-wel Cruiz: Agnosticism is the only one that really welcomes arguments on the manner.
A-wel Cruiz: Agnosticism is the only one that really welcomes arguments on the manner.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:11pm
A-wel Cruiz: Theism says there is a God, and there's no argument. Athism says there is no God, and there's no argument.
A-wel Cruiz: Theism says there is a God, and there's no argument. Athism says there is no God, and there's no argument.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:10pm
Flamespeak: then you are an Agnostic. You simply say, I don't know, but I doubt it.
Flamespeak: then you are an Agnostic. You simply say, I don't know, but I doubt it.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:09pm
Flamespeak: Atheism is point blank about denying the existance of such a thing. That is what I talking about. If you accept the possibility
Flamespeak: Atheism is point blank about denying the existance of such a thing. That is what I talking about. If you accept the possibility
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:09pm
ConstantNeophyte: ...god exists so one shouldn't assume he does.
ConstantNeophyte: ...god exists so one shouldn't assume he does.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:07pm
sqlrob: @Flamespeak: There's gradations. Even Dawkins admits the possibility.
sqlrob: @Flamespeak: There's gradations. Even Dawkins admits the possibility.
Posted 11/18/08 at 06:06pm
sqlrob: @Matthew: "God Did it" sure as heck didn't get the internet, computers,...
sqlrob: @Matthew: "God Did it" sure as heck didn't get the internet, computers,...
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Comments
Perhaps i'm a bit disheveled due to the lack of coffee this morning... but what exactly is this facility supposed to do again? It just looks like a public funds project to make people feel all warm and fuzzy without having to expend much effort. I know Universities absolutely adore projects like this but... for some reason it still leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
It's a way for EA to outsource testing to very low paid employees (students) without all that negative Americans-losing-their-jobs business.
I remember reading something a couple of years ago where someone planned to set up an outsourcing firm in the middle of the country. The idea was that there are 0 engineering jobs there, but still some engineering graduates.. so you could pay them next to nothing, and in exchange they don't have to move to the coast. The companies using the firm would still get to outsource (ie, pay nothing for low skilled labor), but still hire within the country.
please tell me how i may apply for a job to test the EA Sports video games
That's probably because EA's involved.
So will we actually see an increase in quality for EA games.
E. Zachary Knight
http://www.editorialgames.com
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091
It's simple.. They are probably going to shut down the testing facility in California and subsequently lay off those employees. Now they can hire students on the cheap!
Good business move.. yeah..
To be quite honest, EA has upped their quality lately. Skate was a completely different approach to skateboarding games, and it worked really well along with being put together nicely. Then they have Mirror's Edge, Dead Space, and Spore coming out, all of which are highly anticipated by the gaming community. Personally, I can't wait until Mirror's Edge and Dead Space come out because it will give me something worth playing on PS3 other than MGS4. Not to mention Red Alert 3.
Sure, EA's sports titles like Madden are still pretty bad in terms of being shoveled out, but they've even started to up the ante there too. NHL08 beat the pants off of NHL2K8 because it not only looked better, but was more fluid and the controls were better. NHL09 is looking to go the same way. Besides, you can't really expect many changes to come in sports games these days. About the only time you can expect to see a real advancement with sports games is on the switch to a new generation of consoles, because then they're able to use new hardware to create better graphics. Anything after that is pretty much tweaking the engine to run smoother and pull that extra little bit of power that comes with experience on the platform in order to make the game look better than the last year's iteration.
Don't get me wrong, I used to hate on EA as much as anybody, and still do in some respects, but I have to give them credit where credit is due. They're trying to change, from what Riccitiello has said, and this fall is going to be their proving ground to make us all believe it. Spore comes out in September, followed by Dead Space and Red Alert 3 in October, and then Mirror's Edge in November.
It's not about NHL games it's about the football games. As long as they refuse to make real improvements to madden they will continue to get crap from gamers.
Although I guess once that happens where will all the hate come from?
Its kind of a conundrum though. People clamor for the new games in the Madden series to be fresh and innovative, but its hard to do that when you're basing the game on a real world sport. Since there's really very little need to change the control scheme anymore the only things they can really improve upon are the AI and the graphics, but to make any major change would take more than a year's time. And I'd bet money that just as many people would complain if EA took 2 or 3 years off from putting out Madden titles to completely rework the game as they do about EA not making the game fresh every year.
No matter what EA would be getting complaints. Besides, after 20 years, what could they really add that would be new and different enough to appease everyone? Not much. Even games where 90% of the content is user-generated, like tabletop RPGs, would get old and repetitive if you played it for 20 years straight. Eventually you'd end up repeating the same scenario at least once, even if it did have new polish or a different setting.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Why not have two development teams like the Need for Speed series?
Even with a two-year cycle people would start complaining again after a few years of it. The reason? Its still a game based on a real world sport that they can't change unless the sport itself changes. So the gameplay will always be the same, the controls are about as good as they're going to get, and the AI will top out eventually.
Really, anyone that buys Madden every year only buys it for the new roster. If they're expecting major changes year after year they've got their heads either in the clouds or up their asses because it won't happen. The only time I'd say its safe to expect any major changes in both graphics or AI(because gameplay can't change: see above) is during the switch to a new generation of consoles because the developer has a more powerful set of hardware that is capable of doing more at once. If you look, that's how its pretty much always been too. The only major advancements in sports games come when the better hardware does.
I'm not trying to defend EA per se, but I'm just pointing out that people expect a lot of things that really aren't going to ever happen in a game like Madden, and when they do happen they expect it to happen again the next year. NHL games have always been plagued by bad controls or no ability to deke, and now that EA has come up with a control scheme that fixes both problems in NHL08, they're going to stick with that control scheme and it will become just like Madden. The only major changes will come with hardware changes and the only things that they can really change are AI and graphics so long as their current control scheme continues to work. The only reason to buy the new years version will be for a new roster because almost nothing else will have changed, and if I were to complain about that it would be because I wasn't looking at it in a realistic perspective.
So basically, not much really can be changed in sports games that are trying to be realistic. They have to stick to the rules of the actual game, and from there its just controls, graphics, and AI for the most part. Once they get controls working right and in a way people like they aren't going to change them. That leaves graphics and AI, which are both limited by the power of the hardware you're running the game on. AI has a little bit more leeway in that department, but the point still remains.
Who would let their kid play violent sports games? It encourages rage, animosity, and violence against others, all just for winning some points!
THOMPSON-SPAWN! KILL IT!!
Instant, LEGENDARY Win.
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I AM CONDEMNED TO HAUNT THE DREAMS OF JACK THOMPSON UNTIL HIS CRUSADE AGAINST VIDEO GAMES ENDS.
When the next GTA is in development, how much do you want to bet that JT will be knocking at the door of the university with a subpoena in hand?
Except EA doesn't own T2 or GTA. They're trying to buy T2, but I still don't think it will happen unless EA really bumps up their offer.
And by the tiem he has the chance they can have him escorted away by police as his lawyer license will be void
Wrong again, Dennis. The prior dispute between the game industry and Louisiana was over the illegal sale of adult video games to kids. The new agreement doesn't deal with that.
It would appear, Dennis, that because of either your mendacity or your paranoia you think that anyone who thinks that adult games shouldn't be sold to kids is somehow opposed to video games per se. That would include roughly 90% of the American people.
I suggest you get mental health help with your paranoia and/or your lying. Jack Thompson
John Bruce. I think you are the idiot here. Dennis is simply stating that Louisiana has done a complete 180 in regards to video games. First they wanted to regulate games. Now they are buddy buddy with the games industry.
He is not making any accusations on anyone's stance on "adult games sold to minors"
E. Zachary Knight
http://www.editorialgames.com
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091
Firstly, there are no legal repercussions for selling an M rated game to a minor, that is voluntary.
Secondly, well, so says the man with a personality disorder
That would include roughly 90% of the American people.
99% of the Internet's statistics are pulled out of thin air, Thompson.
Second, it was a story about EA's new testing center which is a surprise considering Louisiana's recent stance and frustrations with the video game company. There's no paranoia here, it's simple amusement.
"Mmm.. Yes, yes.. Quite right Mister Baringer, I would agree that this situation is most ironic."
"Ah yes, let us enjoy some cherry shall we?"
---- There is a limit for both politicians against video games, and video games against politicians. http://www.goteamretard.com
I suggest you get mental health help with your paranoia and/or your lying.
You first, Thompson. I think you need the help a lot more than anyone on this site...except for the supposed Jack Thompson Follower that was posting yesterday...
BTW, Jack, how's that latest conspiracy about the Florida Bar not having insurance...oh yeah, that's right they do have insurance...just with another insurance carrier...stupid...
105% of your statements are lies, Mr. Thompson.
See? I can pull percentages out of thin air too!
The prior dispute between the game industry and Louisiana was over the illegal sale of adult video games to kids.
Wrong again, Jack. There was no illegal sale of adult video games to kids, as there are no AO-rated console games for sale.
It would appear, Dennis, that because of either your mendacity or your paranoia you think that anyone who thinks that adult games shouldn't be sold to kids is somehow opposed to video games per se.
It would appear, Jack, that because of either your mendacity or your paranoia you think that anyone who is a gamer only plays violent games. That would include roughly 95% of the American people.
I suggest you get mental health help with your paranoia and/or your lying. Jack Thompson
I suggest you get mental help with your paranoia and your lying, Jack Thompson
岩「…Ace beats Jack」
But, Jack, you ARE opposed to video games per se.
Awwww... How sweet! Jack's still sore!
Maybe it's because he shut up instead of put up.
I think it just takes him back to those heady days before people started realising what a complete waste of a Law degree he is ;)
The prior dispute was because you got a willing sucker to sponsor your unconstitutional legislation like the snake oil salesman you are. Besides that, there are no "illegal sales to minors" since there are no AO-rated games available for consoles.
I dare say that if Gov. Jindal had beaten Kathleen Blanco(the idiot that signed your worthless legislation, costing Louisiana money that should have gone towards building new hurricane-protection levees in say, Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes) in 2003, Jindal probably would have vetoed the bill.
You go get that mental health help that you desperately need, Mr. Narcissist.
Practice what you preach, worthless turd: Grow up and get a life.
I think a lot of people make the (very faulty) assumption that QA == "playing the game". Good QA is a hell of a lot more rigorous than just sitting around and playing games as if you were in your living room with some friends. The reality of the matter is that most of the time, QA as a job...sucks. It's boring, repetitive, frustrating, and in many cases thankless, especially if it's "outsourced" (not in the same physical building as the dev team). It's a great stepping stone into the industry, but it's not all fun and an easy ride all the time.
But more importantly, just because someone is willing to play games for minimum wage doesn't mean he's a good tester. It's the paradox of QA; pretty much no one wants to do it forever, but we need experienced testers to really do a quality job.
That's pretty much the case. QA requires more than just someone playing the game and saying 'this is wrong'. There are a lot of steps beyond that which need to be taken.
I've got a friend who does this for his first job. It's not exactly fun for him, but it's still a job. To be honest, I'd rather wait until the finished product is out before having to test a broken piece of software, especially for a title I'm excited about. (Mirror's Edge, Fallout 3, etc.))
---- There is a limit for both politicians against video games, and video games against politicians. http://www.goteamretard.com
Good QA in the video games industry is a pain in the ass to find. It's low pay, long hours, and you're pretty much a faceless minion who gets canned as soon as the project is done. Part of the problem is the way it's advertised as "get paid to play games!!!!". The testers who are any good at the job usually don't stick around, either moving into development or landing a job that can actually pay your bills.
I understand completely. I did a little QA experimentation myself. Not full time or anything just in school and on my own. I have tried to play games to produce bugs, break them, crash them and more. It was fun for about the first hour or so, but after having to recreate bugs and such so that I could verify them, it really got boring and grueling.
It needs to be done and it needs to be done by people willing to do it right. You aren't really playing the game. You are running to evy square inch of the wall for 8 hours a day. You are driving backwards on the race track for 8 hours a day. You are doing every concievable mundane thing that you can possibly think of that could result in a bug, for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. I think I am being generous on the time there too.
QA is not for the faint of heart.
E. Zachary Knight
http://www.editorialgames.com
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/okceca
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325674091
I didn't work in the gaming industry, but I did work for another software company nearly 10 years ago. Before I quit the company, I tried doing software QA for 4 months, and it just ended up being an awful experience-one I swore never to do again. Testing software bugs over, and over, and over, writing reports, getting deadlines done in time for a new engineering build, looking for regressions, confirming tricky OEM-related annoyances, and all of that shit. QA is necessary, but I didn't enjoy it-too much repetition for my personality. I don't think it would mattered even if I had been paid better (I left the company making $37K), because it's just too repetitive for me.
They need more open beta programs....with teh advent of the PC a onlien streaming emulation system is not to far fetched and be cheaper by a mile as they can pay for play time.
edit
Also with online systems a beta testing system could be implamented, also having crash reporting software would aid the process, have a small team for QA and the rest would be beta testers of varuois levels.
I is fuzzy brained mew =^^=
http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/
(in need of a bad overhaul)
God honestly he should oh I don't know... LEARN FROM HIS FUCKING MISTAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In case this is moderated (and since it has nothing to do with the topic, it probably will), Thompson just posted a Notice to the Court noticing them that he plans to spam the 88,000 members of the Florida Bar with his spin on his "career" as part of his President-Elect candidacy charade/publicity stunt. (He litterally says "Thompson will repeatedly e-mail all of our members about his candidacy")
Someone needs to find the mailing list he is planning to spam that propanganda and send them the referee's report from his imminent disbarment case.
88,000 people? That's a lot of people to apologize to when you get disbarred.
Not to mention, if the federal government decides that it's spam after anyone complains, that's 88,000 spams, and if he's found guilty and is fined per message... which, in all rights, he should be... we could be talking a few hundred thousand dollars?
Hey, John, do me a favor and don't EVER put all that crap in this system again? The formatting is GOD AWEFUL!
Next time, give us a link?
---- There is a limit for both politicians against video games, and video games against politicians. http://www.goteamretard.com
"But if you want to elevate the public’s sorry perception of us Florida lawyers to a profession that actually believes in the Constitution, the rule of law, and equal justice for all, then give me your name on the attached petition so that I can put my reform platform to a vote."
Funny, because my perception of Florida lawyers and the Florida Bar has improved tremendously since they've started following the rule of the law and giving equal justice to everyone by giving you what you deserve, disbarment. ;)
Jack, knock it off. It's not helping your case.
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I AM CONDEMNED TO HAUNT THE DREAMS OF JACK THOMPSON UNTIL HIS CRUSADE AGAINST VIDEO GAMES ENDS.
He is just upset that when he asked for signatures for him becoming Bar President a couple months back...NO ONE put their bloody signature on it :)
Awwwww accusing Mr Min of bribing Tunis? You REEEEEALLY are a desperate idiot. Once again a lot of bark, no bite. Jack before you start wagging fingers and telling lies...GATHER THE DAMNED PROOF. No proof? Case go poof!
Oh and I am guessing you didn't get another lawyer to sign this did you? Off to the basement firepit with this useless piece of toilet paper! :D
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco was calling the shots in '06, seems like Jindal is just what the state needed, keep an eye on this guy
Louisiana has actually been a huge proponent of bringing game developers to the state for years. The tax credit incentives are the first of their kind in the nation, and 20% on every dollar spent is HUGE.
The unconstitutional bill was a result of bad politics and Jack Thompson getting someone on board with his agenda. With Bobby Jindal and Mayor Kip Holden working with the great faculty at LSU, I think the sky's the limit for game devs in Louisiana.
This is going to end in tragedy.
When Life gives you lemons, you find a new god.