Defining "what is a game"

Hey!

Long time no see.

I am currently in a class called "Theory and Practice of Game Design." It has been really enjoyable so far, and today I wanted to talk to you about something that really got me thinking. We discussed in class just the other day about what makes a game a game. How can we define what is and what is not a game in a way that will be universal in all areas of the world and to all people?

The conclusion that the classes decided on was that the definition does not exist, but for me, this wasn't a good enough answer! I wanted to bring about a discussion with all of you on what you think defines a game.



I think that everything is a game! Life is a game. A game is about the way in which one individual perceives something. And everything is a game, it just isn't always a good one. For example, going to class can be made into a game--you receive points, get awarded with certain achievements, and compete (either against others or just against yourself). Some people might not want to attend class and participate in this game, but at the same time, sometimes you just don't want to play COD either but you still call that a game, right?

Now, I know some of you will not agree with me--and I really want you to not! Respond in the comment section below and give me a run for my money about the beliefs that I have! Do you have a contradiction to my argument? I want to hear it.

I love you all!
Please click the share buttons below so all your friends can contribute to the discussion, as well!

Things I am thankful for [Tuesday Twenty]

Good afternoon critters,

Some times it's good to take a long look at the things you have and reflect. Every single day I am taking things for granted because they are so second nature to me; however, its not this way for everyone.

Today I just wanted to take some time out of my day to be conscious of the things, people, and opportunities that I have that others might now. I am so very thankful for all of this!!

My TV - I am currently using my television as a second monitor for my laptop, and I have never been more thankful to have it! It's made all of my internet related things so much easier and even better.

My iPad - This is my life. If you know me well you know I never go anywhere without my iPad. I use it as a planner, a notetaker, a file sharer, and nearly everything you can think of.

A summer vacation - Recently I went to North Carolina with SkyCzar and his family. It was a blast, and it also made me realize how lucky I am to have had that opportunity to get away from work and stress for awhile. 

My Dr. Marten boots - I know, I know. It's summer time! But boots are still an essential. I am so thankful that my grandma got me these amazing Dr. Martens for Christmas because they are hard core and totally necessary.

A place to sleep at night - My bed isn't some fancy four post king or anything; however, I realize that I am still lucky to have a comfy place to lay my head at night (and at 2 in the afternoon if I need a nap, haha).

My Charlotte Russe watch - A must. It's nothing crazy expensive or a super nice metal, but I love my watch.

My glasses - The other day when I was reaching for my glasses I suddenly became aware that not every has glasses when they can't see. Some countries and struggling families don't have these commodities that I take for granted. That's why I am thankful for my glasses.

Eos lip balm - I just like it. I just couldn't live without it.

My camera - I own a very nice camera, and I use it every day. Sometimes I don't think about how lucky I am to have something like this.

My computer - Again, I own a very high class laptop that is worth a lot of money. I love my apple products and couldn't live without my computer. 

My iPhone - I think everyone who has a phone often takes it for granted. In my area, nearly all people have a phone to use whenever they are out, and a lot of those people also have phones with access to the internet. I couldn't leave the house (oh who am I kidding, I don't even leave a room) without my phone. 

Blogger - My blog has changed my life. I couldn't have created all of the content that I have without this website. I am so grateful for blogger!

My boyfriend and his loving company - I am so thankful to have this hunky man in my life! I love having him around and am so lucky to be able to spend every day with him.

My job at Charlotte Russe - I never thought I would like this job so much. But with this new promotion came lots of new opportunities, and I have never felt so lucky! The girls there are awesome, and I can't wait for more fun times.

Indiana University - Not a lot of people get the opportunity to go to a university. I am so thankful that I get financial aid to help me through this expensive journey.

A car - It's not my car, but Skylar lets me use it.

Zellest and World of Warcraft - Okay, so I am obsessed with Zellest...I will never have a love like this for another character. I only play her (most of the time) on WoW. I love having a virtual world that I can go to when this world just isn't working out for me. Plus, I'm way awesome-er in WoW.

My Family - Even though I don't see them often, I am thankful that they are there when I need them and will love me no matter how long it's been.

Amazon.com - Mostly I am just grateful for this site because of my Kindle. I am addicted to reading lately, and I love how I can make wish lists, order books, and do lots of other things from this site.

My Razer Naga mouse - I splurged on this mouse last year around this time when I was still unsure about my love for WoW. Thankfully, I love the game and I couldn't imagine playing it without my Naga.


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I love you all! Peace OUT

Recording World of Warcraft [3/10-3/16]

Hey critters!

The more I blog the more I learn. Thats what I say all of the time. I am constantly talking about my learning on this blog, but that's what life is all about right!

Don't forget to check out the video at the bottom of this post!

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Here's what happened:

Monday- I hope to get used to recording my life better. I let Zoey play in the mud this day, so then I had to give her a bath. When she drys off she gets really crazy and excited, and it's always so funny. I worked, too. After work I played WoW... as the usual lately.

I just want Hearthstone on my iPad right now!!
— Danyell with a Z (@dnbailey94) March 10, 2014

Tuesday- It was beautiful this day! So, classes weren't hell to go to like normal.

Stay hungry. Stay foolish.
— Danyell with a Z (@dnbailey94) March 12, 2014

Wednesday- After going to all of my classes Sky and I ate dinner at a food court-- so, yummy!! Then when SkyCzar went off for work I surprised him with a clean and reorganized room. I moved everything around and made it so pretty (make sure you watch the video to see the before and after).

This class is going to be the death of me 😁🔫
— Danyell with a Z (@dnbailey94) March 12, 2014

Thursday- So, don't yell at me, but I am a terrible student. I skipped all of my classes this day!! Spring break starts on Friday so I was just like "WTF I don't want to go to class."

Friday- Today was the very important day in which I finally figured out how to record everything properly in WoW!!! YAY! I couldn't believe how hard it was. Make sure to comment below and click the like button on my video if you want to see how I actually will be recording everything!

Why is recording gameplay and audio so difficult to do!?!!
— Danyell with a Z (@dnbailey94) March 14, 2014

Saturday- I didn't wake up until like 3pm this day, haha! So I just got up and went to work. Sky worked too--from 10pm-3am. We just spent our weekend playing WoW.

Sunday- Sadly, this day wasn't much more fun either. Mostly we just slept all day and then drove back to our hometown. A long drive and a boring day.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIKVDPVU720

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InLinkz.com

Click the links above if you missed any of my blog posts from this past week!!! And don't forget to leave me lots of comments telling me what you think! I love to hear from you guys :)


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I love you all! Peace OUT

P.S. If you always want to stay in touch with me make sure that you follow me on my most used social medias: Youtube, InstaGram, Twitter.

Let's talk characters-- World of Warcraft character remodels and lvl 90 boosts

Good evening critters!

Today I wanted to get in on the action and talk about my thoughts and opinions on some of the many changes and upgrades happening in the World of Warcraft. Let's focus on characters today. I will be diving right into the brilliant and shinning new character models and edging into the murky debate of level 90 character boost.

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Character remodels

Uh duh, why wouldn't I be happy with this. As a noob who stepped in only recently during the last expansion of Pandaria, I was blessed with the initial view of pretty good content. However, looking at certain characters like Dwarfs and Orcs should make anyone's skin crawl. Since vanilla these characters haven't changed in appearance, movement, or any other sort of upgrade. So, they were in dire need of some sort of change, and Blizzard decided to take that to the next level with some amazing remodels for nearly/if not all of the characters!

As of today, a lot images of newly remodeled characters have been released. Here are some that should get any devoted player a little excited (all remodel pictures courtesy of polygon):

Level 90 Boosts

I am not the type of person who will generally spend a lot of money on in-game purchases. I am typically pretty content with the items that I can receive without spending more than my $14.99 subscription fee that I am already dishing to this game monthly. Therefore, my views on the level 90 boost that is available in the store for $60 are pretty impartial.

I like the idea of making that an option for players because I understand the struggle of grinding out levels to meet up with your friends. I am hoping that these boosts will not get misused by inexperienced noobs, but rather work as a quick jump after skills are mastered through training. With Blizzards new addition of some training grounds on the way this looks pretty promising.

Photo via Blizzard.

 As for the dollar amount, I think that Blizzard did the right thing. The price needs to be high enough that players understand the jump in levels that they are making. This might hinder players from creating new characters from scratch and then boosting them to 90 with no real experience of how the game is played. The amount of money spent on these boosts should be reasonable enough that a devoted player might want to spend that kind of money, but not so cheap that everyone will be walking around with 11 level 90s on 4 different realms.

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What are some of your opinions on these changes in WoW? Let me know in the comment section below!! And don't forget to check back soon--I'll be discussing other Blizzard changes like the new addition of Garisons in World of Warcraft, as well as my excitement for Hearthstone on iPad.


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I love you all! Peace OUT

Look at my new gear

Good evening critters!

Getting back into WoW always gets me really excited to share; however, these spurts of game play never really last long. I have a lot on my plate and tend to get stressed about the littlest of things. So, playing this game is never top on my priority list (even though SkyCzar thinks it should definitely be number one). Now, don't get me wrong. . . I absolutely would never stop playing this game. All I am saying is that I don't get on as often as I should.

Anyways, today I wanted to show you some of the cool gear I just recently picked up while dungeoning all today and yesterday with my man and a couple of friends. While this gear is pretty awesome and super girly, I might add--it's definitely not the best. I'm still moving up levels [slowly, but surely] and attempting to grind out the best gear.

Sky doesn't really like it that I call this a fairy wand, but I mean, come on?! It's purple and it sparkles. Is this not like the perfect item for future transmogging?? I know Zellest will never not have it. . . unless there's a better looking one out there :)

Another really pretty and girly item! This floating helm is actually part of a priest specific set, and tomorrow I'll be grinding out the rest of the set. The crown is purple and pink/red, and it floats like a halo above my head. It can also be socketed! And of course will probably be transmogged in the future, as well.

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What do you think of my new instance gear? Got anything cooler--let me know in the comment section below!!

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Day 6-- 30 interesting facts about yourself [January 30 Day Challenge]

Hey critters!

In a previous post, I mentioned that I was accepting the challenge to post every day; however, not every post will appear on my blog. To see them all you can check out my tumblr account.

Click here to see: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5,


Today I have been instructed to post about 30 interesting facts about myself.

1. I am 19 years old.
2. My natural hair color is the brown side.
3. I have astigmatism.
4. My favorite color is purple.
5. I love Ariel the little mermaid.
6. Criminal Minds is my fav TV show.
7. I am obsessed with World of Warcraft.
8. I'm studying Informatics.
9. My thumb is double jointed.
   
10. I wear size 8 shoes.
11. I have been to California.
12. I love to read.
13. Tanning is one of my favorite ways to relax.
14. I've been getting my nails done since I was 15.
15. I have a JRT.
16. My fav food is peas.
17. I love candles.
18. I graduated HS with 4 track and XC records.
19. I work at Charlotte Russe.
20. I've never broken a bone.
21. I absolutely hate shots.
22. I have 7 piercings.
23. Stickers are my obsession.
24. My favorite band (atm) is We the Kings.
25. I love Halloween.
26. My one regret is never joining a dance class when I was younger.
27. I have 3 little sisters.
28. I am currently reading Divergent.
29. My blog is http://www.danyzell.blogspot.com.
30. I love to be different.

Do you relate to any of my qualities? What do we have in common?

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I love you all! Peace OUT

I can't stop playing this game

Good day critters!

Have you ever been addicted to something? I hope it was nothing life threatening... however, I am feeling like my addiction could be life threatening here pretty soon.

My name is DanyZell and I am addicted to World of Warcraft!

Whew, I got that out. But seriously, its becoming a problem.

I have never been one to sit down and get really distracted from my work. I generally stay organized and keep a focused mind. However, with this game on my computer I can never get anything done. Don't get me wrong--I am NOT going to stop playing. I think that I just need to learn to manage my time and decide when entering the world of Azeroth is appropriate and figure out when staying in this "real world" realm is more important.

Because it seems to always be on my mind, I just wanted to catch you up on all of the fun things that Zell has been involved in at Kalimdor and show off some screenshots that I have been taking over the past two weeks or so.

You can click on all of the images to see a larger version.

This is a picture of one of my alts that I started. She's a Blood Elf Shadow Priest. If you don't already know, I am in love with the Blood Elves, and also, I am basically a pro at Priests (cough* cough* just some shameless bragging, haha!). The reason I took this screenshot is not because of the sparkling murlock slaughter, but rather the beautiful purple sky. Why would I ever want to leave this world when there are nights like these? Have you ever seen skies like this one irl?

This is by far one of my most favorite pictures ever. After completing an instance with SkyCzar and some other buddies, I climbed up into the dead boss' thrown. In front of me you can see Czar kneeling to the Queen!!

Whenever I see one of these pets I just squeal! I want one so bad. I always tell Sky, "Look it's another baby!!" I want a baby to follow me around while I play. Can you give me yours?

This is just me taking some selfies of my main. I have leveled her up A LOT since this image, but I really like her gear so I thought I would share. This image is taken at Undercity before I changed my hair color.

Over the summer (a long long time ago), I did a post with some other screen shots from when I was grinding out professions. It looked very similar to this one. It's kind of sad if you think about it that I have to fly all the way here to kill all of these characters just to loot their cloth. Why can't I just approach them and ask them for it? If they say no... well, then I'd kill them.

Thanksgiving feast! This picture is a little crazy because literally EVERYONE was questing and chowing down on the food provided in the courtyards at Undercity.

So, this picture was taken for the soul reason to showcase my DPS (that's why my recount addon is moved and enlarged on my screen). The instance that I had just run was my first experience with attempting to be a battle healer. I think its a little embarrassing to say that I used to just heal, bubble, and stand around. But now I get right in on the action and do some damage, as well. I love learning new things, figuring out a better rotation, and contributing to the entire group.

LOOK GUYS! I GOT MY FIRST FLYING MOUNT!!!!

Some cute family pictures of Sky and I at Orgrimmar. Thankfully he doesn't have those silly turtle shell looking shoulders anymore. Both of our gear has nearly completely changed since the time that this picture was taken.

 Haha, I probably could not do this again even if I tried. I landed right on top of the roof when I dismounted in the air. Sometimes I just amuse myself.

I am sure that this post may be a little too geeky for some of you. But, I haven't posted any screen shots in awhile, and I needed to share. Let me know what you guys think of my gaming addiction in the comment section below. Do you play WoW? Are you addicted to another game? Tell me everything.

For the Horde!

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Tuesday Twenty--Twenty books I want to read

Good evening critters!

To be honest, I have a couple of pretty awesome ideas for some Tuesday Twenty posts in the future; however, I cannot execute them today because I did not plan ahead and give myself enough time. So, I have been thinking really hard this evening about what I wanted to post for today's Tuesday Twenty. It needed to be something that I know you all would love, but it also needed to be something that I could do quickly and easily because I have homework and school stuff that should be occupying my time at the moment.

So, for today's Tuesday Twenty I compiled a list of twenty books I want to read. Some of the books on the list are ones that I have only partially read, some I have read before and want to read again, and some are new titles that I think would be very interesting to me. With Christmas break coming up I figured I could get a lot of reading in and maybe all of you will be inspired to, too.
And I am really sorry for the suckiness of my posts lately (but bare with me, after finals week I am all yours)!

Here's this weeks Tuesday Twenty:

Twenty books I want to read
(blue= want to reread, orange= partially read, black= new titles)

1. Rule (Jay Crownover)
2. Carly's Voice: Breaking through Autism (Arthur Fleischmann)
3. Safe Haven (Nicholas Sparks)
4. The Hunger Games Trilogy (Suzanne Collins)
5. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
6. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
7. Animal Farm (George Orwell)
8. The Boyfriend List (E. Lockhart)
9. The Shack: Where tragedy confronts eternity (Wm. Paul Young)
10. The Host (Stephenie Myers)
11. The Harry Potter Collection (J.K. Rowling)
12. A Year Without Make-up (Stephanie Yoder)
13. All of the World of Warcraft Books (multiple authors)
14. Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand)
15. Ender's Game Series (Orson Scott Card)
16. The Maze Runner Series (James Dashner)
17. Divergent Trilogy (Veronica Roth)
18. Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
19. The Giver (Lois Lowry)
20. Looking for Alaska (John Green)

As you can see from the colors above, I have an issue with starting and not completing books. How do you all over come this?

To keep up with me and my readings, check out one of my favorite sites Goodreads! Oh, and please feel free to leave me some comments down below--I'd love to hear about what books on my list you all have already read and your opinions!

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Weekly Recap [Nov. 24- Nov. 30]

Critters!!

It's Sunday--and that means--it is weekly recap time. I'm sorry to say that not much happened this week because I was away on Thanksgiving break and spending lots of time relaxing and hanging out with family.

Here's what happened this week:

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Tuesday Twenty- Reasons why I love my job

Since this is such a short list of posts that I did on my blog this week, I thought that I would also do a quick recap of what I did while I was home on break.

• Put in like 10 hours in on World of Warcraft.
• Trained Zoey to high five.
• Ate too much food.
• Visited family.
• Created a guild!
• Went Christmas Tree shopping (blog post coming soon).
• Read WoW lore :)

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Tuesday Twenty-- Movies I Want to See

Good morning critters!

Welcome back today for another Tuesday Twenty post. If you missed my first one explaining all about what the Tuesday Twenty is you can check it out here.

So, SkyCzar and I went and saw the new Carrie (2013) movie at the theaters on Sunday, and in the spirit of all the movie watching that I partook in this past week, I decided to do today's list about twenty movies I want to see. Some are old, some are newer, and some haven't even come out yet. Enjoy!


Here's this week's Tuesday Twenty

Twenty Movies that I Want to See

1. Ender's Game
2. Bad Grandpa
3. Monsters' University
4. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
6. Warcraft
7. Spring Breakers
8. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
9. 50 Shades of Grey
10. About Time
11. Jobs
12. The Lorax
13. Grown Ups 2
14. Neighbors
15. That Awkward Moment
16. Pulp Fiction
17. Delivery Man
18. The Book Thief
19. Dallas Buyers Club
20. Thor: The Dark World

Have you seen any of these? What movies would you suggest?

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Daily Blogging (10/17-10/19)

Hey critters!

This past weekend I have been all alone because SkyCzar left me and went back to our hometown for the weekend. Therefore, I haven't really known what to do with myself... so, I made a daily vlog for you all. I really hope you enjoy :)

Check out my Blog:
http://www.danyzell.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/dnbailey94


My music is from here:
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/liste...

*I am not affiliated with any of the brands or companies mentioned in this video. This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are my own.*

____________________________________________________

Oh and here's some random pictures from the weekend too :)

Before work selfie!

This is mine and Sky's type of conversations. He's too funny; we're such nerds!

Me pouting in Sky's IUPD hat cause I miss him :(

September Favorites

Good afternoon critters!

Better late than never right. Well, I just posted my favorite sites from September on the Favorites tab above!
My favorites tab is designated to talk about my favorite online things of the past month. Things like blogs, youtube channels, online stores, social media sites, etc.

This past month (September) I've been obsessed with finding more and more blogs and wonderful people to interact with. I've broken out of my shell and have began approaching other bloggers. I love letting them know that I love what they do!! And why shouldn't I? I know they work hard :)

So, my first favorite for this past month is-

Zoella! 

Zoe is a blogger who posts about thoughts, fashion, and beauty. Her posts and videos are so personable. And she isn't afraid to be who she is. I love her sense of humor and her ability to keep my attention for hours. Please check out this wonderful blogger!

Next favorite of September-

Organized Jen!

Jen has been a link on my favorites tab since the beginning of my favorites tab :) I absolutely love her organization help, and I am so excited to be watching her site grow as she posts more about beauty and fashion! I've been a fan since she was just a youtuber, and now her website looks gorgeous! My most favorite video of her's is her filofax review.

And then there's-

Le-Happy

I have just recently discovered this beautiful lady and her amazingly edgy style on her fashion blog this past month! I can spend too many hours staring at her pictures. I fantasize owning all of her clothes, and I look up to her style and confidence.

As always, I am still in love with-

We Are IU

As a blogger for We Are IU, my enjoyment of this site is a little biased. However, I am still so intrigued by the different posts that other students are publishing every day. With this site you can learn anything you want to know about Indiana University. Check out what I've posted recently!

And finally-

TradeChat

Danielle, or Panser as she is commonly referred to on the world wide web, is an amazing youtuber! She satisfies my nerdy needs and informs me of everything going on in the World of Warcraft... plus more! She is inspiringly determined, beautiful, unique, and intelligent. I can never not be entertained by her videos whether they are informative, funny, or simply a personal vlog. Check her out!!

All of these people, places, and organizations are my favorite online things for the past month! I can spend hours on the internet and this is what I spend my time doing--creeping on these site :) Please take a moment to check them all out. And also, comment on their latest updates to let them know they are linked in my favorites tab for the month!

What sites do you spend hours on? What are your favorite blogs that you think I should know about? You can let me know in the comment section below!

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I love you all! Peace OUT

What Am I Eating 9-16-13

Good morning critters.

I just thought I'd check in and let you know what is going on today.

First off, right now I am sitting in the computer lab waiting for my next class to start. I got me some yummy breakfast--a coffee, a bagel with strawberry cream cheese, and a chocolate brownie cliff bar that I will probably save to eat later.

I had my stats class this morning that was like super confusing because I missed class on Friday (I totally over slept). Good thing this professor records all of his lectures and puts all of the notes online, so then I can just get on a check them out. I still usually try to go to this class though because I know that I honestly won't take the time to listen to the lecture every day. It's way easier to just wake up and get it over with.

After all of my classes are done I have to write a paper that is due by 5pm tonight! It shouldn't be hard because it is just a stupid reflection paper about some development assets or something like that from when I was a kid. This course is an education class--and, well, education courses are blow off classes!

Well, I believe that is it for my important plans of the day. Maybe Sky and I will actually have time to play Wow!

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I love you all! Peace OUT

Hearthstone Beta

Good afternoon my lovely critters!

A couple weeks ago I received an email from Blizzard letting me know that I had been picked to contribute to the beta for their new online game called Hearthstone. I was super pumped because I had already known about this game and was getting excited for it to launch because of the videos and updates that Panser was doing on her youtube channel. Actually, if you want to learn more about this game then check out her video here.

Anyways, I just recently downloaded it and began playing. I really like it. It's a chill game that is nothing like the intensity and stress that can sometimes come from other Blizzard games. It is a game that I can just sit down and play, watch some Netflix, and talk to Sky all at the same time. The game is actually an online card game. AND sadly, I believe that this online game was intended on taking the place of the World of Warcraft trading card game since they just recently announced that they were no longer releasing new cards.

You don't have to know anything about World of Warcraft at all in order to play this game. The characters and abilities are related to those on Wow, but by no means does that mean you have to know Wow. I haven't really played enough yet to give you all any more information, but so far--its pretty cool.

I'll let you know some more when I know more. If you've been allowed into the beta game too, then let me know in the comment section below. Also, feel free to ask any questions and I will answer the best that I can.

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I love you all! Peace OUT