Posts Tagged ‘ World Economy ’

CityCentre Las Vegas

April 13, 2009
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CityCentre Las Vegas

CityCentre Las Vegas is an impressive construction site. Taking up virtually the entire Southern Strip north of Excalibar, this collection of buildings has been described as the biggest construction project on the planet (though I think that Dubai would have some issues with that). From our visit this last week, I would tell you that Vegas is doing just fine. The crowds are all there and things are humming. If there is a downturn, most likely it is from well-heeled players refusing to lose substantial amounts. The $5 Blackjack tables were quite full, thank you. Below are some photos of…

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GDC Localization Summit 2009 Quick Notes

March 30, 2009
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GDC Localization Summit 2009 Quick Notes

Back home in Southern California. Ahh, it feels good to be home—the right coffee mug, comfortable office, wicked-fast internet connection, hard-wired to the company server. Ahh, the good things of life! Not to mention family and friends! Today, I’m going to scribble down a few of the general overview notes on the GDC Localization Summit. I may get a few things wrong—if so, please correct me in the comments. Digital recordings of the proceedings will be available in three weeks, and I expect to be able to give more detailed (and less prejudiced) material at that time. Stay tuned for…

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The World Economy, Part Three

March 20, 2009
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The World Economy, Part Three

Next week, I will be in San Francisco for the Game Designers’ Conference. The first day will be devoted entirely to localization issues. I will have a lengthy report. Until then, here are a few more reports from around the world. HUNGARY: In the city where I live over 1000 people lost their job because a major firm closed down.  Besides that, whoever has a Swiss franc or Euro based loan has to pay 30% more because the Hungarian Forint has fallen so low.  They are talking about raising the VAT, but it is already 20%! Personally I think I…

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The World Economy, Part Two

March 13, 2009
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The World Economy, Part Two

More notes from outside of the US on the economic crisis. ITALY (Milan): “My sister’s boyfriend, who graduated in IT last year, finally found a job 4 months ago. Unfortunately, despite what they initially promised him, they’ve already reduced his contract from one year to 6 months. Also, the Northern part of Italy has been always the more active one, always plenty of jobs and opportunities but within the last several months, 3 major companies closed! One friend of mine used to work with one of them. He was fired after 6 six years and he is now a single…

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The World Economy, Part One

March 11, 2009
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The World Economy, Part One

I’ve spent years traveling the world, living in one country or another for long periods. I’ve been wondering, just how big an impact the current economic crisis has on real people everywhere. Since I’m in daily contact with people around the world running Apogee Communications, I thought I’d ask them. Here are some of their answers: GERMANY: “While everyone is talking about the economic crisis, its direct impact hasn’t arrived here yet. For me, nothing has changed at all.” SWEDEN: “Living in Gothenburg, the economic crisis has struck the city really hard. Since VOLVO is a big employer here, almost…

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