Why is it I can never be bothered?

As I'm sure other 'gamer-dads' would agree, most of their free time is spent entertaining their kid(s).

Enduring their tv programs, their tantrums, their noisey toys and feed times. The entire time remaining focus on that magical time of the day..... Their bedtime!

One of the major changes I've noticed since my kids were born is the fact that I can no longer race home and have a blast at a new game, not until the kids are in bed anyway.

Maybe its just me, but once they're in bed I just don't have the energy to play video games. Maybe my brain has been frazzled by the over exposure to kids tv. Maybe I'm tired, maybe there is something good on the tv. Or maybe I'm just lazy!

If you're interested in what I have to say follow me on Twitter

I nearly worked for Sony

Yeah that's right I turned down Sony.


The summer of 2007 I was unemployed went for an interview at studio Liverpool. A temporary games tester was the position I applied for, not a well paid position but as people may or may not know its a foot in the door of the game industry.


The interview was as you'd expect, tell them about your interest in games and why you want to work for Sony etc.


Practical side of the interview consisted on playing a very early build of a very early F1 game that the studio had released. Write down as many issues as possible. For example, a car being invisible on the starting grid, or selecting an option makes the game freeze.


Now I left the building feeling pretty confident with my performance, I just had to wait for the call.


A couple of days later I got a phone call, offering me the job.... I said no.


Here is why, in between the interview and being offered the job my wife found out she was pregnant. This meant one thing, I'd have to get a full-time permanent job.
I couldn't afford to take the chance on a temporary position, and one where I would have been working between the hours of 6pm - midnight Monday - Friday. I wanted to be available incase I was needed to do a hospital run etc.



So when Sony rang to offer me the job it was with great sadness that I had to turn down my dream job.



If you're interested follow me on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/JayMcNeill

A Gaming Dad's Life

As I sit here on a Friday night, a long week in work behind me. The weekend is just around the corner. What does that mean?

Well to some people it might mean massive sessions on Modern Warfare 2 or Battlefield Bad Company 2 depending on your preference. A hermit lifestyle for the weekend, moving only for toilet breaks or refreshments. That's how life used to be for me.

Now however I find myself the dad of twin 2 year old boys, a full time working dad of twin 2 year old boys at that. The weekend involves pulling silly faces making silly noises and watching Thomas the Tank Engine!

Let me share three things I've learnt from being a parent.

Time is a premium: Yes of course the time I spend with my kids is important, shaping their minds imparting knowledge, but just as important is the time when they're in bed. But what do I do when they're in bed? To be honest I couldn't tell you what I do, I think I just spend most of the evening on auto-pilot.

Never ever leave gadgets lying round within kids reach: I got complacent, I left a PS3 controller out of reach but within sight of the kids, and what happened? Yes you guessed it... it broke. When did I find out? Just when I was about to relax in front of the TV and start Batman: Arkham Asylum. I wont go into too much detail as to how it broke, lets just say it involved a kids toy being dropped from a height. Sony replaced it and I eventually got to play my game.

Try not to promise online meet up's: Yeah that's right, there have been times where I've arranged to meet up online and play some co-op action (MW2 spec ops anyone?) but once the kids are asleep and I've had tea the only thing I'll be battling that night is the urge to have an early night.

Please understand, the above isn't a rant nor a complaint, I love my wife and kids and wouldn't change anything for what I've got today. In fact I can't wait till the kids can actually start playing the consoles themselves (Supervised of course!).