The Microsoft Games for Windows team working with the SideWinder (gaming hardware) team put together a fun event a few days ago. Of course, I may be saying it was fun because I won third place in one tournament and first place in another.
Winnings included everything I needed for a lazy weekend: Fallout 3, 007: Quantum of Solace, SideWinder Mouse, SideWinder X6 Keyboard (won two!), and a LifeChat LX-3000 headset (see picture above or see an unboxing video here by a fellow winner).
Seriously, though, I want to thank those involved for putting this together. The more I work at Microsoft, the more I realize it’s a company full of some pretty cool people.
See below for my post-victory interview video. Incidentally, this is my first time posting a video of myself online. Given the context, it’s a little heavy on the “I’m a computer game nerd” content.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to be the first impression of me for anyone who might come across it. But then, given all the hoopla around Susan Boyle, I decided I’d go with the “embrace yourself” mentality. This is me, no need to provide excuses or disclaimers (even if I just did).
Also, for you World of Warcraft players, I kid. Don’t take what I say about it too seriously. (I actually played it for a summer a few years back before giving it up for more gaming variety.) But for you coworkers I’m talking to near the end, take what I say very seriously (or just buy me lunch sometime).
Two thoughts:
1. I thought you said you were busy?!?
2. How do I get a job with your division?
LOL! Answers:
1. Never too busy for a 3-hour tournament on a Thursday afternoon/evening.
2. That's the beauty of working at Microsoft… everyone's pretty much welcome everywhere. This event had nothing to do with where I work / what I do. I found out about it because I'm part of an internal MS email group of gamers.
Thanks for posting that! That woman shouldn't be in broadcasting… or anything that requires speaking.
About the WoW comments, you are talking about it like it was some bad habit you quit a few years back. 🙂 We get it, you smoked but didn't inhale….
You pretty much nailed it. I couldn't afford the consequences / time suck of two bad habits (regular gaming and MMORPG gaming). And after a while the MMORPG gaming just felt pointless (for me, anyway). Like watching a good TV series with a great story (regular gaming) vs. a reality TV show with no story that never ends.
“opportunity cost”, Thoman will be happy on your analysis!
“opportunity cost”, Thoman will be happy on your analysis!