Game atmosphere

The concession stands usually are operated by volunteers from area non-profit organizations that get paid by Aramark, which supplies the food and equipment at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and for numerous other college arenas across the country. It appears that only half of the concession stands have been open for the first seven home games.

In no way am I criticizing the people who operate the concession stands during a game because to do that on a volunteer basis is very noble and not the easiest work. I have a friend who attends most of the home games with his wife, and up until this season, they would make dinner part of the game-day experience by ordering from the concession stand, usually at least one pork tenderloin basket.

Wrestling also has about one-third of the amount of home events as basketball, and has a different fan base in some respects. Not as many people are telling those in front of them to sit down in wrestling.

Television is certainly a factor because some of the tip-off times, like 9 p. But every team has to deal with it. So, you just deal with it and appreciate the money that television generates. The current Iowa team is , but has lost its last three games, including a beat-down in Ames this past Thursday. Iowa is learning the hard way after a start that life without Luka Garza will be difficult at times.

The team needs all the help it can get, including a better home-court environment, and that starts with more energy from the student section. The program under Fran McCaffery has come a long way since he replaced Todd Lickliter has head coach in Another problem with having a disconnect with the students is that they will make up a chunk of the fan base once they leave college and join the adult world. Big Ten announces revised football schedules.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena just minutes before tip-off of a game this season. This is my latest attempt to shed light on a situation that only seems to be getting worse. Move the students to courtside. Let the students in for free and then hope they would spend money at the concessions stands.

Indeed, shadows can be used to represent many aspects of gameplay —such as the mood, the level of danger present, or the need to use stealth.

This shot leaves us in no doubt that the game is dark and unnerving. The obscurity is also frustrating, which serves as motivation for the player to progress within the game — so that they may move on to a part which is better illuminated. Light can also be used for an opposite effect — to create a sense of safety, like in the game Beyond Eyes where you help a blind girl discover her surroundings which, until explored, remain obscured by a bright white light.

On a sweltering hot day, have a distant bird craw or a cricket sound in the background. On a frosty day, include silence except for the crunch of snow beneath feet. In the Siberian Storm slot game , sounds effects such as wind rattling, distant flutes and jingling charms accompany the dramatic soundtrack when the reels roll and when a player wins something.

Each drop echoes in the darkness. What does this tell you? The echo suggests your surroundings are vast and void, while the drip suggests something is not right — either a pipe has broken, or someone left a tap on in a hurry. And why is everything else silent?

Where is everyone? This simple sound effect might only register on a subconscious level, yet it communicates a lot to the player. Whether Little Big Planet or Red Dead Redemption , creating a strong soundtrack means choosing music which reflects the intended style and tone of your game.

For Red Dead Redemption , Rockstar Studios brought in famous artists to help create a fusion of music that featured classic spaghetti western songs, real American folk songs, gospel and blues. The music should not only be appropriate to the game but also the action your player is undertaking. Is the protagonist exploring or in combat? Driving or socialising? The music should reflect whatever is currently happening in the game.

Many gamers play to escape to another world, and details help such virtual worlds feel real. Equally important as choosing an atmosphere to convey, is sticking with that choice. The properties with which you convey the atmosphere need to be present in some form or another throughout the game. Throughout gameplay, there should be a realistic sense of cohesion that brings everything together, both story-wise and aesthetically.

Achieve this, and the game will be distinctive, memorable, and engrossing. Sign in. Log into your account. Password recovery. Forgot your password? Get help. Home Features. Connect With GameSpew. Latest News.