Has anyone read his book?
MDickie book
Miscellaneous Forums/General Discussion/MDickie book [edit] He's not really worth it.
Suffice to say "no, I haven't read it".
Suffice to say "no, I haven't read it".
LOL
I don't quite get the MDickie thing. His games aren't particularly good, but he acts like he's the greatest indie developer to walk the face of the planet. Now if Jonathon Blow, Kyle Gabler or Dave Gilbert wrote a book I'd be all over it.
I don't quite get the MDickie thing. His games aren't particularly good, but he acts like he's the greatest indie developer to walk the face of the planet.
....which is a more nicely put version of what I originally said. :)If I wrote a 'biography', who would want to read it? Nobody, that's who. Because I'm a nobody. That's why I haven't bothered.
[edit] He's not really worth it.
Suffice to say "no, I haven't read it".
He's programmed some games which weren't really that good imho.
Don't know where he gets the idea to write a book about himself and think anyone is that bothered about reading it, he's just a bedroom coder who's life can't be that special.
Don't know the guy or wanna be nasty towards him but really, did he travel the world at 4 and live with buddhist monks, fight in a war, rescue a family from a burning house, bring down a crime family and then finally decide to program games for a living, that would be a good story to read!
did he travel the world at 4 and live with buddhist monks, fight in a war, rescue a family from a burning house, bring down a crime family and then finally decide to program games for a living, that would be a good story to read!
Well I guess the only way to find out for sure is to buy the book. On the other hand, I can say with a degree of confidence that he probably hasn't done any of that. >>did he travel the world at 4 and live with buddhist monks, fight in a war, rescue a family from a burning house, bring down a crime family and then finally decide to program games for a living<<
..actually I did all of this except >>bring down a crime family<< .. hehe
..actually I did all of this except >>bring down a crime family<< .. hehe
..actually I did all of this except >>bring down a crime family<<
I did that two years back so maybe we could collaborate? ;) ..hehe..no joke man..I really did listed things...well..im not sure about meaning of 'travel world at 4' but i did spin around globe except north/south pole :)..right now i settle down in Asia..i like it, its nice , warm, cool and nobody bothers with my bad english...o yea..i can park car anywhere :)
I'd only be impressed if he had founded a crime family. His commercial games are a crime against quality, certainly, and his attitude is a crime against modesty, but these aren't in the same league as dragon tattoos, loud suits, and chopped-off fingers.
..where is that book anyway...any example pages or something?
GfK (Posted 3 hours ago) #5
I don't quite get the MDickie thing. His games aren't particularly good, but he acts like he's the greatest indie developer to walk the face of the planet.
....which is a more nicely put version of what I originally said. :)
If I wrote a 'biography', who would want to read it? Nobody, that's who. Because I'm a nobody. That's why I haven't bothered.
I don't quite get the MDickie thing. His games aren't particularly good, but he acts like he's the greatest indie developer to walk the face of the planet.
....which is a more nicely put version of what I originally said. :)
If I wrote a 'biography', who would want to read it? Nobody, that's who. Because I'm a nobody. That's why I haven't bothered.
Dave, you're too modest !
I did raise an eyebrow when I saw this on the homepage. Can't imagine anyone except perhaps a small group of his 'fans' wanting to read it. Seems like hubris, to me.
/me shrugs
/me shrugs
Thank you for the heads up. I just ordered it.
"Viel Feind, viel Ehr."
- Georg von Frundsberg
I'm sure that there are plenty of young developers who dream of becoming a successful indie game developer who will devour his book, maybe because they are looking for inspiration or for a success story to fuel their own dream, no matter how large or small that story is. Mat is not a celebrity as John Carmack or Tim Sweeney, but he obviously has a reputation of his own and manages to make a living with his own creative work. He no doubt will have an audience for his story.
- Georg von Frundsberg
I'm sure that there are plenty of young developers who dream of becoming a successful indie game developer who will devour his book, maybe because they are looking for inspiration or for a success story to fuel their own dream, no matter how large or small that story is. Mat is not a celebrity as John Carmack or Tim Sweeney, but he obviously has a reputation of his own and manages to make a living with his own creative work. He no doubt will have an audience for his story.
GfK wrote:
I'd read it.
Particularly if you devoted a chapter or two to describing the honour and privilege of sitting next to me during the "early Gremlin years". You could list all the ways in which I inspired and taught you, concluding with "and now, thinking back, I realise that I owe it all to him."
You'd have to send me a free copy, though. I wouldn't pay you money for it or anything.
If I wrote a 'biography', who would want to read it? Nobody, that's who. Because I'm a nobody. That's why I haven't bothered.
I'd read it.
Particularly if you devoted a chapter or two to describing the honour and privilege of sitting next to me during the "early Gremlin years". You could list all the ways in which I inspired and taught you, concluding with "and now, thinking back, I realise that I owe it all to him."
You'd have to send me a free copy, though. I wouldn't pay you money for it or anything.
Sounded like vanity publishing to me and sure enough, it is, CreateSpace is the publisher. Maybe some MDickie acoyltes will buy it and make Matt a bit more cash but I think I'll stick with the mainstream on this one.
I keep hoping that Mat Dickie is actually a huge ironic joke and that somewhere deep down he's just mocking all the things he purports to promote. Sadly though I think this is not the case and he really does have no limit to his ego.
Darkheart
I keep hoping that Mat Dickie is actually a huge ironic joke and that somewhere deep down he's just mocking all the things he purports to promote. Sadly though I think this is not the case and he really does have no limit to his ego.
Darkheart
You could list all the ways in which I inspired and taught you, concluding with "and now, thinking back, I realise that I owe it all to him."
Good idea. I could list everything I've ever learned from you, including how to fashion willies out of Blu-Tac and stick them to the boss's monitor while he's out to lunch.What shall I call my A5 pamphlet?
What shall I call my A5 pamphlet?
Blu-Tac Dickie? Blu-Tac Dickie?
Genius! I've just looked at the Amazon page, then a calender and can conclude to myself its not April 1st.
Though, I will give an honest and open optinion on the Amazon page front:-
Gaming's most outspoken character finally speaks out about himself!
When has he ever been 'outspoken'?
If he's outspoken, then I'm Bernard Manning! :D
For almost a decade, Mat Dickie electrified the games industry with his prolific output.
I've never played his games, so I'm feeling pretty much unelectrified at the moment.
He used unconventional methods to create unconventional games
What does he use to write games, his elbows, his nose... What?
and redefined what could be achieved by one man.
Wow, so, what has he achieved, a 50m swimming badge?
For the first time ever, the true story behind that fascinating period is documented in this comprehensive book. In his own words, Mat takes us on an emotional journey from the childhood dream to the adult that lived it out
Erm, thats the lonestest definition of 'Life' I've ever read! :)
Along the way, we learn about the life experiences that shaped his character and fuelled his resolve
Ohhh, character shaping...Thats called eating that is! :D
You've played the games behind the life.
So, what games did he make then, cos I havent played any of them!
Now get acquainted with the life behind the games...
lol, he programs, he sleeps, he eats, he programs, he met a girl, he programs, he got dumped, he sleeps... yadda yadda
Eeee, I feel like auld Flameduck after all them quotes... But seriously, I dont do self-gratification.. He should of just had a wank over a photo of himself and be done with it.
Dabz
Though, I will give an honest and open optinion on the Amazon page front:-
Gaming's most outspoken character finally speaks out about himself!
When has he ever been 'outspoken'?
If he's outspoken, then I'm Bernard Manning! :D
For almost a decade, Mat Dickie electrified the games industry with his prolific output.
I've never played his games, so I'm feeling pretty much unelectrified at the moment.
He used unconventional methods to create unconventional games
What does he use to write games, his elbows, his nose... What?
and redefined what could be achieved by one man.
Wow, so, what has he achieved, a 50m swimming badge?
For the first time ever, the true story behind that fascinating period is documented in this comprehensive book. In his own words, Mat takes us on an emotional journey from the childhood dream to the adult that lived it out
Erm, thats the lonestest definition of 'Life' I've ever read! :)
Along the way, we learn about the life experiences that shaped his character and fuelled his resolve
Ohhh, character shaping...Thats called eating that is! :D
You've played the games behind the life.
So, what games did he make then, cos I havent played any of them!
Now get acquainted with the life behind the games...
lol, he programs, he sleeps, he eats, he programs, he met a girl, he programs, he got dumped, he sleeps... yadda yadda
Eeee, I feel like auld Flameduck after all them quotes... But seriously, I dont do self-gratification.. He should of just had a wank over a photo of himself and be done with it.
Dabz
Although Mr Dickie is very proud of himself and his accomplishments and likes to talk about it, I don't see that as a crime and he at least has the balls to do so. It may be unconventional or you might think his games and intellect don't warrant interest in his products or book, but I say good for him. It's what he wants to do, he's expressing himself in ways that many of us would be afraid to, or in ways that many of us would be threatened by or jealous of. Why cut him down? Why try to paint him as not worthy or even judge him at all. Let him be.
and he at least has the balls to do so.
Who said anything about balls?
Its pointless, he's an average joe like all of us, yeah, he's made a few games, so has Gfk, Gabriel... In fact, a crap load of people have, and a good few of them are miles more successful then he is.
I'd probably take more notice if he was a bedroom coder and created a AAA game studio which was gobbled up by EA for millions of english quids... But he hasnt, theres nothing there and its all "Look at me, I'm something I'm not", you can see that just by reading the Amazon description.
Garbage...
Dabz
yeah he is rather too young and unaccomplished to write an autobiography,
yeah he is rather too young and unaccomplished to write an autobiography,
Mind you, if Jade Goodie could at 21...
No, I think this should be discouraged because it's hypocritical, narssistic, masterbation, in public and that should always be avoided. Besides some innocent child read this book and may take it seriously.
Darkheart
Ok, I know I'm new here, but what did MDickie do to the lot of you.
I'm not into the stuff he makes, but the guy has designed, programmed and made assets for more than 15 games, which should earn him atleast a little bit of respect, particularly considering that most people here, myself included, couldn't finish a game if their life depended on it.
I'm not into the stuff he makes, but the guy has designed, programmed and made assets for more than 15 games, which should earn him atleast a little bit of respect, particularly considering that most people here, myself included, couldn't finish a game if their life depended on it.
Ok, I know I'm new here
New? Your user id is 167, you have 3194 posts and you're new?
I don't think Mr Dickie gives a crap about any of our opinions or judgements, and that is what is to be commended. That's why I said he has more balls. This thread could have been more along the lines of what is his book like from the perspective of someone who has read it, but it's moreso a perspective of what everything *thinks* it is like based on having not read it and based on other criteria that they personally find inferior for a variety of reasons. Has anyone else here written and published a book?
but it's moreso a perspective of what everything *thinks* it is like based on having not read it and based on other criteria that they personally find inferior for a variety of reasons
People are basing their opinions on what the author is like, and has always been like. Do I want to pay money then waste my time reading 200 (or whatever) pages about how great MDickie thinks he is? Not really. But if that's floats your boat, go read it then report back when you're done. Has anyone else here written and published a book?
Well, anybody can 'publish' a book on Lulu.com (for example). It being published is not necessarily to be taken as an indication that its worth buying. I'm not into the stuff he makes, but the guy has designed, programmed and made assets for more than 15 games, which should earn him atleast a little bit of respect, particularly considering that most people here, myself included, couldn't finish a game if their life depended on it.
I cannot finish a game too, but I can plaster a house... I'll write a book then! :)
Erm, I actually won a game of killer darts lastnight in the pub and won 4 quid, perfect excuse to put a pen to a bit of paper.
Even better... I programmed a toaster to toast bread for 5 mins instead of 6 mins, I'll write about that instead.
I'm breathing... Perfect, my story is in the bag!!! :D
Dabz
@sinu
I was thinking about your bedroom coder jibe whilst on a run this afternoon - albeit only briefly - wasn't too long before the excesses of christmas changed my focus:
thats a bit harsh. Think you'll find there might be one or two bedroom coders on these forums... I'm a dining room coder myself these days - and your point was?
@Andy:
I agree. Admit I've not tried any of his games - but he has finsihed a few. And on thread - I may not read his book - but he has finished games AND a book now. Power to him.
I was thinking about your bedroom coder jibe whilst on a run this afternoon - albeit only briefly - wasn't too long before the excesses of christmas changed my focus:
he's just a bedroom coder who's life can't be that special.
thats a bit harsh. Think you'll find there might be one or two bedroom coders on these forums... I'm a dining room coder myself these days - and your point was?
@Andy:
I'm not into the stuff he makes, but the guy has designed, programmed and made assets for more than 15 games, which should earn him atleast a little bit of respect, particularly considering that most people here, myself included, couldn't finish a game if their life depended on it.
I agree. Admit I've not tried any of his games - but he has finsihed a few. And on thread - I may not read his book - but he has finished games AND a book now. Power to him.
Perfect, my story is in the bag!!
Yes, and its a Poundland bag. :D @Gfk - *smiles*. Hmm, I'd like to program my frying pan too cook my pancakes more evenly. Might take a while
Yes, and its a Poundland bag. :D
Tis, with a ripped handle too! ;)
Dabz
lol, just noticed the 5* 'Most Helpful Customer Reviews' review:-
The bad news is that this book has precious little to do with making games. The good news is that it doesn't matter because it's a nice piece of work in its own right! It's all about destiny and what it takes to fulfill your ambitions - whatever they may be.
It's got the best beginning AND the best ending of any autobiography I've ever read. It starts with him rejecting women, friends, and family to dedicate himself to his craft, and ends with him thawing to the idea of living a normal life after becoming friends with some girl (who, ironically, he meets online?!). It's a wonderfully circular theme that reminds you that this is no ordinary autobiography. The last chapter alone is a work of literary genius - right down to the pun of the title!
What happens along the way is just as interesting, as we're treated to a brutally honest account of how he came to be the man that he is - for better or worse. The book's 30 chapters move along swiftly with just a few pages for each (and plenty of accompanying pics), but it's a deliberate thing that breaks it down into nice segments. You'll be saying "just one more chapter" until the very end!
At the end of the day, this is classic MDickie - putting himself on the line in the name of entertainment. You either get it or you don't. If you don't, you'll miss out on the most human story that game development has to tell.
Written by King Com...
Only thing, Mat Dickies Amazon nickname is... wait for it... wait... kingcom2008!
Bless...
Dabz
The bad news is that this book has precious little to do with making games. The good news is that it doesn't matter because it's a nice piece of work in its own right! It's all about destiny and what it takes to fulfill your ambitions - whatever they may be.
It's got the best beginning AND the best ending of any autobiography I've ever read. It starts with him rejecting women, friends, and family to dedicate himself to his craft, and ends with him thawing to the idea of living a normal life after becoming friends with some girl (who, ironically, he meets online?!). It's a wonderfully circular theme that reminds you that this is no ordinary autobiography. The last chapter alone is a work of literary genius - right down to the pun of the title!
What happens along the way is just as interesting, as we're treated to a brutally honest account of how he came to be the man that he is - for better or worse. The book's 30 chapters move along swiftly with just a few pages for each (and plenty of accompanying pics), but it's a deliberate thing that breaks it down into nice segments. You'll be saying "just one more chapter" until the very end!
At the end of the day, this is classic MDickie - putting himself on the line in the name of entertainment. You either get it or you don't. If you don't, you'll miss out on the most human story that game development has to tell.
Written by King Com...
Only thing, Mat Dickies Amazon nickname is... wait for it... wait... kingcom2008!
Bless...
Dabz
Poundland? you must be a right hoarder - everyone knows the 99p shop has been the place to go these days - look after the pennies and all...
Written by King Com...
Only thing, Mat Dickies Amazon nickname is... wait for it... wait... kingcom2008!
Even without the detective work, that was kinda obvious.Only thing, Mat Dickies Amazon nickname is... wait for it... wait... kingcom2008!
Pretending to be somebody else to review your own product is slightly pathetic.
The bad news is that this book has precious little to do with making games.
.. the most human story that game development has to tell.
So, to summarize, its a game development story that has precious little to do with making games, now I'm really confused !!
@blitzplotter
thats a bit harsh. Think you'll find there might be one or two bedroom coders on these forums... I'm a dining room coder myself these days - and your point was?
There is no point really and I wasn't being harsh on bedroom coders etc, im a living room coder myself, just alot of us don't really have anything so amazing in our lives to write a book about that is different from the rest of the general public.
Imho, MDickie is just your regular run of the mill guy who is simply trying to cash in.
thats a bit harsh. Think you'll find there might be one or two bedroom coders on these forums... I'm a dining room coder myself these days - and your point was?
There is no point really and I wasn't being harsh on bedroom coders etc, im a living room coder myself, just alot of us don't really have anything so amazing in our lives to write a book about that is different from the rest of the general public.
Imho, MDickie is just your regular run of the mill guy who is simply trying to cash in.