Modern reality gives a lot of possibilities to entertain ourselves in so many ways. As software developer (or software ‘whatev’-er I am, hard to say) I live my life in front of computer. At work, at home, even when I’m out somewhere in a pub watching game on a big screen TV, I feel arithmetic logic units filling every possible space around. So why not to entertain ourselves with any kind of computer?
Humble Bundle, because this is what I wanted to touch today, is really nice idea to give out some neat games at quite low price. But this is not the point in this whole business. The main idea is to gather loads of small payments and divide between game developers, Humble Bundle staff and… charity in form of Electronic Frontier Foundation[1] and Child’s Play[2]. What you pay is up to you, as well as how you share it with possible receivers. Average circles around $5, but top donors pay in thousands! I find it quite refreshing after going to a shop or even using Steam or PSN and buying game for $50, knowing that most of it goes to publishers and traders.
One funny thing I’ve noticed, it’s like 5th Humble Bundle edition and still Linux users have the highest average, while they’re used to have everything free and open-source.
Everything looks just perfect, like speeches before election, so where’s the catch? I have no idea, maybe this is just the way. Developers have their share, publisher is also quite well paid, charity gets some serious donations and gamers can get their games (or even get the keys to register games on Steam, Desura or OnLive). You people may say: ‘Why such silly games? We want Fallout: New Vegas!”. Sure, in time, every revolution starts with small guerilla squad hidden deep in some forest.
Are you willing to try Humble Bundle? I am, for the second time now and I really regret missing the opportunity few times before. It’s worth more than just $5.
And for patient readers, as always, piece of music: Bjork – I Go Humble, so let’s go humble!
- [1] EFF is a donor-funded nonprofit and depends on your support to continue successfully defending your digital rights. ↩
- [2] Child’s Play is a charitable organization founded by the authors of the popular computer and video games-based webcomic Penny Arcade that organizes worldwide toy drives to children’s hospitals. ↩