So you’ve had all the family togetherness, awkward dates, spoiled sports stars and overrated high-brow writing you can take this weekend? We’ve compiled The Favs, some of the best connected entertainment stories from this past week. It’s all that you need to feed for intellectual growth — short of going back to work tomorrow morning. Some of it is original reporting, and some of it is the work of others.

 

[divider] Gaming [/divider]

Kickstarter, how independent video games get funding

I won’t pretend to completely understand the siren call of Kickstarter, the social network that allows users to fund other user’s pet projects and business endeavors based on text and video pitches. Don’t get me wrong. I’m for allowing people to live their dream, but the idea of giving someone money without any assurances that I’ll see any results from the project I’m “investing in” just makes me nervous.

However, there is no denying that Kickstarter has revolutionized the world of video games in ways we may have not thought possible a few years ago. Xbox MVP and head of Unscripted360, Daylon Furlough takes a look at how Kickstarter has jump started the indie game revolution. Kickstarter: The Driving Force Behind New Indie Video Games

 

Should you buy an Xbox One or PlayStation 4 on launch day?

I’ve only been through two large-scale gaming console launches that I can remember, and that tally includes the quickly approaching launches of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. If I can be allowed to take an on-high look at the gaming landscape, it seems to me that there is always that voice quietly telling users to think critically about dropping a large chunk of their disposal income on something that barely has any new titles. Mike Futter’s piece at GameInformer is such a whisper, and while I think he’s forgetting that these consoles aren’t just about gaming, he at least tries to tamper the expectations of users who are expecting amazing gaming experiences the moment they take home either next-generation console next month. Opinion: Next-Gen Is A Game Day Decision

 

[divider] Windows & Devices [/divider]

Come on in, the Surface Pro 2 is fine.

We haven’t yet had the opportunity to play around with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 tablet, but believe me when I say its not from a lack of wanting to. Users considering picking up Microsoft’s tablet/laptop should checkout the in-depth review of the device at the WinSuperSite. Surface Pro 2 Review

 

Have any good reads of your own? Drop them in the comments to share with everyone.

 

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