We are both thrilled to have been nominated by fellow bloggers (thanks to both Cary at recollectionsofplay and Flo from teawithflo). Even if we’re a bit slow showing it. It’s a great opportunity for you to learn a bit more about us outside our normal columns, and to spread the love to some other deserving blogs.

Here are the rules:
a) Use the award logo in a post and/or on your blog
b) Include a link back to whoever nominated you
c) Offer 10 pieces of random information about you
d) Nominate ten other bloggers who “positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.”
e) Let your nominees know about their much deserved award

Well, there are two of us, so we’re doing a bit of bonus on the 10 facts side: 5 from Dyl, 5 from Dust, and then 5 from the both of us. We’ll try to stick to game-relevant info (not completely random, I know, but we like to stay on topic… most of the time).

Des Facts:

1) As a fantasy role-playing enthusiast, I always strive to be some kind of red mage/bard/mimic hybrid that is good at seeing different perspectives, adapting, and mixing techniques and styles to get something that is more than the sum of its parts. That, or hand me a big sword and get out of the way.

2) I love Discovery, Challenge and Narrative in games. When I can explore and learn about game mechanics by poking at them, use what I learn as pieces to a puzzle, and put together that puzzle to tell a story, I am a very happy gamer. If I can do it in a cooperative setting with friends, don’t expect me to surface for quite some time.

3) I think there’s no better way to get to know someone than to game with them (well, that and actually listening to them)

4) I want to show that Games as a medium can be enjoyed by pretty much anybody, just like books, TV or movies

5) I’m a big believer in Progress (and if you don’t see what that has to do with games, then you and I need to have a chat)

Dyl Facts:

1) My first RPG was Paladin’s Quest. I didn’t really understand what I was doing in the game, but sort of played through it based on intuition, in a silly race against my sister.

2) The game I have the most hours played on is Phantasy Star Online 2 (though I played it offline).

3) I have played and have loved many games, so if I tried to do a top 10, I fear it would change by the day. However, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time always sticks in my mind as a solid contender for my favorite game.

4) I credit DDR as being a major component in losing a lot of weight from middle school into early high school.

5) I am not really a prequel kind of person. I find it much harder to be captivated by the set up to something I have already embraced.

Both of Us:

1) Neither of us dislike a fun competitive game, but ultimately we just want everyone to have fun (whether it’s shared fun in a competition or an actual cooperative game).

2) We don’t tend to replay games without added content. The thought of going back and reminiscing on games that we enjoyed is great, but there is just so much to do and so little time; replaying a game without new added content just slides down on the priorities list.

3) We both have a tendency to consume games at a breakneck pace once we get started, and we show that level of focus in other aspects of our lives (though there’s probably a future Gamer’s Eye topic in there about the exceptions: the need to occasionally space out the consumption of games and work).

4) Gaming helped to cement at an early age just how great our parents are. Remembering playing Tank Wars together from Dad’s lap, playing Bubble Bobble with Mom, or just watching Legend of Zelda unfold on the TV, makes us both thankful to have such awesome parents who engaged with us through games (rather than using games as a substitute for engagement).

5) Even if our tastes have broadened over time, we grew up on adventures and role-playing games. Maybe this is a chicken/egg-style argument, but it really fostered our love of discovery and learning, before we had the maturity to realize that’s what education is supposed to be about.

And nominations: (We’re a little bit late to the party here, so some of these are lesser known or still finding their legs, but we think that’s all the more reason to give them a chance)

heroineoftime – Fun to read, nerdy, engaging writing, with a great eye for cultural significance.

lostworldsdesign – Jumps into specific game design elements similar to Dust’s writing, but with an eye towards his very own tabletop RPG (which makes for a great read!)

glimpseoftheother – An endearing train-of-thought writing style, and always happy to engage in conversation.

angrygaijin – We just love the tone he sets forward in his ‘about’ page. We’re all about positivity and he is taking that and channeling it into a goal of cultural diversity.

focusedquality – The awesome banner of stoic indie champions sets the tone for this blog. Read this piece, and you’ll start to understand why we feel ‘inspired’ (perhaps not the first time these points have been made, but liberating to read anyways).

anygamegood – Well thought out pieces that make you consider different elements in the game industry. A must for tabletop game enthusiasts, as they know what they’re talking about and clearly love the topic to death!

classicalgaming – Great video game music blog (which we find surprisingly rare besides fan-blogs). Does a solid bit of research to nicely combines the context of the music with his personal interpretations given his music background.

battlerunes – A pretty vocal supporter of advancing practical game design through discussion. He presents his designs and ideas in a thorough and thoughtful manner.

girlandhercontroller – Easy to read opinions on gaming related stuff. Pretty fresh to the blogosphere, and it’s great to support the new ones with a fun voice. Plus she quotes The World Ends With You!

fistfulofwits – More gaming insights with a focus on story and stories in games (which are always welcome).

And that’s it. Go check them out. =)

-Des & Dyl