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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Matthew Wilson
Music games to make return

Music games to make return

Matthew Wilson April 15, 2015

“Something touched me deep inside the day the music died,” wrote musician Don McLean in the song “American Pie,” but those words easily describe the state of the music game genre.Like the musicians...

Linda Creek continues ed through LifeTrack

Linda Creek continues ed through LifeTrack

Matthew Wilson April 13, 2015

Linda Creek was planning to pursue a degree in special education at The University of Alabama when she was forced to drop out, get a job and take care of her family. Her mother was sick, 
and her father,...

"Mortal Kombat X" to release next week

“Mortal Kombat X” to release next week

Matthew Wilson April 8, 2015

If there is one video game series steeped in controversy since its inception, it’s the “Mortal Kombat” franchise. “Mortal Kombat” was to the 1990s what “Grand Theft Auto” was to the 2000s....

The Hunt Is On: Tuscaloosa woman founds Bigfoot group

The Hunt Is On: Tuscaloosa woman founds Bigfoot group

Matthew Wilson April 6, 2015

Tuscaloosa native Mary Katherine Scruggs said her first encounter with the creature she calls Bigfoot occurred on a warm spring night in 2013. Scruggs’ family lived in a secluded area in northwest Tuscaloosa,...

One-act plays to debut Monday

Matthew Wilson April 6, 2015

Theater has changed over the years. It’s grown from small, nomadic groups of performers traveling from town to town to sold-out shows. "UA Writes: Student-Written One Acts" revisits this smaller, more...

Game delays hurt Wii U schedule

Game delays hurt Wii U schedule

Matthew Wilson April 1, 2015

In the world of video games, delays aren’t uncommon. Some of the games that were supposed to come out in 2015 have been delayed, including “Uncharted 4.” A delay often lends more time to the developer...

'Argyle' statue on Woods Quad replaced

'Argyle' statue on Woods Quad replaced

Matthew Wilson March 30, 2015

Students walking through Woods Quad this month may be surprised by the absence of the long-standing sculpture, “Argyle.” In its place is a new piece from creator Craig Wedderspoon, “Vessel 
Series...

'Bloodborne' provides limited story, more gameplay

'Bloodborne' provides limited story, more gameplay

Matthew Wilson March 25, 2015

In the ruined city of Yharnam, death lurks on every corner. Travelling the labyrinth-like streets isn’t for the faint of heart or for those who lack patience.Having been released Tuesday, the action...

Circle K hosts Pancake Day to fund projects

Circle K hosts Pancake Day to fund projects

Matthew Wilson March 24, 2015

Two years ago, Eric Powers and Weston Goode decided they wanted to make a difference in the Tuscaloosa community. They subsequently joined Circle K International, where they now serve as president and...

Sony and Microsoft branch into television on Playstation

Sony and Microsoft branch into television on Playstation

Matthew Wilson March 11, 2015

The popularity of comic-based properties, particularly those revolving around superheroes, is on the rise. With both Marvel and DC planning large, branching universes, superheroes are a hot commodity right...

Virtual reality video games to change games interactions

Virtual reality video games to change games interactions

Matthew Wilson March 4, 2015

Sitting on a command deck of a starship, you stare out into the vastness of space. Stars twinkle far off as asteroids zip by, leaving behind a trail of stardust. Distant planets glimmer nearby. Look down...

Episodic gaming growing in stature

Episodic gaming growing in stature

Matthew Wilson March 1, 2015

Released Tuesday, “Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Episode 1” presents a new experiment for the long-running survival horror series. Rather than release the complete game, “Revelations 2” will be...

Decline of local multiplayer a loss for shared video game experiences

Decline of local multiplayer a loss for shared video game experiences

Matthew Wilson February 23, 2015

By Matthew WilsonOne of the first video games invented was “Pong,” a ping-pong simulator where two players played in a head-to-head competition. From the very beginning, video games not only had a...

The Box provides students with campus storytelling opportunities

The Box provides students with campus storytelling opportunities

Matthew Wilson February 23, 2015

Traveling across campus, the Box has been a source of curiosity and mystery for UA students. Stepping inside the Box, a retrofitted photo booth, students are greeted with a recorder and a place to share...

Shelton to host local author signing

Shelton to host local author signing

Matthew Wilson February 16, 2015

Authors face different struggles and hurdles on the way to fulfilling their dreams for their books. Whether the topic is current issues, religious principles or their relationships, the authors all want...

Multiplayer game 'Evolve' blurs lines between predator and prey

Multiplayer game 'Evolve' blurs lines between predator and prey

Matthew Wilson February 16, 2015

Four relentless hunters pursue you as you leap across cliffs and become stricken with panic. A harpoon pins you to the ground and as you struggle to free yourself, a volley of electricity strikes you....

Tom Heller to speak about producing, making movies

Tom Heller to speak about producing, making movies

Matthew Wilson February 11, 2015

Major film producer Tom Heller will introduce his film, “Mud,” at the Bama Theatre as part of the Black Warrior Film Festival. Heller has worked on numerous films in his career including “127 Hours,”...

"Dying Light" zombie game excels in gameplay, lacks in story structure

“Dying Light” zombie game excels in gameplay, lacks in story structure

Matthew Wilson February 9, 2015

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light,” wrote Dylan Thomas in his famous poem “Do not go gentle into that good night,” but these words could easily describe Techland’s open-world zombie...

Groff weathers war, Broadway on way to UA

Groff weathers war, Broadway on way to UA

Matthew Wilson January 26, 2015

Steve Groff, a psychology professor at the University, is a hard man to peg down. Groff has served in the military as an army psychologist and performed on Broadway. Now he splits his time between teaching...

Video game industry lacks interconnected superhero universe

Video game industry lacks interconnected superhero universe

Matthew Wilson January 25, 2015

Superheroes are more popular now than they’ve ever been. They’ve invaded both cinemas and televisions with movies like “The Avengers” and television shows like “Arrow.” Next year alone, eight...

Halo 5 release on game horizon

Halo 5 release on game horizon

Matthew Wilson January 13, 2015

In the distant future of the 26th century, cybernetically enhanced soldiers called Spartans battle against an alien race, the Covenant, for control of an artificial ring-shaped world. Such is the premise...

Improbable Fictions hosts stage reading of 'The Tempest'

Improbable Fictions hosts stage reading of 'The Tempest'

Matthew Wilson January 12, 2015

In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” a defunct Duke of Milan conjures a massive storm and mighty plot to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful position. The classic play will be performed as a...

UA Quiz Bowl team participates in out-of-state tournaments

Matthew Wilson January 6, 2015

By Matthew Wilson | Contributing WriterOn any given week, The University of Alabama Quiz Bowl Club will be busy practicing, preparing for tournaments or going out to dinner. About 15 students practice...

Fighting should not be taken away in hockey

Fighting should not be taken away in hockey

Matthew Speakman November 17, 2014

In most sports, unsportsmanlike conduct and altercations are frowned upon. They draw penalties and can even cause suspension. However, hockey throws this rule out the window. People celebrate hockey’s...

Ubisoft brings new social racing game to Tuscaloosa

Matthew Wilson November 4, 2014

In anticipation of the upcoming Alabama vs. LSU game, video game developer Ubisoft, in partnership with marketing agency Creation, will be bringing their soon to be released racing game “The Crew”...

New 'Call of Duty' hopes to refresh series

Matthew Wilson November 3, 2014

By Matthew Wilson Power changes everything. This is the message game developer Sledgehammer Games and publisher Activision want players to believe. “Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,” the 11th installment...

Shelton State hosts BEST Robotics Competition

Matthew Wilson November 2, 2014

The cheers and yells could be heard from outside Shelton State Community College’s gymnasium. The gym bleachers were packed with people wearing school colors waving pompoms as a meerkat mascot danced...

Alabama to host championship

Alabama to host championship

Matthew Wilson October 28, 2014

Come Friday morning, Hannah Waggoner will be listening to a mixture of One Republic, Coldplay and rap music. Waggoner listens to music before a big race to calm herself and help focus. With the added pressure...

Cellhire offers clients global communication

Cellhire offers clients global communication

Matthew Wilson October 28, 2014

Every year millions of Americans will travel overseas for business, vacation or visiting family. As more and more people travel, staying connected abroad has become important. Cellhire, an international...

Student's film pitch wins 1st place in contest

Student's film pitch wins 1st place in contest

Matthew Wilson October 26, 2014

Standing in front of a crowd of 60 people and a panel of judges, Danny Ryan had to pitch his idea for a film about a mixed martial artist who comes out as gay. Ryan’s pitch won first place against 10...

Sculptors raise money for hospital

Sculptors raise money for hospital

Matthew Wilson October 19, 2014

Sitting in his bay surrounded by scraps of plaster, wax and wood, Craig Wedderspoon works with students on their next big project. The large molds for bronze busts waiting to be cast are works in progress,...

Barnes & Noble to host Scott Bomar book signing

Barnes & Noble to host Scott Bomar book signing

Matthew Wilson October 12, 2014

The melody of electric guitars and the southern twang of Lynyrd Skynyrd filled young Scott B. Bomar’s room when he was a child trying to learn guitar in the late ‘80s. Since then, the Nashville native’s...

At season start, swim team focused on SECs

At season start, swim team focused on SECs

Matthew Wilson October 8, 2014

On most mornings, Emily Facchine wakes up at 5:30 a.m., gets ready and heads to the Aquatic Center for swimming practice. Facchine, who started swimming at the age of 5, has been going to swim practices...

'Shadow of Mordor' offers new 'Lord of the Rings' gaming experience

'Shadow of Mordor' offers new 'Lord of the Rings' gaming experience

Matthew Wilson October 5, 2014

Standing among the dilapidated ruins of a fort, Talion draws a sword and sneaks forward, stalking his prey. A band of orcs, J. R. R. Tolkien’s villains, sit around a fire discussing orc life. Talion...

Exchange student talks UA experience

Exchange student talks UA experience

Matthew Wilson October 1, 2014

Liam Clarke is an Australian exchange student spending his fall semester at The University of Alabama. Clarke, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering and construction, is an active member in campus...

Students create plans for potential investors

Matthew Wilson September 30, 2014

While many students grab a bite to eat and chat with friends in the Ferguson Center, Michael Royko works on a business plan for potential investors. Royko, a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, is...

The future is a breeding ground for new science and technologies

Matthew Wilson September 22, 2014

The future and technology are almost interchangeable terms. When philosophers and writers of the 20th century imagined the future, they imagined flying cars, chrome buildings and the ability to communicate...

Cross Country preps for first full meet

Cross Country preps for first full meet

Matthew Wilson September 14, 2014

Coming off a win over Samford, the University of Alabama cross country team will face off against East Carolina and Marshall at the Asheville Carnival on Sept. 23. The Crimson Tide defeated Samford last...

Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson not held above the law

Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson not held above the law

Matthew Wilson September 14, 2014

The NFL has been a topic of recent controversy among the general public. Several of its star players – Baltimore Ravens’ running back Ray Rice and Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson,...

Bama Bloggers Abroad offers international voice

Bama Bloggers Abroad offers international voice

Matthew Wilson September 14, 2014

In Bilboa, Spain, the narrow cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, old churches and people drinking wine. Celena Novick stands out among a crowd. Novick, a senior majoring in Spanish, is one of 29...

Tide begins season with victory

Tide begins season with victory

Matthew Wilson September 7, 2014

The Aquatic Center was filled with loud cheers Friday, as the swimming and diving team earned a win over Delta State University. The women swept the competition with a score of 216-79, and the men picked...

Swimmers and divers to begin season

Swimmers and divers to begin season

Matthew Wilson September 7, 2014

The University of Alabama swimming and diving team will have to contend without All-American and SEC 200 breaststroke champion Anton McKee when it faces off against Delta State on Friday. McKee broke his...

Chinese international student discusses life

Chinese international student discusses life

Matthew Wilson September 6, 2014

Jia Guo is a 25-year-old international student from China pursuing a doctoral degree in operations management. He came to the University in August. For him, America represents opportunity and the future....

'Destiny' release revives first-person genre

Matthew Wilson September 1, 2014

Set to be released Tuesday, “Destiny,” by developer Bungie, hopes to be a game changer among the stagnant first-person genre. A first-person shooter with massive multiplayer elements, “Destiny”...

Professional sports needed now more than ever in turbulent times

Professional sports needed now more than ever in turbulent times

Matthew Wilson September 1, 2014

Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson’s announcement that he is selling his controlling interest in the team over a racially-charged email comes at a timely moment in our nation’s history. With riots...

Men's Ultimate team eyes postseason run

Men's Ultimate team eyes postseason run

Matthew Wilson September 1, 2014

On a typical night of an Alabama summer, about 70 college-aged men gather on the Rec Fields to practice. The men’s Ultimate Frisbee team is beginning its season with dreams of nationals. “We had a...

Surprises rare in NBA playoffs

Matthew Wilson April 20, 2014

Now that March Madness is over, the attention turns to the NBA playoffs, which kicked off over the weekend. But whereas March Madness was a series of upsets and surprises, it seems that the NBA playoffs...

Track and field team earns 14 wins in meet

Matthew Wilson April 13, 2014

Coming off 18 wins in the Crimson Invitational, The University of Alabama track and field team recorded 14 wins against various teams from the state of Mississippi Friday night in the first annual Border...

‘Mercenary Kings’ successfully mixes best of both worlds

Matthew Wilson April 9, 2014

Don’t let its visuals fool you. “Mercenary Kings” by Tribute Games is a hard game to master. A throwback to the side-scrolling video games of the industry’s past, “Mercenary Kings” owes a...

NCAA, athletes must compromise on football unions

Matthew Wilson April 8, 2014

Last month, talk of student athletes unionizing swept across the media. A National Labor Relations Board director ruled that college football players at Northwestern could form unions. If it stands, such...

Newest Sucker Punch release ‘Infamous’ has future potential

Matthew Wilson April 2, 2014

Delsin Rowe was an average rebellious teenager until he learned he had the ability to absorb powers from other conduits, or people with superpowers. Labelled a bio terrorist by the DUP, a military group...

‘Titanfall’ proves exhilirating for Xbox One

Matthew Wilson March 19, 2014

Bullets rip through the air as the player moves toward a full-scale assault. The army of six pilots and many expendable grunts charge to take out the enemy. Dodging shots from the right, the player takes...

NFL needs stricter policies concerning drunk driving arrests

Matthew Wilson March 17, 2014

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested early Monday morning on charges of operating a vehicle while impaired and possession of a controlled substance. It is hard to say what this means...

Campus club provides place to practice, learn skill of juggling

Matthew Wilson March 16, 2014

Ingram Crosson has devoted the last 15 years of his life to juggling. The president of the Crimson Jugglers, an organization on The University of Alabama campus, he teaches others the art of juggling....

Alabama to send 10 athletes to NCAA Indoor Championships

Matthew Wilson March 11, 2014

After three wins at the SEC indoor Championships, the University of Alabama track and field team is gearing up for the NCAA Indoor Championships on Friday in Albuquerque, N.M. Senior Diondre Batson won...

Remembering Lions owner William Ford

Matthew Wilson March 11, 2014

William Clay Ford Sr., owner of the Detroit Lions, passed away Sunday at the age of 88. For more than 50 years, Ford hoped that his team might take home the Super Bowl win, but unfortunately, that is a...

Rowing team to face Michigan State

Matthew Wilson March 6, 2014

After an offseason hiatus, the University of Alabama rowing team will kick off its spring season with a scrimmage against Michigan State on Saturday. It is by chance, however, that the scrimmage against...

Modern games can lose uniting factor for families, friends

Matthew Wilson March 6, 2014

Video games have made leaps and bounds technologically from their ’80s arcade origins, but often the human element is lost among conversations about graphics, rivalries and online functions. It is important...

Tide prepares for Mississippi State

Matthew Wilson February 26, 2014

Coming off two wins against Auburn and Princeton, Alabama men’s tennis coach George Husack said the Crimson Tide benefited from from the wins as it prepares for its match at Mississippi State on Friday....

First openly gay athletes should be judged on performance

Matthew Wilson February 24, 2014

Jason Collins, NBA center, made the rounds on sports news outlets Saturday for signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets. What made this signing so noticeable is that Collins will be the first openly...

Alumni create politician information application

Matthew Wilson February 19, 2014

Keeping track and remaining up to date in politics can be a time-consuming and full-time job, even for politicians. There are hundreds of politicians in Washington, D.C., from all over the country that...

Zombie game relies on choices

Matthew Wilson February 19, 2014

You’re walking through the forest when you come across two teenagers and their band teacher. The teacher screams in pain, holding his leg that is caught in a bear trap. You calmly assess the situation....

Radio show offers look at mental health: ‘Brain Matters’ airs casual conversations on stress, depression

Matthew Wilson February 17, 2014

BJ Guenther chose her career in psychology because she excelled at it in school and found it fascinating. It wasn’t until later she learned the difference she could make in people’s lives. In graduate...

Quality, creativity of video games suffer from forced annual editions

Matthew Wilson February 17, 2014

Activision recently announced that new developer Sledgehammer would develop this year’s annual installment in the “Call of Duty” series. Activision has long been criticized by fans for its business...

NBA needs to get back to basics with dunk contest

Matthew Wilson February 17, 2014

Saturday night, John Wall, the Washington Wizards point guard, took home the coveted prize of All-Star in Saturday’s dunk contest. On his first attempt, Wall effortlessly grabbed the ball from the outstretched...

Olympic gold medal winner returns focus to original purpose

Matthew Wilson February 10, 2014

Despite the news of the terrible conditions coming out of Sochi, Russia, that has filled news outlets all week, Sage Kotsenburg drew coverage back to what was supposed to be the main point of the Winter...

Students showcase filmmaking skills at MovieFest

Matthew Wilson February 10, 2014

The 2014 Campus MovieFest finale filled the Ferguson Center Theater Friday as students, faculty and families filed in to watch the top student films produced during the annual competition. Out of 40 films,...

‘Outlast’ provides dark, suspense-filled gaming experience

Matthew Wilson February 6, 2014

The car drifts down the road in the dark. A large facility, Mount Massive Mental Asylum, looms in the distance, growing larger as the car approaches it. Going through the entrance, the gates lock behind...

Xbox One lives up to hype, competes with Playstation 4

Matthew Wilson January 13, 2014

The Xbox One launched on Nov. 22, shortly before the Thanksgiving holidays, giving the Playstation 4 some much needed competition. Launching a week after the PS4, the Xbox One was playing catchup but after...

Playstation 4 kicks off the next generation of consoles

Matthew Wilson November 21, 2013

The Playstation 4 was released on Friday, selling one million units in the first day and kicking off the next generation of consoles. Competing against the upcoming Xbox One and the growing mobile and...

Booklet promotes balance

Matthew Wilson November 21, 2013

Creighton University graduate Robert Berry was a straight-A student in college. But despite his lack of experience with low grade point averages, Berry decided to write “The Slacker’s Guide to Undergrad”...

Professional athletes should be role models, not bullies

Matthew Wilson November 18, 2013

Bullying has always been a part of human society and culture. Television and film popularized the stereotypical nerd and its archenemy, the dimwitted vindictive jock. Bullying, like its conventional...

Today’s gaming consoles changed industry

Matthew Wilson November 14, 2013

The Playstation 4 will be released Friday, followed by the Xbox One Nov. 22, ushering in the next generation of video game consoles and officially making this generation of consoles obsolete. It’s time...

New formats may compromise longevity

Matthew Wilson November 7, 2013

The rise of the internet and connectivity over the past decade has fundamentally changed the way consumers absorb and acquire video games. The 1980s were a time of eight- and 16-bit side scrollers, arcades...

UA rowing team prepares for Head of the Hooch

Matthew Wilson October 28, 2013

The University of Alabama rowing team, led by coach Larry Davis, will compete in the Head of The Hooch regatta in Chattanooga, Tenn., Saturday and Sunday. The Crimson Tide will face various opponents,...

University students, faculty team up to produce zombie comedy

Matthew Wilson October 28, 2013

As Halloween approaches, the season of the zombie is in full swing, spreading throughout popular culture like an outbreak. The University of Alabama’s telecommunication and film department will soon...

Indie developers revive horror

Matthew Wilson October 23, 2013

As Halloween draws ever nearer, people prepare for the holiday with scares and frights. Television channels play daily movies designed for cheap thrills. “The Walking Dead” is back in full swing after...

Washington Redskins’ name causing debate

Matthew Wilson October 13, 2013

The NFL’s Washington Redskins have recently been in the news over whether or not the team should change its name. The debate has supporters on both sides seeking validation. Native Americans view the...

Gaming industry continues to innovate experience

Matthew Wilson October 2, 2013

The video game industry continues to evolve as it approaches a new cycle. Next month, competing video game corporations Microsoft and Sony will release their next consoles, Xbox One and Playstation 4,...

Crimson Tide track and field, cross-country to compete in Paul Short Invitational

Matthew Wilson October 1, 2013

The Paul Short Invitational, held in Bethlehem, Penn., will see the University of Alabama track and field and cross country teams compete Saturday, Oct. 5. The teams, lead by head coach Dan Waters and...

Alabama Triathlete Club tests members physically and mentally

Matthew Wilson September 30, 2013

The Alabama Triathlete Club, a club sport at the University, welcomes athletes of all levels of expertise to push themselves physically and create new relationships within the club itself. Vice President...

Stop the tug of war, ask the right questions

Matthew Wilson September 24, 2013

The question of whether the NCAA should pay collegiate athletes has been a back-and-forth issue in the media for years, and universities have been caught up in scandals and allegations regarding player...

Trombone Choir to perform music from movies

Trombone Choir to perform music from movies

Matthew Wilson September 18, 2013

The Trombone Choir will take center stage in Moody Music Hall on Monday to perform songs from an array of popular movies. The Trombone Choir, composed of several music-major undergraduate and graduate...

GTA V prime example of mature game for mature audiences

Matthew Wilson September 18, 2013

In 2001, the video game series “Grand Theft Auto,” which explores the criminal underbelly of big city life, caused a media uproar with its use of violence, language and explicit content. Only three...

Trombone Choir to perform music from movies

Trombone Choir to perform music from movies

Matthew Wilson September 18, 2013

The Trombone Choir will take center stage in Moody Music Hall on Monday to perform songs from an array of popular movies. The Trombone Choir, composed of several music-major undergraduate and graduate...

GTA V prime example of mature game for mature audiences

Matthew Wilson September 18, 2013

In 2001, the video game series “Grand Theft Auto,” which explores the criminal underbelly of big city life, caused a media uproar with its use of violence, language and explicit content. Only three...