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Active Support

Diversity is a topic we continue to talk around – yes, we have seen some change – with the advent of movements that hope to bring that conversation to the consumer, as well as turn it inward to the developers, writers, gamers and the Game Industry at large. 

This is not a post debating whether or not diversity is necessary – I’m writing this under the assumption that most readers are aware of the benefits of being inclusive as well as acknowledging that diversity does not mean “insert black woman or man here’.

With that out-of-the-way – I do feel like there needs to be a shift in conversation. We’ve started to instigate change, but now that we have diversity, what do we do with it?

Continue reading “Active Support” →

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Thumbstick Fave: Layla and Shemar’s Playhouse

What is Layla and Shemar’s Playhouse?

Layla and Shemar are the next generation of Let’s Players. This channel was created by their Aunt Xmiramira who also creates funny let’s play videos, Sim content and is the creator of The Black Simmer forum. These little cuties have stolen my heart and they are HILARIOUS. I am extremely happy to see game let’s play videos for kids BY kids. As soon as Squish is old enough to understand and watch let’s play videos, he will be watching this channel.

I truly adored watching this sibling duo interact with each other during their minecraft game-play. There was one scene were Layla was roaming through a dark cave, scared. Shemar was right by his sister’s side saying “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” TOO MUCH CUTE. Then there was another scene where Layla was running away from some invader. Right before she made her great escape, she said “Bye, Felicia. I’m flying. See you when I see you.” BURY ME A G BECAUSE I AM DONE. If you have little ones who are interested in watching Let’s Play videos, then have them checkout Layla and Shemar.

The kiddies definitely need love, too. If you know of any other gaming channels that feature children of color, then shout them out in the comment section.

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Our Guest Writer is none other than Thumbstick Mafia’s Co-founder Sharkyshood. You can find her on her website, twitter or whenever she blesses us on stream or YT.
About the Author
Sharkyshood
Sharky On Twitter

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#TMPOD S2E3 – Diversify Your Platforms #2 + Twitch Affiliate Program

Diversify Your Platforms + Twitch Affliate Program

#TMPOD is byke and we’re finishing off our Diversify your Platforms mini series. If you didn’t catch part 1 of this series, then make sure you listen here.  In Episode 2 we covered Twitch, Youtube Gaming, Beam and Facebook Live. This episode we talk a bit about a few more options for you; Ustream, Hitbox, YouNow and MobCrush.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Google Play | Stitcher | RSS

Continue reading “#TMPOD S2E3 – Diversify Your Platforms #2 + Twitch Affiliate Program” →

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#TMPOD S2E2 – Diversify your Platforms

#TMPOD S2 E2

Sharkyshood and Seeker here with a new mini series: Diversify Your Platforms. We’re assuming you listened to S2E1 All About Your Coins – We continue our mission to get your right by breaking down all of the options you have as a Broadcaster/Streamer/Content Creator.

In this episode, we cover the four major platforms: Twitch, YT Gaming, Beam and FB Live. We break down their main features, partnership options and give you a bit of insight into the respective communities function.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: iTunes | Android | Google Play | Stitcher | RSS

Continue reading “#TMPOD S2E2 – Diversify your Platforms” →

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Cooperation Makes It Happen: How The Sims Can Fix Their Representation Issue

Introduction.

The Sims and Me 

Original The Sims game cover
By Source, Fair use, Wikipedia

The Sims have been a staple in my gaming gallery for about 17 years now.

Wow, 17 years. Which means my gaming experience with the Sims is about to reach the status of adulthood. When I first started, I assumed the possibilities were endless when it came to game play. I would spend hours on the base game and then Maxis started to release expansion packs and now my Sims could go on vacations, dates, become a superstar, have pets and so much more. Fast forward to the announcement of Sims 2 and I was giddy with excitement from simply thinking about the new adventures my Sims would take on. Little did I know the Sims team would bring us all the way back to base game features.

My Sims who were once able to own pets, throw parties, and own a business are now back to chillin’ in the house and working. The very same thing happened with Sims 3 and now with the most current title, Sims 4. With each new release of the Sims series, we were right back at square one and needed to buy expansions packs just so we could have features we had in the previous series. I’m sure you can see how that can get old if you have been a veteran player and playing the game since the original.

In this article, I will discuss the Sims playing experience and how I envision a system that will benefit EA, custom content/mod creators and Simmers. Please note, this is part one of the series, stay tuned for part two.

Continue reading “Cooperation Makes It Happen: How The Sims Can Fix Their Representation Issue” →

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#TMPOD: S2E1 – All about YOUR coins!

TMPods2

#TMPod is back for Season 2! We’ve definitely missed ya’ll so  we kick off the first episode by discussing Content Creation and Revenue Sharing because what better way to show we love you by helping you get your coins together?

The back end game is changing and Sharkyshood the prophet has us covered with the break down as usual.

We discuss the changing rules for the industry for content creators and discuss it from the developer’s point of view with Persona 5’s press release and YouTube’s continued updates and changes in their effort to work with sponsors and continue to grow their overall brand and company and how it impacts content creators.

#TMPod tag is still the official hashtag for the show! If you have comments, questions, would like to suggest a guest or a topic – please use the hashtag so we can keep track or you can email us: thethumbstickmafia@gmail.com

P.S. As promised – Sharkyshood Living Single Intro

Sharkyshood: Twitter | Twitch |Tumblr
Seeker: Twitter | Twitch | Site

Listen to Episode Here

Don’t forget to Subscribe!  iTunes | Android | RSS

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Creating a Safe Space for Black Girl Gamers: Black Girl Gamers Pax East Panel

Black Girl Gamers (BGG) is presenting a panel on Creating a Safe Space for Black Girl Gamers  at Pax East and we’re happy to announce that we’ve been asked to be a part of this awesome discussion!

Want to support us but won’t be at Pax East?! Use our hashtag: #BGGatPax and if you’ve got it – throw some love our way in the form of coins.

BGG Patreon
Seeker/Anastasia 

Watch this space for more details soon!

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Thumbstick Mafia Podcast: Ep 8 – Thumbstick Holiday

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukkuh, Happy Winter Solstice. Hope we covered everyone. Happy day off to the folks not celebrating. 

Sharky and I are back to tell you that this is our final episode of the season.  Don’t kill us. Before we wrapped, we wanted to help get you ready for the Holidays with a few black businesses and artists you that we love, that we’re getting gifts from.  We discuss why it’s important to buy black and what we’re thankful for this year.

Our Round Table this week :
Sharkyshood: Twitter | Twitch |Tumblr
Seeker: Twitter | Twitch | Tumblr

Listen to the Episode here

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

 

Show Notes: Here’s our Retailer List.
Bevel: Specializes in Men’s grooming and skincare. You can find them on twitter: @bevel

Pear Nova: Amazing nail polish colors that change every season.  You can find them on twitter: @pearnova

Aminah Abdul Jililih:  Beautiful, shoes that make a statement. Perfect for your stand out occasions and stuntin’ on folks. You can find them on twitter: @aminahjililih

Haute Butch: Tom Boy Style. Everything we love about a masculine cut without the boxy lines and unflattering pairings.

Ambiance Couture: Stylish, one of a kind bowties. Comes in a lovely wood box – perfect for gift giving. Check them out!

Want Les Essentiels: High end leather totes, luggage, bags, shoes and accessories. A bit on the pricey side but these are classic pieces that won’t need a replacement for some time. Great investment.

Lost Queens: Accessories and Jewelry that steals the show. They have something for you regardless of if you like delicate chains or bold chunky statement pieces. Twitter: @lostqueens

Absynia Shop:  Made by hand, these one of a kind pieces are perfect for gift giving or for treating yourself. YOU DESERVE. Twitter: @absynia

Just Like Me Box: Book subscription service for the young readers in your life. Just Like Me focuses on books from diverse authors with diverse stories so that the child in your life can see themselves reflected in a positive way. Twitter: @justlikemebox

PlaiPen: Their business is simple and adorable; kids clothes that look like they can hold up to a bit of weather with cute designs. Really wished they came in adult sizes. Twitter: @plaipen

KrissiScribbles: A multifaceted artist that makes everything from custom cards to coloring books. Her most recent collaboration is with her son. Twitter: @krissiScribbles

Kashmir VII: Accessories, jewelery, paintings, art – You naaaammmeeee it. You can find it at her store. She’s known for art with your favorite throwback, black Sitcom stars from the 90s. Twitter: @kashmirvii

We’ll throw these business on twitter and maybe even add a few more of our faves. Don’t forget to use and check the #TMPod hashtag.

Thanks for an amazing year. We’ll be back soon. ❤

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Thumbstick Mafia Podcast: Ep 6 – The Scary-i-scode

Happy Halloween!

Sharky and Seeker byke with a Scary-i-sode. We talk #RIP vine, Giphy being the Hero that Vine deserves, Bethesda not sending out game preview copies, Beam.pro streaming services being native to PC and X1 with the new Windows 10 update and finalize our horror recommendations! Special Shout Out to: Lost Queens – a dope, business that’s definitely worth your coins.

Don’t forget to send us your thoughts, questions, funny video game clips to us using the #TMPod an we’ll definitely share and shout you out!

Our Round Table this week :
Sharkyshood: Twitter | Twitch | Tumblr
Seeker: Twitter | Twitch | Tumblr

Listen to the Scary-i-sode here

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

A Special thank you to those who sent in submissions via the #TMPod hashtag. The Horror Recommendations list is already up, you can find it here: Thumbstick Mafia Halloween Movie List

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