Cyberpunk fiction depicts futuristic worlds where technology can do anything except free humanity from its nihilistic dystopia. These six visionaries have developed the genre in different mediums. It's up to you to name them all, and that's no April Fools prank.



Mark Frauenfelder

publication date: Friday, April 5, 2013

category: Internet

clue: When Billy Idol wanted to go cyberpunk, he consulted this editor of Wired and Boing Boing.

explanation: Frauenfelder is a blogger and editor primarily interested in cyberculture. He was a consultant on Billy Idol's concept album Cyberpunk. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Jordan Weisman

publication date: Thursday, April 4, 2013

category: Games

clue: His games have concerned running from shadows, dawn on Earth, and war between mechs.

explanation: Weisman's popular video games, tabletop RPGs, and tabletop miniature games have included Shadowrun, Earthdawn, and MechWarrior. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Neal Stephenson

publication date: Wednesday, April 3, 2013

category: Literature

clue: This cryptographer predicted a snowy crash for cyberculture.

explanation: Stephenson's novels include Cryptonomicon and Snow Crash. more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Andy and Lana Wachowski

publication date: Tuesday, April 2, 2013

category: Movies

clue: This brother and sister (formerly brother and brother) brought cyberpunk to massive mainstream success with The Matrix. [Both names must be guessed to be correct.]

explanation: The Wachowskis (formerly Andy and Larry) wrote and directed The Matrix and its sequels. more…

multiple: This goo was of multiple famous people. Players were required to guess all names for their answers to be correct.

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, Steve Dunn, and Scott Horowitz


William Gibson

publication date: Monday, April 1, 2013

category: Literature

clue: This neuromancer is not just a towering figure in cyberpunk and steampunk, but an accurate predictor of the Internet and our tech-driven culture.

explanation: Gibson's novel Neuromancer and other writings coined phrases like "cyberspace." more…

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, LaVonne Lemler, Samir Mehta, Chris Lemler, Richard Slominsky, Justin Woods, Matthew Preston, Denise Sawicki, Joanna Woods, Mike Rothstein, and Steve Dunn


Other Themes in Spring 2013

Do Overs

Last month's tournament was especially difficult, and many wrong answers were guessed. Here's your chance to try again: Each of these five goos was a frequent incorrect guess made for another recent goo. Go »

World War Z

Zombies may be the hottest thing in Hollywood, but you have an entirely different horde to fend off: Ten goos who have an unusual initial in common. They may come last alphabetically, but they have a prominent place in this goo season. Go »

Bang the Drum Badly

They can't all be Neil Peart or Dave Grohl. For years, rock fans have made fun of bad drummers sticking out in good bands, and these five names have all come up in discussions of rock's worst big-time drummers. Try to keep pace with them. Go »

Fashion Show

They say clothes make the man. They also made the careers of these five goos, who are some of the biggest names and most successful designers in the fashion industry. There's no need to dress up your answers; just get the names right. Go »

Celebrity Goo Drinking Game

Thirsty? Can I pour you a drink? Belly up to the bar and play the Celebrity Goo Drinking Game, where all of these famous people share their name with drinks you can order at a bar, pub, saloon, tavern, lounge, drinkery, tap room, gin joint, ale house, or watering hole. Go »

Deadly Development

Science can be hazardous to your health! These five pioneers of technology and new ways of living were too clever by half, killed by the very inventions that they hoped would better the human race (or at least further their careers). Go »

Mothers and Daughters

Some great women had a role model for their success. In honor of Mother's Day, here are ten famous mother-daughter pairs who achieved fame in the same profession. For each goo, you must guess both names to be correct. Go »

Spring 2013 Tournament

It's the eye of the tiger. It's the thrill of the fight, risin' up to the challenge of our rival. And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night, and he's watchin' us all with the eye... of the tiger. Go »

Spring 2013 Bonus Goos

This season is almost over! Before summer officially arrives on June 3, enjoy these six bonus goos that are just for fun, with no bearing on the game score. Go »