- What was the most frustrating moment or aspect of what you just played? Trying to figure out who done it.
- What was your favorite moment or aspect of what you just played? The fake poisonous glass with the fake label on it. I thought that was a good touch.
- Was there anything you wanted to do that you couldn’t? No
- If you had a magic wand to wave, and toy could change, add, or remove anything from the experience, what would it be? I would probably just add a timer so it feels more intense.
- What should be improved with the next version? I think you can add some other characters that said they saw stuff but aren’t sure to get the players heads al twisted.
- What was the games message? Never trust anyone
- Describe the game in 3 words. Fun, Interesting, Frustrating.
Evelyn: Game Tests
Don’t judge a book by its cover – Sarah’s Game
What was the most frustrating moment? I loved this game but it was sometimes frustrating getting things wrong over and over.
What was your favorite moment? Making connections with people I know.
Was there anything you wanted to do? See below
If you had magic wand to wave what would you do? See below
What should be improved in next version? I think the game worked well but there could be progressive amounts of background (facts) we learn about people. They still could be completely irrelevant to the quotes; it’s like you’re getting to know somebody but you still may not know what they are going through. Or it could make you connect to and empathize with them more. Just thoughts.
What’s the game’s message? You never truly know what somebody is going through
The game in 3 words: unique & good art
To death do us part – Tori’s Game
What was the most frustrating moment? Nothing!
What was your favorite moment? The attention to detail was so good I loved seeing the themed elements
Was there anything you wanted to do? Have part 2! I want to solve the crime!!
If you had magic wand to wave what would you do? Part 2
What should be improved in next version? I liked your thoughts on box design. Maybe for future iterations have simple instructions (it could be just a phrase). Maybe one of those yellow confidential file folders?? Love this though.
What’s the game’s message? You are the detective. The game in 3 words: wedding murder mystery
Tori’s Murder Mystery Game/Riddle
This Game was very thought out and well done. I loved it because it seemed like every character had some kind of motive whether it be small or large, which made it difficult to specify one person that did it.
There were so many props and fully written up interviews with several people that we had fun bringing to life with some role play.
Overall this was a very fun game. I especially liked the fact that we all won! Points for everyone!
Week 4 – Game for a Podcast
Concrete Genie: I chose this game from the “Games for Change” website becasue I feel like it is not the topic that I myself can necessarily say that I experinced. However, it is one that I have witnessed a lot, whether it was back when I was younger or I observe it now when I am at work since I am around a lot peopke daily. This is a serious issue whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.
Week 4 – Serious Games
Last Resort Game Review
Created by the one and only Professor Ames, this is a more intense iteration of chess. This version of chess welcomes a more aggressive, yet strategic playstyle. First, there are civilians that each player should strive to save. The civilians can be taken by either side, making the experience a fight for possession. Next, there is a nuke, which is in white’s ownership. Although white has a nuke, and may seemingly be more powerful, black’s troops are a pawn with the movement of a bishop, knight or rook. This way, black will have to put in more of a strategy with an equal opportunity for winning. The nuke can be seized by either team, making the whole experience much more chaotic. I like this chaotic feel to the game, making the typical, relaxing chess mindset irrelevant. With these new play factors incorporated, it also makes me feel smart when I figure out the system. Although I will say, the game seemed easy in resulting in a tie. The game can also feel like it can go on for a while, with black and white fighting for the civilians. The playstyle can seem very back and forth. However, there is a second version of this game, and I’d be willing to see what changes were made.
5 Serious Game Ideas:
- Cybersecurity Defense – Players take on the role of a cybersecurity analyst defending a corporation’s network from various types of cyberattacks. They must identify implement countermeasures and respond to security breaches time. The game teaches concepts like encryption, firewalls, threat detection, and incident response, with escalating levels of difficulty.
- Restaurant Tycoon – This game revolves around the hardships of working as a chef in a fancy restaurant. You are constantly pressured by the head chef and are timed to prepare certain foods. One player is the chef, while the other player is the head chef. The head chef times and tracks the amount of points the chef gets, while the chef sees how far they can get before they miss an order. This is a point-based game, which gives you the initiative to beat your previous score.
- House Crafter – A person plays as an architect, designing an effective layout to a house. The goal is to design the house in a way that can withstand multiple waves of environmental tragedies, or robberies. You can iterate and learn based off of mistakes, but you must manage funds and resources to maintain the house. The situation grows more challenging, as the house endures more catastrophic events that put dents in the building.
- Investigation Nation – The goal of this game is to pick a crime from a specific part of the world, which alters what type of crime scene you will investigate. This is a problem-solving game, where you have to discern what has happened at a crime scene. For example, a crime scene in Italy might have to do with certain factors around the area, that could affect the decision of how the crime happened. There can be clues sprinkled in the crime scene, which can additionally help you make an assumption.
- Bees Knees – As a bee, it is your job to maintain the colony and family you are a part of. You must be alert and aware of your surroundings, so you are able to increase the hive. Some bees may die, and it is your job to reduce the amount to which bees are dying, so the honey output can be maximized. As you work with other bees, you must overcome obstacles, tribulation and challenges in being a bee.
Week 4 Questions
- What learning games have you played? Can you categorize them by the theory of learning types: behaviorism, constructivism, or social nature? If you played more than one which was the most effective?
- The only learning game that I can remember was FunBrain. FunBrain was a website (still up and running but not the same) which involved solving math problems, determining shapes and patterns, as well as training your cognitive thinking. There was also a board game, and every few tiles there would be a minigame which trained your knowledge. On the other hand, the website was for kids up to 12th grade, so the difficulty could vary. I’d categorize this game with learning constructivism, based on the inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities.
- Is gamification bullshit, what is Ian Bogost’s argument, and do you agree? Where have you encountered it outside of class and what was your experience?
- Ian’s proposition is that gamification “is marketing bullshit, invented by consultants as a means to capture the wild, coveted beast that is videogames and to domesticate it for use in the grey, hopeless wasteland of big business.” I’d say that I agree to some extent, but depending on how aggressive the gamification is. For example, if gamification completely sucks the concept of productivity out of a task, turning something serious into a game, I think that it can be unnecessary. On the contrary, I feel that it could motivate people to complete a mundane task, so in some cases gamification could be fun. My only experience outside of class was probably in school, when my teacher made a prize system from earning in-class points. At the time, it was fun, as it encouraged me to engage more and earn little prizes. In this case, I think gamification can be useful.
- What is a serious game and why aren’t they chocolate covered broccoli?
- Serious games are games withstanding a purpose other than pure entertainment. Serious games combine elements of game design, technology, and educational principles to engage their players in insightful experiences. Serious games can deal with societal problems, earthly problems or awareness in a particular matter. Serious games aren’t chocolate covered broccoli, because they can still be entertaining and don’t sugar code what they are. For example, flight simulator can be a serious game, engaging the player in the educational circumstance of flying a plane. However, flight simulator is still fun, as some people want that experience of flight.
Prototype 1 – “Shipping Craze”
Set Up:
Game Boards:
Cards:
Rules For “Shipping Craze”
Week 4 – Serious Game Ideas
Climate Change Simulator
Players take on the role of global leaders tasked with managing climate change. They must balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare while dealing with natural disasters and resource scarcity. The game uses real-world data and scenarios to help players understand the complications of climate change.
Mental Health Journey
This game would simulate the challenges and strategies for coping with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Players navigate various life situations, making choices that impact their well-being. The game educates players about coping mechanisms, therapy, and self-care while emphasizing empathy for those experiencing mental health struggles.
Sustainable City Builder
Players must design and build a city with sustainability in mind. They need to balance the use of renewable energy, green spaces, waste management, and public transportation while facing challenges such as population growth, economic constraints, and climate-related events. The game teaches urban planning and environmental responsibility.
Historical Problem Solver
This game places players in different historical periods (e.g., World War II, the Industrial Revolution, Ancient Greece) and asks them to solve real-world problems or challenges from those times, such as designing a military strategy or dealing with an outbreak of disease. This teaches players about history, critical thinking, and problem-solving in historical contexts.
Crisis Management and Response
Players are put in charge of managing a crisis (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic, or economic collapse) and must make quick decisions to save lives and resources. The game would require strategic thinking, teamwork (multiplayer options), and adaptability, offering an educational perspective on emergency management, public health, and risk analysis.
Game Review Week 4
Was it fun? Yes, to an extent.
What were the player interactions? Taking each other’s pieces and asking where opponents pieces are on the board.
How long did it take to learn? About 20 minutes without assembly, the instructions were rather long.
Would you play it again? Maybe, but I would have to review the rules again because I am still not totally sure how to play this game.
Analyze the game using the 3 act structure. Act 1: Was assembling the pieces together (cutting and glueing). Act 2: Was setting up your pieces on the board. Act 3: Was rolling the dice, asking your opponent where their pieces are, and capturing their people.
What are the collaborative and or competitive aspects of the game? Stealing each other’s pieces and guessing where they are on the board. The competitive aspect is to steal your opponents pieces before they steal yours.
What is the game’s metaphor and which of the game’s mechanics standout? I am not really sure if therev is a standout metaphor for this game but it is on the lines of move quick and strategize where you put your pieces.
Color Word Game Prototype.
Rules: Slap down on the cards when a color or a word matches the previous color or word on the next card. If you slap down and it isn’t a match you get that many cards taken from you. If you see a wild card placed down it is a free slap! If a wild card is placed down at the start of a round then the color in the top right is the color you have to match a word or color to. The person with the most cards wins.
Correct matches
Ex : Red and Red Match //// Ex : Green and Red Match
Incorrect Matches
Ex : Blue and Green //// Ex : Red and Orange
Week 4 Questions
What learning games have you played? Can you categorize them by the theory of learning types: behaviorism, constructivism or social nature? If you played more than one which was the most effective? I remember play a lot of learing games in grade school. I am turning to remember them all but here’s some I remember: Space Cadet, Dance-mat typing, conjugamos, Kahoot, and Blooket. I know there were so many more but I just can’t rember them all. Most of these I would say were either constructivism or behaviorism. I found most of these game effective. I always liked to pay Blooket or Kahoot to review for test.
Is gamification bullshit, what is ian bogost’s argument and do you agree? Where have you encountered it outside of class and what was your experience? Yes, I would say that it is bullshit because I feel like the definition of a game can be very lose. I recently went to the casino, and some people would argue that the machines there are “games”. Now to me they aren’t games because I just press a button one time and the machine does the rest. Believe me I know that it is a me problem, just because I like to have control of the game and I am also waiting to be able to interact with the so called “game”. The “games” at the Casino have no sense of interaction betwen the user and the product other than pressing one button.
What is a serious game and why aren’t they chocolate covered broccoli? A serious game is one that teaches or wants to get a learning message across to the audience. They aren’t chocolate covered broccoli because that would be a topic or product that would require learning experience.
Dadaist Poem
Fire truth heard,
carpet designs available,
in couples my cooks about,
the logic about identity
if you enjoy home, your myself.
Dadaist Poem – Bryce Mathews
Poem Game: Madison Hurst
Week 2 Question Set
- what advergames have you played? did they influence a purchase?
- Skate 3 may be a far reach, but for those who don’t know it is one of the largest and most popular skate games ever made. It can be considered and advergame though due to the large amount of brands incorporated into the game. You can wear Vans, Converse, Nike, etc. This did influence me into buying a specific skateboard I had in the game.
- why do the advergames tooth protector and escape work? What makes chase the chuckwagon and shark bait fail?
- Tooth protector works since it makes learning about dental hygiene fun. Escape is fun because it gives a sense of adventure and urgency, keeping you playing. Chase and Shark Bait fail due to possible lack of engagement, if the product placement or gimmicks of the game are too obvious is can shy players away.
- what does volvo’s drive for life accomplish?
- They incorporated their safety features into the gameplay narrative, and by doing so it positions itself as a leader in safety for their cars. It also implants into your head that you like Volvos due to the game which can cause you to lean towards one in your next car purchase without even realizing.
- what company used in-advergame advertising
- In the case of Skate 3 which is the game I played, there was plenty of advertising for Dr. Pepper as well as Miracle Whip. In the game, you can even play as a Dr. Pepper can as part of a promotion closer to the games release.
- what was one if the first home-console advergames and what beverage was it for?
- Kool-Aid Man on the Atari was very early, with Pepsi Man later coming to the Playstation.
- what makes the toilet training game sophisticated and do you agree?
- Ian Boogost argues that the toilet training game is sophisticated because of its ability to portray drunkenness by having to relieve yourself. The game directly relates to the product by incorporating the “solution” as the product.
- what do advergames and anti-advergames have in common, and what principles do they share?
- They are both trying to convince you of something. But, advergames are meant to be in favor of one thing and anti-advergames are the opposite. But at the end of the day, they are both promoting a product, and there is no such thing as bad publicity.