Introduction COMP 585 SERIOUS GAMES TODAYS AGENDA Whos

Introduction COMP 585: SERIOUS GAMES

TODAY’S AGENDA � Who’s in the class? � Class structure � Introduction to content

CLASS STRUCTURE

CLASS SIZE � Two sections � Split the small class activities � Single lecture � Specifically � 9: 05 – 9: 30 Section 1 � 9: 30 – 10: 20 Lecture � 10: 20 – 10: 45 Section 2

ASSIGNMENTS � Non-computer Game Designs � Game Critique � Research Presentation and Paper � Game Development � Teams � Any platform � RYO only in limited cases � Paper Design for Final Exam

WHAT IS A GAME?

TYPES OF GAMES Computer games Board games Card games Parlor games Sports games Miniatures games Role-playing games Alternative reality games

TOY PUZZLE GAME PLAY GOAL RULES

GAMES VS. TOYS § What’s the difference? § § § Children § § Games: restrictive rules, limit-testing strategies Toys: fantasy and free play. captivated by versatility of toys Adults § § lose interest in toys Create games around toys § tactics, strategies, results (Schiesel 2008)

GAMES… are an activity provide no material gain have rules are voluntary have conflict have uncertain outcome have goals are a representation involve decision making are make believe artificial are inefficient are safe have closed systems are outside ordinary life are a form of art

WHAT IS A GAME? � Play � � Pretend � � “work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and … play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. ” Adventures of Tom Sawyer The Magic Circle (Huizinga) Goal Challenges � Win, Loss, Termination � � Rules � Meanings, gameplay, sequence of play, goals, metarules

SERIOUS GAMES ARE § games with a serious purpose beyond entertainment built for serious purpose § used for serious purpose §

WHAT IS A SERIOUS PURPOSE? § § § § Education Training Social change Health education Pain control Rehabilitation Business Art Learning!

THE BUSINESS OF GAMES

GAMES ARE SERIOUS BUSINESS § 2009 US revenue $19. 7 B ($21. 4 B ‘ 08) § § Software $10. 5 B Hardware $9. 2 B Movies: $10 B Subscribers § § World of Warcraft: 12. 5 M subscriptions Second Life: 1 B hrs Sept 2009

MMOGS

WHO IS A GAMER? � Online § § gamers middle income ($35, 000 -$75, 000) age 25 -44 � Casual � 76% gamers female � 71% 40 or older (47% 50 or older) � 46% college graduates (14% adv degree) � 53% income $50, 000 or more � 67% married (53% at least one child )

MOST POPULAR GENRES 44%: card, puzzle, arcade, word games 25%: family-oriented games 19%: RPGs, MMOGs CAVEAT: lots of contradictory stats