Notes from the first presentation of Gaming Learning and Libraries follow.
Gaming in Libraries 2005
Monday December 5
Les Gasser: New Landscapes for Libraries
“A RELATIONSHIP HAS TO BE BUILT BETWEEN GAMES AND LIBRARIES BECAUSE GAMES ARE UBIQUITOUS AND THEY ARE TRANSMITTERS OF CULTURE.”
Kathyrn Deiss from MLS began the session with a welcome, and talked about how libraries have a tendency to become more conservation during tight fiscal and or political times. “Some people can look into a forest of trees and where we don’t even see trees moving, they see birds.”
The first “seer of possibility for libraries” was Les Gasser from the University of Illinois Urbana, who instructs LIS 450 GCG, a class in gaming at UIUrbana-Champagne
Les asked: Why aren’t we beginning to think of libraries differently? With his presentation, “New Landscapes for Libraries,” an overview of previous models for libraries seen through the Gamer lens.
Although he began with a disclaimer “IANAL” (I am not a librarian), I think sometimes it can be very effective to have an “outsider” look at our practices with a level of objectivity. He spoke about his forays into the CBC research in children’s literature after noting commonalities with children and literature, methodology, mythology – and games, calling for us to begin recognizing games as literature (narrative that impacts children and through which skills are impacted. Some of these issues are beginning to be addressed with the Center for Computing in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
Models discussed:
What’s a library? (B Model) A Box of Books – information repository that collects & organizes books & other stuff, then provides them “free” to patrons, cost effective way for promoting knowledge in society
“B” is also for bee – bumblebee – not supposed to fly! Will the box of books be able to fly in the future?
Digital transformations (e-books)
The library could be the e-book (or collection of e-books), not the physical building. EBooks are portable, searchable, hyperlinked, but not browsable in the same way traditional books are; and culturally, it’s not the same as taking a book around with you – not as warm and cuddly.
Fujitsu is a company that’s done some work on the e-books platform, experimenting with the flexibility of e-books and e-paper (electronic signage), e-ink, Readius devices that scroll or stretch e-paper that is uploadable, bendable, etc. Applications include universal game boards (chess, checkers, etc), electronic signage, restaurant menus.
Les introduced the concept of transaction economics: the idea that the arrangements of transaction costs shape social organization. If transaction costs are high, hire (organization) instead of contracting (market), and information transaction costs each contribute to the cost of other activities. There are inherent costs in library activities such as copying, indexing, arranging, searching, etc. The overall trend is that information costs are decreasing because of technology, evident in companies such as Google making money with a copying & delivering service free, paid for by millions in advertising dollars. The program results of decreased information costs are software like Napster and Kazaa, Flickr, the proliferation of blogs, wikis, and MMOGs, which in turn cause us to re-examine issues such as copyright conflict, filtering, flaming, open source, etc. These practices are also driving users from libraries (as well as movies, radio and tv)
“I don’t go to the library,” said Les. The things he needs are generally available online, and everything else gets delivered to a staff mailbox. Interesting fact: Online journals are cited SEVEN times more frequently (as paper sources).
When games in libraries are viewed through the B model, they are envisioned as a way to entice gamers the library o result increased circulation and to support the mission info, offer resources, value reading and literacy. This model implies the attitude “don’t play games; read books.” This has the feeling of a “safe” practice.
This debate over Hi-Lo culture has been fought before with tremendous uncertainty
We worry about issues of stewardship and fiscally responsibility.
We had this debate about fiction, paperbacks, picture books, A/V and Media, toys & puzzles, Internet, and now we’re having it over console games and MMOGs
The (K Model) of libraries is one of Community Intelligence Center (University of the People, informed citizenry) with programs that promote resources & knowledge
K libraries have a critical role of innovation for society, assimilate the new, visit the cutting edge, and explore, migrating new knowledge/experience into traditional practices, such as Reader’s Advisory. The library is a venue for community and cultural innovation.
Building games to teach entrepreneurship (The World Bank estimates that only 2-5 of the population will become entrepreneurs, or producers rather than consumers) amidst difficult pressures from society.
When gaming and libraries is viewed through the lens of the K- model, gaming is accepted as a ubiquitous cultural phenomenon, a reflection of emerging culture, and a foundation of cultural mythology and transmission.
We get much of today’s mythology through media: Power rangers, Pokemon, Harry Potter are the current mythology of 4 & 5 year olds. In fact there are many different manifestations of characters, for example, Harry Potter.
Les went on to talk about how people learn. “Learning is gaining membership in a community of practice” –Callois. One must be participating in community to learn, and there are ancillary benefits of joining a guild/becoming a member
The K model includes open systems problems, constant change and evolution (patches & new versions overnight), player directed content (new games, new players, new worlds, new rules), emergent experience (unpredictable), unplanned interactions, cultural conflict (Grand Theft Auto), and involving external worlds (GPS)
Games are an essential misfit with existing library structures and processes. We like stability of content, structure, format, meaning; control (assured of quality and authority); and endurance.
The final model Les talked about was the Information Space Model (I Model), that of libraries as extended placeness (virtual spaces) with multimodal interacting webs of services, immersive, persistent spaces, social spaces, and collections – sounds like 3rd place. They use game models as metaphors, incorporate game technology, in-game models, use info dashboards, and conduct faculty meetings in-game.
One example in a game of an information space model is Apolyton University and Library in Civilization – an in-game university for the purpose of learning how to play the game.
He showed a clip from a film with Allen Cray, about CAVE, an electronic megabook c. 1997 where the player “walks” into book to interact with immersive built in kiosks for more info, and a mobile information service instructs player on where to go. These CAVES are virtual place extensions, immersion experiences, and could be new venues for services. Someone asked about the expense of creating games: it is prohibitive, but there are about 400 CAVES (rear projection immersive games) in the world, and the resources can be shared. Les encouraged libraries to exploit communities of game modders to create the things we want to create. Maybe even have a mod fest that will help to locating the cheap – proliferate the idea of games.
Interestingly enough, peer to peer exchange among equals is equivalent of World Bank’s findings of 2-5% entrepreneurship – many more people downloading files than putting them up
One participant talked about historical simulation in music – using period instruments and music to offer historical and cultural insight. Les concurred that time travel is a wonderful learning experience!
In fact, history can have tremendous economic leverage Game Tap.com (reactivating historical games) building on the model of Turner Classic Movies.
Another participant asked what services as a user do you want to see libraries adopt using a game model? What skills do new MLS grads need? I came up with a list on my own that I’ll share when I speak tomorrow.
Les concluding with the thought that bringing people from diverse backgrounds together is a role of libraries – you can use games to accomplish this mission.
He also talked about the progression of types of games from Math Blaster – problems get in the way of following the rabbit, to Flight simulations – learning how to fly immersive to more implicit – need broad skills: negotiating, navigation, math, social, detective, critical thinking - learn by doing.
Although a prevailing attitude about games in the profession may be “That stuff is all for public libraries, we collect authorative information, as opposing to gathering little kids around to play DDR” there may be nothing wrong with collecting information that may not be the authority. Les used the example of DNA research progression from a time when we were trying to figure out the composition of DNA to knowing the composition and making models to programming those models.
“We’re floundering and trying to make sense,” said Les, adding that it is a natural state and an exciting place to live!
The library can be the IT center for the community, hosting the software and hardware for the whole community
We buy propriety stuff and lend it out; we don’t procure much software to loan; why not do it for open source software? Personally, I think we are afraid of looking stupid; we’ll be asked for technical support!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Video Game News, December 5, 2005
Bayh, Others Say Today’s Video Games Go Too Far
by Larry Thomas, News-Tribune.net 12/3/05
"There is a growing problem with children getting their hands on violent and sexually suggestive video games without their parents’ knowledge, Sen. Evan Bayh said Friday, and he intends to do something about it."
Judge Overturns Illinois Law Restricting Video Games Sales
WTWO 12/3/2005 )
"One day after Indiana Senator Evan Bayh visited Terre Haute voicing his support for a federal law restricting sales of adult-rated video games to kids, a federal judge strikes down a similar Illinois ban."
Violence and Video Games
The Democrat Newspaper 12/4/05
"The Ministry of Health takes the opportunity to draw the public's attention to the 2005 Video Game Scorecard released November 29, by the National Institute on Media and Family."
by Larry Thomas, News-Tribune.net 12/3/05
"There is a growing problem with children getting their hands on violent and sexually suggestive video games without their parents’ knowledge, Sen. Evan Bayh said Friday, and he intends to do something about it."
Judge Overturns Illinois Law Restricting Video Games Sales
WTWO 12/3/2005 )
"One day after Indiana Senator Evan Bayh visited Terre Haute voicing his support for a federal law restricting sales of adult-rated video games to kids, a federal judge strikes down a similar Illinois ban."
Violence and Video Games
The Democrat Newspaper 12/4/05
"The Ministry of Health takes the opportunity to draw the public's attention to the 2005 Video Game Scorecard released November 29, by the National Institute on Media and Family."
Video Game News, December 3, 2005
Video Games' Second Life
by Troy Wolverton, TheStreet.com 12/2/2005
"Already contending with soft sales and rising costs, video-game publishers have one more thing to worry about: The used-game market."
Buying Violent Video Games Might Soon Require Parental Consent
WBAY/ABC, 12/2/05
"A Wisconsin legislator wants to make it illegal for stores to sell violent or sexually explicit video games to minors without a parent's consent."
Bayh Takes Aim at Violent Games:Democrat says research shows exposure to graphic content leads to violence, desensitization
by Mary Beth Schneider, IndyStar.com 12/2/05
"U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh wants to put legal teeth behind video game ratings intended to keep violent games out of the hands of youngsters."
Critics and Games Industry do Battle Stateside
by Luke Guttridge, Ferrago 12/2/05
"As you might have read earlier in the week, influential New York senator and former first-lady Hillary Clinton has decided to tackle the growing issue of games ratings stateside head on with a new piece of legislation."
by Troy Wolverton, TheStreet.com 12/2/2005
"Already contending with soft sales and rising costs, video-game publishers have one more thing to worry about: The used-game market."
Buying Violent Video Games Might Soon Require Parental Consent
WBAY/ABC, 12/2/05
"A Wisconsin legislator wants to make it illegal for stores to sell violent or sexually explicit video games to minors without a parent's consent."
Bayh Takes Aim at Violent Games:Democrat says research shows exposure to graphic content leads to violence, desensitization
by Mary Beth Schneider, IndyStar.com 12/2/05
"U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh wants to put legal teeth behind video game ratings intended to keep violent games out of the hands of youngsters."
Critics and Games Industry do Battle Stateside
by Luke Guttridge, Ferrago 12/2/05
"As you might have read earlier in the week, influential New York senator and former first-lady Hillary Clinton has decided to tackle the growing issue of games ratings stateside head on with a new piece of legislation."
Illinois Governor to Appeal Video Game Ruling
AP 12/3/05
Gov. Rod Blagojevich vowed to appeal a federal judge's ruling that shot down a new Illinois law banning the sale of violent or sexual video games to minors. Read more here.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich vowed to appeal a federal judge's ruling that shot down a new Illinois law banning the sale of violent or sexual video games to minors. Read more here.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Video Game News, December 2, 2005
Video games go from worse to unspeakable
by Katherine Kersten, Star Tribune 11/30/05
"Parents know that today's movies often contain scenes that would send most families running for the exits. "
By George Vecsey, New York Times 12/1/05
"Tony Stewart says he became a champion stock-car driver by playing countless hours of video games when he was young."
Glimpses into the Future of Video Games from Microsoft and Nintendo
DFC Intelligence 11/30/05
"Of course, we are going to talk about the Xbox 360 in the month when its launch has dominated the interactive entertainment realm."
A New Low For Video Games? Cannibalism On Screen
by Brett Larson, WCBSTV/CBS 11/30/05
"Improved graphics and sound are making video game violence more lifelike than ever. Two new games go beyond the usual sex and violence: they're all about cannibalism."
Disney Launches Web Site With Video Games for Adults
by Alex Armitage, Bloomberg News 12/1/05
"Walt Disney Co., the No. 2 U.S. media company, expanded its online game business by starting a Web site with titles tailored for adults."
Sony Corp. has become the latest console maker to announce that the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console will have parental controls to help stop minors from playing violent video games.
CBC 11/30/05
"Parental controls on next generation games praised."
Online exclusive: Things to remember when buying video games
by Melissa Guya, Post Star, 12/2/2005
"Imagine you hear the sound of gunshots and the screaming of profanity coming from your barely pubescent son's television, only to discover he is playing the new video game you got him for Christmas. No, the M rating on the box did not mean "Merry Christmas," as you have just discovered."
PRESS RELEASE: In Video Games, Not All Mayhem Is Created Equal
American Psychological Society, 12/1/2005
"Video games are enormously popular, and most of them contain some form of violence. It has been well established that playing violent video games increases aggression in players. But what exactly is the connection?"
PRESS RELEASE: 'Women are Like Video Games' Theory Now Therapist Approved
"What was once theory is now simple fact; Kill The Crap In Dating: For Men will help to improve your dating life dramatically. "
by Katherine Kersten, Star Tribune 11/30/05
"Parents know that today's movies often contain scenes that would send most families running for the exits. "
By George Vecsey, New York Times 12/1/05
"Tony Stewart says he became a champion stock-car driver by playing countless hours of video games when he was young."
Glimpses into the Future of Video Games from Microsoft and Nintendo
DFC Intelligence 11/30/05
"Of course, we are going to talk about the Xbox 360 in the month when its launch has dominated the interactive entertainment realm."
A New Low For Video Games? Cannibalism On Screen
by Brett Larson, WCBSTV/CBS 11/30/05
"Improved graphics and sound are making video game violence more lifelike than ever. Two new games go beyond the usual sex and violence: they're all about cannibalism."
Disney Launches Web Site With Video Games for Adults
by Alex Armitage, Bloomberg News 12/1/05
"Walt Disney Co., the No. 2 U.S. media company, expanded its online game business by starting a Web site with titles tailored for adults."
Sony Corp. has become the latest console maker to announce that the PlayStation 3 (PS3) console will have parental controls to help stop minors from playing violent video games.
CBC 11/30/05
"Parental controls on next generation games praised."
Online exclusive: Things to remember when buying video games
by Melissa Guya, Post Star, 12/2/2005
"Imagine you hear the sound of gunshots and the screaming of profanity coming from your barely pubescent son's television, only to discover he is playing the new video game you got him for Christmas. No, the M rating on the box did not mean "Merry Christmas," as you have just discovered."
PRESS RELEASE: In Video Games, Not All Mayhem Is Created Equal
American Psychological Society, 12/1/2005
"Video games are enormously popular, and most of them contain some form of violence. It has been well established that playing violent video games increases aggression in players. But what exactly is the connection?"
PRESS RELEASE: 'Women are Like Video Games' Theory Now Therapist Approved
"What was once theory is now simple fact; Kill The Crap In Dating: For Men will help to improve your dating life dramatically. "
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Video Game News - December 1, 2005
Apologies for not posting last night. I was watching my car's engine catch fire from the side of the road and after the fire department put it out, police took the report, and tow truck finally showed up, it was late and I was too wiped to do anything except eat a sandwich and watch "Lost" (Netflix - playing catchup - season 1 episode 3 &4).
It seems there are other fires to be extinguished though... Senators Clinton and Lieberman are calling for a federal ban on sale of games rated M and AO, and the National Institute of Media and the Family issued a list of 10 games to avoid (note: all 10 games are rated M; isn't that kind of a no brainer for a parent that isn't not going to be appropriate for a child? Especially, y'know with the big M on the front of the box, and the reasons WHY the rated was assigned detailed on the back! The National Institute of Media and the Family's article makes NO mention of the fact that these are M rated games they are critiquing.) Now might be a good time to contact your senators to let them know on how many grounds this is unconstitutional. Find your rep at http://www.senate.gov/
Sex in video games up 800 percent, Minnesota watchdog says
AP 11/30/05
"Violent, sexual content is exploding in video games."
Senators Propose A Federal Ban On Explicit Video Games
by Stephen Totilo, MTV.com 11/30/05
"Capping off a year during which several states have passed laws to criminalize the sale of explicit video games to minors, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) announced Tuesday that they will introduce a federal ban on the sale of such games to children when Congress resumes in mid-December."
Hilary Targets Violent Games
News 24 11/30/05
"Backed by gruesome shots of computerised cannibalism, police beatings and violence, campaigners on Tuesday warned parents that their children were increasingly at risk from "sadistic" video games."
Group Challenges Video Game Ratings
by Mike Doria , 13 WHAM TV 11/30/05
"Video game ratings are not getting a good grade in a watchdog group's annual report card."
by Llew-Ann Phang, Emily Tan and Anansa Jacob, Sun to Surf 12/2/05
"You pummel the bad guy to a pulp, causing his blood to splatter. Or you steal a car and run down some policemen, and shoot them to death, too."
It seems there are other fires to be extinguished though... Senators Clinton and Lieberman are calling for a federal ban on sale of games rated M and AO, and the National Institute of Media and the Family issued a list of 10 games to avoid (note: all 10 games are rated M; isn't that kind of a no brainer for a parent that isn't not going to be appropriate for a child? Especially, y'know with the big M on the front of the box, and the reasons WHY the rated was assigned detailed on the back! The National Institute of Media and the Family's article makes NO mention of the fact that these are M rated games they are critiquing.) Now might be a good time to contact your senators to let them know on how many grounds this is unconstitutional. Find your rep at http://www.senate.gov/
Sex in video games up 800 percent, Minnesota watchdog says
AP 11/30/05
"Violent, sexual content is exploding in video games."
Senators Propose A Federal Ban On Explicit Video Games
by Stephen Totilo, MTV.com 11/30/05
"Capping off a year during which several states have passed laws to criminalize the sale of explicit video games to minors, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) announced Tuesday that they will introduce a federal ban on the sale of such games to children when Congress resumes in mid-December."
Hilary Targets Violent Games
News 24 11/30/05
"Backed by gruesome shots of computerised cannibalism, police beatings and violence, campaigners on Tuesday warned parents that their children were increasingly at risk from "sadistic" video games."
Group Challenges Video Game Ratings
by Mike Doria , 13 WHAM TV 11/30/05
"Video game ratings are not getting a good grade in a watchdog group's annual report card."
by Llew-Ann Phang, Emily Tan and Anansa Jacob, Sun to Surf 12/2/05
"You pummel the bad guy to a pulp, causing his blood to splatter. Or you steal a car and run down some policemen, and shoot them to death, too."
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Video Game News, November 29, 2005
Video Games Beyond Repair? Newly released video game report shows grim 'snapshot' of a $25 billion-a-year industry"
by Jonathan Silverman, ABCNews 11/29/05
The National Institute on Media and the Family released their 10th annual assessment of the state of the $25 billion-a-year video game industry today, and it's not good news.
Parents Can Control New Generation Games
CBC.CA 11/28/05
"The new generation of video game consoles, to be released this year and in 2006, will all have parental control mechanisms. "
by Jonathan Silverman, ABCNews 11/29/05
The National Institute on Media and the Family released their 10th annual assessment of the state of the $25 billion-a-year video game industry today, and it's not good news.
Parents Can Control New Generation Games
CBC.CA 11/28/05
"The new generation of video game consoles, to be released this year and in 2006, will all have parental control mechanisms. "
Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year Olds
This came out in March 2005, but I missed it somehow. The Survey of media use amonsts 2000 3-12 graders reveals that over 83% of families own video game consoles; 24% report parents set rules abut time limits and 21% limit types of games. More at http://www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/Generation-M-Media-in-the-Lives-of-8-18-Year-olds-Report.pdf
Monday, November 28, 2005
Another Successful DDR Night At Walking Paper
Aaron Schimdt at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library spent last Friday night at the library co-hosting a Dance Dance Revolution Program - and lived to tell the tale. Get the details at http://walkingpaper.org/267
Video Game News, November 28, 2005
Game Theory: Video game reviewers need to convey how games bring people together
by Daniel Oppenheimer, Valley Advocate News 11/24/05
"To my mind, most of what is written about video gaming misses an essential part of the experience of playing video games: the social interaction it fosters among enthusiasts."
US Army Cuts Teeth on Video Game: Novice players master everything from driving to basic first aid
by Clark Boyd, BBC 11/25/05
"America's Army is one of the most popular computer games on the planet and like many games, it is a shoot-em-up, get-the-bad guys kind of affair. "
Violence Under the Tree: Family Media Guide Identifies Top 10 Ultra-Violent Video Games of 2005
Family Friendly Media Guide 11/28/05
"At the start of this year's holiday shopping frenzy, parents should be prepared to check their kids' gift lists very carefully. Because this year, some of the most ultra-violent video games ever created are being made available."
by Daniel Oppenheimer, Valley Advocate News 11/24/05
"To my mind, most of what is written about video gaming misses an essential part of the experience of playing video games: the social interaction it fosters among enthusiasts."
US Army Cuts Teeth on Video Game: Novice players master everything from driving to basic first aid
by Clark Boyd, BBC 11/25/05
"America's Army is one of the most popular computer games on the planet and like many games, it is a shoot-em-up, get-the-bad guys kind of affair. "
Violence Under the Tree: Family Media Guide Identifies Top 10 Ultra-Violent Video Games of 2005
Family Friendly Media Guide 11/28/05
"At the start of this year's holiday shopping frenzy, parents should be prepared to check their kids' gift lists very carefully. Because this year, some of the most ultra-violent video games ever created are being made available."
Friday, November 25, 2005
Serious Games in the Library
This paper by Katie Day gives a concise overview of the literature about gaming and offers a few suggestions for things libraries can do to understand this popular medium.
"Abstract: This paper explores how the growing phenomenon of video games has created a generational divide with major implications and opportunities for both the educational system and society. Gaming inherently involves a set of learning principles -- aside from content -- which are empowering "digital natives" or gamers with new literacies, attitudes, and experiences. Despite public concerns about violence, social isolation, and a bias towards males in gaming, the evidence does not support those fears. Instead sophisticated -- or "serious" -- games are increasingly being utilized in education and the future points to increased investment in games for the good of society."
Read it at http://libedge.blogspot.com/2005/11/teens-and-information-literacy-and.html
"Abstract: This paper explores how the growing phenomenon of video games has created a generational divide with major implications and opportunities for both the educational system and society. Gaming inherently involves a set of learning principles -- aside from content -- which are empowering "digital natives" or gamers with new literacies, attitudes, and experiences. Despite public concerns about violence, social isolation, and a bias towards males in gaming, the evidence does not support those fears. Instead sophisticated -- or "serious" -- games are increasingly being utilized in education and the future points to increased investment in games for the good of society."
Read it at http://libedge.blogspot.com/2005/11/teens-and-information-literacy-and.html
Video Game News, November 25, 2005
Video Games Popular With More Than Just Kids
by Venton D. Blandin, WCAV 11/23/05
"Topping many Christmas lists this year will be video games, and while you think kids are they only ones interested, think again. The future of video gaming is now, and it may just surprise you who is catching on."
Game for gaming? Quebec's video game industry still blowing up big
by Amy German Hour.ca 11/24/05
"After a visit to the crowded Montreal International Game Summit, there is no denying just how big the video game industry has become here in Montreal."
Many video games teaching the wrong lessons
by Silvio Laccetti and Nicholas Rehder, Asbury Park Press 11/25/05
"Ever since their escape from the arcades, electronic video games have claimed increasing shares of leisure time for teens and tweens (11-12 years old) from the tedium of homework, parental control and unfulfilling daily life."
When The Other Woman's An Xbox: Gaming Gripes Go Online: Group helps Kansas State University students suffering gaming-induced relationship heartache.
by Megan Hockman and Clinton Smith, MTV News 11.18.2005
"When Jake Walker upsets his girlfriend, Jaci Boydston, he might buy her flowers. When Jaci feels she owes an apology to Jake, she agrees to play a round of the Nintendo fighting game "Super Smash Brothers."
PRESS RELEASE: Nintendogs Cements Nintendo's Position As Leader Of Handheld Video Games
Games Press 11/25/2005
"25th November 2005 - Nintendo has always led the way in innovation, ever since it first entered the handheld gaming arena over 25 years ago."
PRESS RELEASE: Barbie Remains Top Toy for Girls, Video Games Top List for Boys
National Retail Federation 11/16/05
"Parents won’t have to guess too hard when it comes to buying the hottest toys for their kids this holiday season. This year, video games and game units will be at the top of many children’s wish lists. "
by Venton D. Blandin, WCAV 11/23/05
"Topping many Christmas lists this year will be video games, and while you think kids are they only ones interested, think again. The future of video gaming is now, and it may just surprise you who is catching on."
Game for gaming? Quebec's video game industry still blowing up big
by Amy German Hour.ca 11/24/05
"After a visit to the crowded Montreal International Game Summit, there is no denying just how big the video game industry has become here in Montreal."
Many video games teaching the wrong lessons
by Silvio Laccetti and Nicholas Rehder, Asbury Park Press 11/25/05
"Ever since their escape from the arcades, electronic video games have claimed increasing shares of leisure time for teens and tweens (11-12 years old) from the tedium of homework, parental control and unfulfilling daily life."
When The Other Woman's An Xbox: Gaming Gripes Go Online: Group helps Kansas State University students suffering gaming-induced relationship heartache.
by Megan Hockman and Clinton Smith, MTV News 11.18.2005
"When Jake Walker upsets his girlfriend, Jaci Boydston, he might buy her flowers. When Jaci feels she owes an apology to Jake, she agrees to play a round of the Nintendo fighting game "Super Smash Brothers."
PRESS RELEASE: Nintendogs Cements Nintendo's Position As Leader Of Handheld Video Games
Games Press 11/25/2005
"25th November 2005 - Nintendo has always led the way in innovation, ever since it first entered the handheld gaming arena over 25 years ago."
PRESS RELEASE: Barbie Remains Top Toy for Girls, Video Games Top List for Boys
National Retail Federation 11/16/05
"Parents won’t have to guess too hard when it comes to buying the hottest toys for their kids this holiday season. This year, video games and game units will be at the top of many children’s wish lists. "
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Video Game News, November 23, 2005
Video Games Blasting heir Way Into Classroom Curriculum: One Chicago school uses 'Civilization III' to teach history lessons
by Stephen Totilo, MTV News 11/22/05
" In the middle of the school day, in room 317 of Chicago's Roosevelt High School last month, freshman Pablo Salas took a break from playing the game "Civilization III" to explain what happened when he told his parents he was signing up for a history class that involved playing video games."
by Stephen Totilo, MTV News 11/22/05
" In the middle of the school day, in room 317 of Chicago's Roosevelt High School last month, freshman Pablo Salas took a break from playing the game "Civilization III" to explain what happened when he told his parents he was signing up for a history class that involved playing video games."
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
"The Escapist: Generation G" Now Available
This week's issue of the Escapist Magazine focuses on the family that games together! In "When Gamers Breed," Allen Varnay explains how gaming can be an effective parenting tool; Glenn Jarrell, a 41-year old parent, confesses to being a video game junkie (in moderation!) in "Hey, Who's the Old-Timer;" Spanner examines gaps between gamers generations in "The Third Generation;" and Dana Massey shares how games decrease sibling rivalry and promote sharing in "The Missing Link." Read it online at http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/20
Video Game News, November 22, 2005
Video Games Are Their Major, So Don't Call Them Slackers
By Seth Schiesel, New York Times 11/22/05
"In recent years a small but growing cadre of well-known universities have started formal programs in video game design."
(For free access, use your library's databases or Bug Me Not)
Game Developer's Bill of Rights
Gamasutra, 11/21/05
"It is common knowledge among game developers that our industry is in something of a “creative crisis.”
In other news, I still don't have an XBox 360.
By Seth Schiesel, New York Times 11/22/05
"In recent years a small but growing cadre of well-known universities have started formal programs in video game design."
(For free access, use your library's databases or Bug Me Not)
Game Developer's Bill of Rights
Gamasutra, 11/21/05
"It is common knowledge among game developers that our industry is in something of a “creative crisis.”
In other news, I still don't have an XBox 360.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Holo-dek
Holo-Dek is a social, state of the art gaming venue that charges $6/hour for PC and Xbox gaming. They have a surround sound big screen theatre and a few cool toys like a gaming SPHERE. They do birthday parties, corporate team-building, and events, like competitions.
This is where our 15-25 clientele wants to hang out - we could be offering this kind of programming to our patrons to bring in new users. I do think their games are guy-heavy - where's the Dance Dance Revolution?
This is on my list of things to do this Thanksgiving weekend. If you're coming to the New England area and looking for something to cool to do on Saturday or Sunday, send me an email! Let's get a group together!
More information about Holo-dek at http://www.holo-dek.com/index.html.
Video Game News, November 21, 2005
Microsoft applies for "adaptive agents" patent in video games
by Wolfgang Gruener, TG Daily 11/21/05
"Microsoft has filed a patent application that covers "adaptive agents" - game characters that learn based on the events within a video game. "
Cyberspeak: Personal Tech:Xbox 360 revives addictiveness of video games
by Edward C. Baig, USAToday 11/20/02
"I was a mean Pong and Pac-Man player in my day (never mind when), but that's about where my video game career ended."
by Wolfgang Gruener, TG Daily 11/21/05
"Microsoft has filed a patent application that covers "adaptive agents" - game characters that learn based on the events within a video game. "
Cyberspeak: Personal Tech:Xbox 360 revives addictiveness of video games
by Edward C. Baig, USAToday 11/20/02
"I was a mean Pong and Pac-Man player in my day (never mind when), but that's about where my video game career ended."
Sunday, November 20, 2005
XBox Delay
Ok, I rarely get really personal here, but I am angry. Yesterday night my husband got a call on his cell phone from an long distance number we didn't recognize. It turned out to be from GameStop. We are not getting an Xbox 360 until around JANUARY 2006. We ordered way ahead of time, pre-paid, and confirmed twice that we'd receive one in the first shipment. Apparently, they way, WAY oversold. We also pre-ordered, and prepaid for several games. Elder Scrolls most likely won't be out until March, which is fine... we also have a few games that came in and are available, but will not have a console to play them on.
I understand that Microsoft is having trouble keeping up with demand. I'm upset with the store, for taking preorders they couldn't deliver, and for getting their customers informed in such an inpersonal way, making me seriously reconsider the patronage we give them. A recorded call to deliver bad news is terrible customer service. Most likely they had so many calls to make, but I bet they didn't want upset customers screaming at them over the phone. It's downright cowardly.
I understand that Microsoft is having trouble keeping up with demand. I'm upset with the store, for taking preorders they couldn't deliver, and for getting their customers informed in such an inpersonal way, making me seriously reconsider the patronage we give them. A recorded call to deliver bad news is terrible customer service. Most likely they had so many calls to make, but I bet they didn't want upset customers screaming at them over the phone. It's downright cowardly.
Video Game News, November 19, 2005
Man Sentenced for Selling Pirated Video Games
by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune 11/18/05
"A man who was selling pirated video games at the Mall of America received some face time as well as prison time when he was sentenced for criminal copyright infringement in federal court in Minneapolis on Friday."
Video Games
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post 11/20/05
"One of the more odious holiday-season tasks in the modern era might be having to buy video games for kids (or adults) when you're a grown-up who couldn't care less about the annoying things."
Three New Video Games Are Designed to Make You Sweat
by Matt Segal, AP 11/18/05
"There's nothing too physically demanding about most video games. A few manufacturers, however, have decided the only proper way to enjoy one is to break a sweat."
Researcher Aims to Prove That Video Games Are Addictive
by Craig Morris, Heise Online 11/17/05
"Researcher Sabine Grüsser-Sinopoli of Berlin's Charité University Clinic presented images from games sequences to a group of gamers."
Industries Find Serious Uses for Video Games: Video games used for military, job training experience
by Mary Beth Lehman, The Ball State Daily News 11/17/05
"Video games aren’t just for fun anymore. The expanding genre of serious games can effectively help to train workers in some of the nation’s most important industries including defense, education, health care and marketing."
The Most Shocking Moments in Video Games
By Alice Hill, RealTechNews 11/16/05
"I am a sucker for these types of round-ups, which is why I loved finding The Most Shocking Moments in Video Games from a little blog called MyGadgetBag."
by Margaret Zack, Star Tribune 11/18/05
"A man who was selling pirated video games at the Mall of America received some face time as well as prison time when he was sentenced for criminal copyright infringement in federal court in Minneapolis on Friday."
Video Games
by Mike Musgrove, Washington Post 11/20/05
"One of the more odious holiday-season tasks in the modern era might be having to buy video games for kids (or adults) when you're a grown-up who couldn't care less about the annoying things."
Three New Video Games Are Designed to Make You Sweat
by Matt Segal, AP 11/18/05
"There's nothing too physically demanding about most video games. A few manufacturers, however, have decided the only proper way to enjoy one is to break a sweat."
Researcher Aims to Prove That Video Games Are Addictive
by Craig Morris, Heise Online 11/17/05
"Researcher Sabine Grüsser-Sinopoli of Berlin's Charité University Clinic presented images from games sequences to a group of gamers."
Industries Find Serious Uses for Video Games: Video games used for military, job training experience
by Mary Beth Lehman, The Ball State Daily News 11/17/05
"Video games aren’t just for fun anymore. The expanding genre of serious games can effectively help to train workers in some of the nation’s most important industries including defense, education, health care and marketing."
The Most Shocking Moments in Video Games
By Alice Hill, RealTechNews 11/16/05
"I am a sucker for these types of round-ups, which is why I loved finding The Most Shocking Moments in Video Games from a little blog called MyGadgetBag."
Friday, November 18, 2005
Video Game News: November 18, 2005
The Video Game Librarian: A Librarian's Look at the Xbox 360 Launch
by John Scalzo, Gaming Target 11/16/05
"With the Xbox 360 launching any day now it's time to give a look at how building a game collection from start with this new format would work. Like what are the strongest launch titles? What will be replaced with a more "next-gen" product in the future? And, like any video game launch, which titles will be relegated to the dustbin of history?"
The Matrix Online Adds Ads To Their Online World
GameZone 11/18/05
"Real-world advertisements will begin appearing on billboards around the Mega City after Update 38 goes live. Just like real-world billboards, they’ll change to feature new advertisements over time. (Don’t worry: Your favorite ads for Slumberil, The Sentinel, etc., will remain a part of the game.) These static advertisements will not affect game performance in any way."
Microsoft's Moore Refutes Xbox 360 Conspiracy Theories
Simon Carless, Gamasutra 11/18/05
"Talking to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Moore commented: "I've seen all of the conspiracy theories. Somewhere in Roswell, New Mexico, we have a hangar where we're stockpiling it, creating false shortages. No." He went on to indicate that the company is "...trying to get as many units to retail as we possibly can.""
by John Scalzo, Gaming Target 11/16/05
"With the Xbox 360 launching any day now it's time to give a look at how building a game collection from start with this new format would work. Like what are the strongest launch titles? What will be replaced with a more "next-gen" product in the future? And, like any video game launch, which titles will be relegated to the dustbin of history?"
The Matrix Online Adds Ads To Their Online World
GameZone 11/18/05
"Real-world advertisements will begin appearing on billboards around the Mega City after Update 38 goes live. Just like real-world billboards, they’ll change to feature new advertisements over time. (Don’t worry: Your favorite ads for Slumberil, The Sentinel, etc., will remain a part of the game.) These static advertisements will not affect game performance in any way."
Microsoft's Moore Refutes Xbox 360 Conspiracy Theories
Simon Carless, Gamasutra 11/18/05
"Talking to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Moore commented: "I've seen all of the conspiracy theories. Somewhere in Roswell, New Mexico, we have a hangar where we're stockpiling it, creating false shortages. No." He went on to indicate that the company is "...trying to get as many units to retail as we possibly can.""
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