by Annie | Oct 3, 2013 | Game Design
Coursera is at it again, offering another excellent online course about games, this time on the topic of video games and learning, presented by Constance Steinkuehler and Kurt Squire of the University of Wisconsin. The course promises to cover everything from the culture of games and human cognition to practical applications of games in the classroom. The course begins today and spans 6 weeks, each of which offers new video lectures, suggested readings, and assignments. So if you haven’t already, register now and join me for this exciting new...
by Annie | Jun 8, 2013 | Game Design
Some of the most memorable games create the most preposterous of scenarios. Flying whales, ravenous zombies, or this scenario, created by a recent science game for kids: a giant cheese that’s out of control and taking over the city. Developed by biotech company Genentech, Ralph’s Killer Muenster is an iPad game that sends players on a mission to restore a killer cheese to its edible form. Puzzles challenge players to reconstruct phylogenetic (evolutionary) trees, making the science of genetics more accessible to a young audience. In addition to the game, a whole site dedicated to the fictional cheese monger was created to give more of the backstory behind the game. Even a food truck serving grilled muenster sandwiches can be seen on the streets of San...
by Annie | Aug 31, 2012 | Education, Game Design, Psychology of Games
Have you heard of gamification yet? If not, you will surely run across it at some point. Gamification is one of the hottest topics at the intersection of game design and business. Many companies are incorporating game design elements in business practices, both externally (e.g., marketing and consumer behavior) and internally (e.g., HR and employee training). In addition, gamification is being used to transform all kinds of fields, from education to journalism. If you’ve ever used a stamp card at a coffee shop (buy 10 and get one free) or gone through the LinkedIn registration process, you’ve been part of the gamification movement. People are just starting to discover the vast potential of gamification in changing human behavior, so many exciting things are happening in this field. If you’re interested in learning more, Coursera is offering a FREE online course on gamification, taught by Prof. Kevin Werbach from the Wharton School at my alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. Over 70,000 people have already registered, myself included. You have until Sept. 9th to register, so get on it! (Coursera also has tons of other free online courses, so check them out if you get a...
by Annie | Jul 27, 2012 | Game Design
Source: Frugal Dad
by Annie | May 21, 2012 | Game Design
After making it to the top of the charts in the Canadian App Store, Zoopnium has now been featured on Telus TV. Check it out now, and keep collecting...
by Annie | Apr 27, 2012 | Game Design
Looking for a new fun way to get active? Try out Zoopnium, the latest app from Digido Interactive, now featured in the New & Noteworthy section in the App Store. Just fire up the Zoopnium app, put your device in your pocket, and get moving. Every step you take helps you collect Zoopnium. Collect enough, and you can create your own custom Zoops and even trade them with friends. Try it out now! UPDATE: Zoopnium is now one of the top ten kids’ games in Canada with thousands of downloads and playthroughs. What are you waiting for? Download it, play it, rate...
