Games Pod 4: Serious Games

Summary

This video script explores the concept of serious games, emphasizing their role in education, social impact, and cultural change. It traces the evolution of games like Monopoly, originally designed as a critique of capitalism, and connects it to modern games created for social good. The script highlights different types of serious games, from those raising awareness on issues like the Darfur crisis to those training skills such as motor functions or crisis response. The overarching message encourages the idea that games, while primarily for entertainment, can also serve as powerful tools for change and education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Games can be understood as rules, play, and culture, with each perspective providing unique insights into their function and impact.
• 😀 The Landlord's Game, created by Lizzy Maggie, served as a protest against monopolistic land practices and illustrated the consequences of the tax system.
• 😀 Monopoly, the well-known board game, evolved from the Landlord's Game, despite changes in framing and purpose by Parker Brothers, who marketed it for amusement rather than as a political statement.
• 😀 Serious games, or games for change, are designed for purposes beyond entertainment, often addressing issues like education, defense, and scientific exploration.
• 😀 The differentiation between serious and non-serious games lies in the intent behind their design and the outcomes they seek to influence, even though all games have a cultural component.
• 😀 Serious games come under various titles, such as educational games, simulation games, social impact games, persuasive games, and more, often depending on their specific objectives.
• 😀 Several factors have led to the development of serious games, including research on learning, technological advances, and the growing role of games in fields like military training and corporate education.
• 😀 Serious games are interdisciplinary, incorporating theories from fields such as learning cognition, consumer behavior, game design, storytelling, and technical writing.
• 😀 Examples of serious games include 'Darfur is Dying,' which raises awareness about the Darfur genocide, and 'Jet Set,' which educates players about airport security protocols.
• 😀 Games like 'World Without Oil' use collective imagination to confront real-world issues like oil crises, showcasing the power of games to engage people in civic and educational goals.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the Landlord's Game designed by Lizzie Magie?

The Landlord's Game was designed by Lizzie Magie to illustrate the negative effects of monopolistic practices and advocate for a single tax theory as proposed by Henry George. It was meant to educate players about the consequences of land grabbing and economic inequality.

How did the Landlord's Game evolve into Monopoly?

After Lizzie Magie patented the Landlord's Game, Charles Darrow took a modified version of it, added suburbs to the board, and sold it to Parker Brothers. The game was marketed as a fun pastime, leaving its original social and political message behind, and became the Monopoly game we know today.

What differentiates a serious game from a purely entertainment-focused game?

Serious games are designed with a primary purpose beyond entertainment, such as education, training, or raising awareness of social issues. While they can be engaging, their main goal is to influence or inform players about a specific subject matter.

Can all games be considered games for change?

While many games, including mainstream ones, can influence culture and behavior, not all are designed with the intention to create change. Serious games, however, are explicitly created to address specific issues, raise awareness, or foster skill development in ways that aim for social impact.

How do serious games impact culture and behavior?

Serious games influence culture and behavior by modeling real-world scenarios and offering players experiences that simulate outcomes. For example, a game like Monopoly models capitalist behavior and the effects of land ownership, while games like 'Darfur is Dying' raise awareness about human rights issues.

What are some examples of serious games that raise awareness about social issues?

Examples of serious games raising awareness include 'Darfur is Dying,' which highlights the plight of refugees in Sudan, and 'Killer Flu,' which educates players about the spread of pandemics. These games aim to inform players about real-world challenges and encourage action or deeper understanding.

How do serious games incorporate educational and training objectives?

Serious games incorporate educational and training objectives by simulating real-world scenarios. Games like 'X-Plane' train users on motor functions and flight skills, while 'True Sim' helps train individuals for crisis response and emergency situations, making them effective tools for learning and skill development.

What role does technology play in the development of serious games?

Advancements in technology, such as improved graphics, virtual reality, and interactive simulations, play a key role in developing serious games. These technological advancements allow for more immersive experiences, enabling players to engage with complex scenarios and gain practical skills.

What are the primary drivers behind the growth of serious games?

The primary drivers behind the growth of serious games include advancements in research related to learning theories, cognition, and social networking. Additionally, developments in e-learning, collaboration technologies, and industry needs for training solutions have contributed to the rise of serious games.

What are some categories of serious games and their purposes?

Serious games can be categorized into various types, such as raising awareness (e.g., 'Darfur is Dying'), motor function training (e.g., 'X-Plane'), crisis response training (e.g., 'True Sim'), and creativity development (e.g., 'World Without Oil'). Each category serves a different educational or training purpose.