If I had to choose a gaming console setup for a standard public library, I'd start by asking the library patrons about the kinds of games they enjoy playing or are interested in. I'd make an effort to reach a wide spectrum of users. I'd also look at what similar libraries are doing with their gaming programs; it would be helpful to find other libraries with gaming programs in my local area, because we might be able to work out some kind of consortium-type arrangement (or at least be likely to be dealing with some similar situations). It would also be very useful to hear about others' experience with gaming in other libraries.
I'd also research on gaming review sites and tech sites like CNET in order to find out more general types of information such as what games are available on console gaming setups and whether there are any usability quirks; the sorts of things that wouldn't be library-specific but would be good to know.
Personally, I would be inclined to go with Wii because it gives physical exercise along with the mental challenge of gaming. It also seems to appeal to a wide range of demographic groups.
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tetris screencast
Inspired by some of my classmates, I did a screencast about playing Tetris in Facebook and trying to beat a friend's score (which, ultimately, I didn't do).
One thing I've learned from Gaming Week 1 (and this exercise):
I'm not a social gamer in online media (yet), though I am more social in other online and offline contexts. Maybe it's because I'm an only child and ended up playing board games, computer games and D&D solo (trust me, it is possible to play D&D alone). The real social aspect of gaming for me had to wait till I got to college and started playing arcade games in the student center with the other reprobates who were (and still are) my friends. They got me into playing card games like hearts (and our favorite house variation, double-cancellation hearts). So social gaming, for me, is still something that usually happens offline.
But as an old arcade hand, if Facebook can bring back the fun of trying to beat your best friend's score, maybe it's not such a bad thing. Now they just need to bring back Star Wars, Joust and Tempest (among others)!
Re: Tetris. I was a total Tetris addict for a while until the aches in my hands told me I needed to give it up. Tetris Friends shows me that not only do I still have the chops, ready to be reawakened at any moment, I can also whine about how this version of Tetris is dumbed-down from the bare-bones version I used to play.
One thing I've learned from Gaming Week 1 (and this exercise):
I'm not a social gamer in online media (yet), though I am more social in other online and offline contexts. Maybe it's because I'm an only child and ended up playing board games, computer games and D&D solo (trust me, it is possible to play D&D alone). The real social aspect of gaming for me had to wait till I got to college and started playing arcade games in the student center with the other reprobates who were (and still are) my friends. They got me into playing card games like hearts (and our favorite house variation, double-cancellation hearts). So social gaming, for me, is still something that usually happens offline.
But as an old arcade hand, if Facebook can bring back the fun of trying to beat your best friend's score, maybe it's not such a bad thing. Now they just need to bring back Star Wars, Joust and Tempest (among others)!
Re: Tetris. I was a total Tetris addict for a while until the aches in my hands told me I needed to give it up. Tetris Friends shows me that not only do I still have the chops, ready to be reawakened at any moment, I can also whine about how this version of Tetris is dumbed-down from the bare-bones version I used to play.
Johnson reading
Since I disagree with George Will about most things other than baseball, I'm not really surprised to be disagreeing with his comment about the sophisticated delivery of stupidity. What does surprise me is how impressed I was with the argument made by Johnson's Everything Bad Is Good for You.
I don't consider myself a "real" gamer, but on the other hand, I've always enjoyed games. Board games, card games, D&D, computer games...when I think back on my life, I realize that I've spent a lot of it (probably too much) doing things like that. In other words, Johnson's contention that playing games sharpens the mind seems reasonable. Heck, I can even see a fast change in the learning curve as I've played new games this week and quickly improved my technique and reaction speed.
The part of the Johnson reading I enjoyed most was his discussion of tv. Now, I'm a tv snob. Sure, I've watched my share of junk tv over the years, but these days when I do watch it, it tends to be PBS. I was blown away by the persuasiveness of Johnson's argument that tv has gotten more mentally challenging, complete with very effective examples. That he topped it off by linking the appeal of reality shows back to game-playing (and his excellent discussion of emotional intelligence) was the final slam dunk. I won't think about tv in the same way again (whether or not I watch any more of it^). (It also helps that a good friend of mine is an avid game-player and fan of 24 and Survivor as well, and he even used a similar argument in trying to explain Survivor's appeal to me.)
So, consider me convinced of Johnson's argument, and add one more topic of disagreement with George Will to my lengthy list of them. :)
I don't consider myself a "real" gamer, but on the other hand, I've always enjoyed games. Board games, card games, D&D, computer games...when I think back on my life, I realize that I've spent a lot of it (probably too much) doing things like that. In other words, Johnson's contention that playing games sharpens the mind seems reasonable. Heck, I can even see a fast change in the learning curve as I've played new games this week and quickly improved my technique and reaction speed.
The part of the Johnson reading I enjoyed most was his discussion of tv. Now, I'm a tv snob. Sure, I've watched my share of junk tv over the years, but these days when I do watch it, it tends to be PBS. I was blown away by the persuasiveness of Johnson's argument that tv has gotten more mentally challenging, complete with very effective examples. That he topped it off by linking the appeal of reality shows back to game-playing (and his excellent discussion of emotional intelligence) was the final slam dunk. I won't think about tv in the same way again (whether or not I watch any more of it^). (It also helps that a good friend of mine is an avid game-player and fan of 24 and Survivor as well, and he even used a similar argument in trying to explain Survivor's appeal to me.)
So, consider me convinced of Johnson's argument, and add one more topic of disagreement with George Will to my lengthy list of them. :)
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