#19 Gaming

What’s it all about?

Yes, this is gaming week.  But you won’t be slaying dragons or fighting space invaders this week.  Rather, we’ll be looking at the whole idea of gaming.  You’ll learn more about gamers as future employees, find out where to look for games for people of all ages, and the world of online gaming.

First of all, this is gaming, not gambling.  We’re not talking about online poker or blackjack.  And gaming has been an important component in the growth and development of an entire generation.  Their whole approach to work and school is similar to what they’ve learned playing video or computer games:

1. There is always a goal.  It could be as simple as solving a puzzle or as complex as rescuing the jewel board from your archenemy.
2. To reach that goal, you’ll go through many challenges and trials. But you’ll also be given the tools and gain the knowledge necessary to move along.
3. Each time you succeed, you’re able to move on to the next level or challenge.
4. If you fail, you’re given an opportunity to try again.  In fact, you might have several opportunities that you can use before you’re forced to start all over again.
5. When you do something especially great, you’re rewarded in some fashion (extra points, special privileges).
6. When you reach your goal, even if it’s an intermediary one, you are acknowledged in some way.

Do you see any implications for our workforce?  This might be a good comment for your blog.

Try it out!

The average teenager who comes into our community libraries to play Runescape really doesn’t need your knowledge or expertise.  But parents, new computer users, and others might need to find starting points.  Probably the best “mega-site” out there is Yahoo! Games

They’ve done a great job amassing games (both free and fee-based) on this site.   Do a little exploring and you’ll find that many games will let you have a one hour trial before you have to commit to a purchase.  The trial does require a download, so if you’re really interested, this is something that you’ll want to explore at home on your personal computer.

But let’s actually play something.  Go down the page to Yahoo! Daily Games:

These are five minute games that most adults would enjoy.  Before you choose one, be sure to turn the volume down on your computer! No downloads should be required.  And yes, the games usually last about five minutes.  When the game begins, click anywhere in the game area to activate the control.  You will probably be moving a puzzle piece, typing in squares, or selecting something.  Give it a try!

Now that you’ve mastered a quick game, take a look at the other free games available on Yahoo! Games

Most of these games don’t require downloads or logins and some of them are actually a lot of fun.  Try one.

Parents are often looking for games for their children to play.  There are plenty of websites that host educational games:

Funbrain

Primary Games

Gamers talk and share what they’ve learned about their games.  Nearly every online game has a blog or chatroom associated with it.  And many of the gaming websites have cheats (deliberately circumventing the rules) or hints to help you along.

What did you think?

Talk about your gaming experience.  Was it more complicated than you thought?  Easier?  Did you try anything that interested you?

Next Week:  #20  Relax and reflect