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September 24, 2004

Some games to prove my point (and scare you)

Early this month, I talked about simulation games, and their potential to support learning for arts managers and other complex activities. Now there are a few more examples -- beyond Roller Coaster Tycoon -- to show the idea in action. The interesting twist is that games are now supporting an agenda, a point of view, and aim to persuade the player about a certain way of thinking.

Two cases in point, from both sides of the political aisle:

• Take Back Illinois, an on-line simulation game, sponsored by republican Tom Cross and the Illinois House Republican Organization. The game lets you tackle four issues of particular interest to the republican candidates and incumbants, specifically Medical Malpractice Reform, Education, Citizen Participation, and Economic Reform (only the first topic is currently available, others are promised soon).
• Kuma War, a first-person battle game, including among its mission scenarios Swift Boat PCF-94 -- John Kerry's fateful mission that earned him a purple heart. Says the promotional copy: 'Built using advanced game tools, this simulation puts you in Kerry's boots, in command of a Swift Boat on the Mekong Delta in 1969. Includes broadband video news show, real-world intel, satellite images and the background you need to understand a key issue in this year's presidential election.'

Another game used as a promotional tool -- and a rather powerful one -- is the America's Army Game, a downloadable program from the U.S. Army, to let you explore a military career choice, minus the bad food and actual bullets. More promotional copy: 'Realistic depiction of the values, units, equipment and career opportunities that make the Army the world¹s premier land force.'

Like any teaching tool, games can teach bias, distortion, and forced point of view, as well as a balanced, nuanced perspective on a complex world (if there is such a thing). Once the big boys play with these toys a little longer, they may be affordable and accessible to us cash-strapped managers and educators in the nonprofit arts. It won't be long of a wait...and you can pass the time pretending you're John Kerry in the Mekong Delta.

NOTE: You can get more links and updates about 'games with an agenda' at watercoolergames.org. Also worth a look are Serious Games and the Education Arcade.

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