Game Based Learning 2010

Wil Arndt believes in the power of design, interactivity and gameplay to foster positive individual and social change. He is an entrepreneur and award-winning interactive designer. Currently the principal of Mod7 Communications, Inc., (www.mod7.com) Wil has over 16 years experience in the visual design field. His work for clients such as CTV, EA, Dr Pepper, Sony, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and the Government of Canada has been recognized through internationally-acclaimed awards, and in books, magazines, and at film festivals.

http://twitter.com/mod7
http://titaniumchef.madebymod7.com

No apologies: Making serious games great

While making a "great game" is hard, making a "serious game" great is harder. Every single decision is weighed against two often-competing criteria: 1) "Is the game fun?" and 2) "Does it support core learning?". Inherent in these are the intertwined challenges of understanding: audience, gaming culture, and context. Titanium Chef is a case study in reaching the Holy Grail of serious gaming: Making an educational/persuasive game that people WANT to play regardless of educational content. BACKGROUND Titanium Chef (www.titaniumchef.ca) is a serious game developed by Canadian digital agency mod7 for the BC Dairy Foundation. The online experience teaches primary school students how to eat well and plan healthy meals. The September 09 soft-launch exceeded expectations with world-wide popularity that crashed servers and thrilled the creators. Players averaged 31 minutes per visit. Designed to be used in the classroom, meeting curriculum, it is popular with both boys and girls (girls representing a greater share of registrations). Irreverent writing, a casual tone, and seamless integration of nutrition education content makes Titanium Chef a great serious game. FORMAT Sharing heuristics gleaned from the creation of Titanium Chef. Two years of research, planning, prototyping, and development presented. The presentation covers practical approaches to serious game development, and proprietary technology tools that were developed