article - One game that is a certified success

[jazz_e_bob]

Mar 14 2005

By Jenna Pudelek


A new computer game awards players who complete it with a nationally-accredited qualification.

It is the first e-learning initiative to offer players the chance to gain a skill from completing a computer game.

Entrepreneur - The Game aims to teach users how to set up and run their own business. It is initially being targeted at employees and new recruits working in the creative industries in parts of Coventry and Warwickshire.

Players of the business simulation game can chose between running a hairdressers', a pizza parlour, pub, or video shop.

They then have to conduct and analyse market research and find financing and a location. The virtual entrepreneurs are in charge of scrutinising factors affecting trade, dealing with scenarios such as floods and fires, and launching advertisement campaigns.

As they play they are awarded credits and their work is assessed.

The creators, Val Leyland and Tim Luft, who run games company The Edutainers, produced it with Henley College, in Coventry, and Aqua-pacific, a Leamington-based computer company.

Mr Leyland said: "This is the first game of its kind and now there is a real move in the computer games industry to serious games."

If players complete Entrepreneur, they gain two nationally-accredited qualifications - Setting Up Your own Small Business (level 2) and Business Management (level 3).

The idea is being funded by the Learning and Skills Council in Coventry and Warwickshire, in association with the European Social Fund.

For people interested in developing their own computer games, Coventry University has launched a new course offering the opportunity to learn how to design the game of the future. As part of the Lifelong Learning scheme the course aims to develop further insights into the games industry.

[ingsan]

This seems to be another kind of strategy game, like a Sim City game, where you manage your own city. This is another demonstration of the sudden move towards merging reality to games. The Sims, Ubisoft's Playboy game, Sim City, where you are your own boss.

I would only wish in that Job-simulation that the elements like weather, stock exchange, your location were REAL ! I personally think that THAT would be the next generation Game. With Wi-fi ( interaction with other job-simulating players, realtime weather broadcasts, realtime stock exchange reviews ... ) and GPS ( for locating other players in your surroundings ) now being in in game consoles ( ex the new Nintendo DS ), I suspect that someday, THAT would be surely possible

[jazz_e_bob]

I just love the fact that you can earn a nationally-accredited qualification from playing a computer game!

[willg101]

Yeah! It sounds awesome!

[IPete2]

I think the idea is great.

If only real life business was as easy as that! Lol!

IPete2.

[Just4Fun]

IMHO, anything that helps people find an interest in learning has merit. It is amazing how many professionals in the field of education have resisted games as a mode of educating students. It's nice to see that someone has the vision to attempt to marry the areas of educational gaming and higher educational fact. If the above scenario makes the material easier to learn and yet maintains educational integrity, I'm all for it.

"Exergaming" is another interesting area. It is, a blend of gaming and exercising. Dance Dance Revolution is one popular example of “exergaming”. Another is "Gamebike" (very addictive too). It could be huge. This is especially true in the USA where we have a major current concern over childhood (and adult) obesity. I’d like to see more of this sort of thing aimed at senior citizens too. We can all benefit from exercise. Why not marry it to games as well?

[jazz_e_bob]

Imagine playing a computer game where your strategies are tempered by your own physical fitness.

Imagine a game where to use a heavier weapon you actually have to lift it and carry it around.

People could tell if you we into exergaming because you would be totally buff.

[jazz_e_bob]

...and GPS ( for locating other players in your surroundings ) now being in in game consoles ( ex the new Nintendo DS ), I suspect that someday, THAT would be surely possible

http://wired.com/news/games/0,2101,63400,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_7

This game looks cool.

[ingsan]

Yes it Does

[willg101]

I totally agree!

[Just4Fun]

Hey Jazz,

I like the way that you imagine!