The "LA" in "PLAY"

I was reminded of this simple networking game (which can be played with a cocktail in hand) when reading this article from Gamasutra. As is the case with most posts on this blog, it is written with video game designers in mind. However, the basic principle has, I think, universal game designer relevance: there comes a point, a threshold at which your player has bought into your game. For some, it comes when the download is at 10%. For players of this game, it usually happens after they’ve collected their first star. Since it takes only 5 stars to win, completing one challenge means they’re 20% of the way through with the whole game. At that point, many people’s brains seem to start saying, Well I’m nearly done already. Might as well see this thing through to completion. That’s what we love about playing games!

The caption says it all: “The World’s Most Beautiful Scrabble Set.” Actually, no the picture says it all:

That’s some board gamer porn right there… well done Andrew Capener!

Note: Do not buy this for me. I already have enough Scrabble games to last me a life time, including many of the complete un-Scrabble like board game produced by Selchow & Wrighter during the brief span of time in the 70’s when they owned the trademark. Including this one:

And if you ever want to play this game with me, I am usually at the Board Game extravaganzas on the west side every month: you can sign up here. Hope to see you there!

So why then is the idea of playing a game as an educational tool controversial? You’re always learning something when you’re playing a game, and it’s seldom confined to the game world. This CNN article talks about the educational properties of playing games:

Critics often accuse video games of making players lazy, inept and socially awkward. Contrary to popular belief, though, many build, not burn brain cells by requiring extensive problem solving, teamwork and dynamic decision-making skills.

Then this proposed SXSW talk by Clinton Bonner explains how he wants to transform education:

The Common Thread in Games that Really Educate The students are drawn to and embrace competition  Project-Based education is hands-on and highly specific Mentors play a very key role in the learning process Collaboration is not only encouraged, it is imperative for success

If you like this post, perhaps you should vote for this talk at SXSW. You don’t have to, though. But I did.

Also, I am nothing short of FLABBERGASTED to learn that the mysterious number 12 has STILL not been found! The solution is somewhere in the pages of The Clock Without a Face. To join the community of solvers, go to gustwintig.com. When will the final jewel appear?

Here’s one of the other 11 that have been found:

I’m a big Foursquare player - a year ago I didn’t know if I’d for sure still be playing, or using Twitter, and I do both multiple times every day, so I think that’s great. I’m very eager to get in the habit of playing Revel and SuperGoing (see more of which below). But for now, I am a habitual Foursquare player (it is a game, though not a great one, so that makes me a player). And I have some thoughts on the game.

I still use Foursquare in part because I tend not to be the kind to get tired of things easily, especially if it something I’ve made up my mind I would enjoy: for example, see my experience trying out a QR-code ARG in Echo Park, and the creators’ response. Another example of me not getting tired of things: next year I will celebrate my 10th year doing shows at ComedySportz LA. In fact, I have some special shows coming up on Fri 16 September and Fri 21 Oct, so you should come and check those out!

But all of this is build-up to my request to Foursquare players and opinion about its play: Don’t check into your place of work! It means customers can never become mayor, and it’s not really what the game is for. It’s originally a nightlife game: that’s why you get bigger points for things after 5 PM and the first categories were all bars and restaurants. You’re really not supposed to be checking in to your home and the place you go to work every day. It’s a game about going places and doing things, not about going to the same place every day. Come up with another game for that, but don’t use this one.

Despite what may seem, I’m all for using the game for off-brand purposes: I remember when President Obama came to LA and there were traffic jams. I lived closer to the freeway then and I saw somebody had created a place called “Obama Traffic Jam” and 37 people had checked in. I do not approve of playing games on your mobile device while driving a car, but that was pretty funny, and besides it seems like nobody was moving. 

I have used Foursquare for off-brand purposes myself, trying to leave bread crumbs for an ARG in Los Feliz Village. So far almost nobody has found it! There are also clues on Yelp; the game starts in Barnsdall Art Park.

Previously I mentioned Revel and Supergoing. This was a blog post I wrote but had not published, and it is on the topic of those games, so I am appending it:

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Me and my iPhone - we’re pals. We travel pretty much everywhere together. I’ve got a whole folder of geo games and now, thanks to some amazing friends of mine - some here in LA, some in northern California - there are now 2 new ways to go out and engage in the city around you. Reclaiming public space as play space is one of my favorite things to do, and these 2 tools, both in very early stages, provide great opportunities for all kinds of mischief, creativity, appreciation, and engagement. I’m a game guy (primarily) and not an app guy (I’m a civilian user only) but frankly after seeing these two games I think FourSquare and SCVNGR should go hang their heads and cry.

Here are the games: Revel, introduced to me by PEG-LA doyenne Sarah Brin, and SuperGoing, brought to you by Ian and Sam, the Situate guys (creators of Journey to the End of the Night). What are you going to use these games for?

Urban Dare is coming to LA October 1st, and they are offering discounts on tickets.

CityRace has a ton of events coming up in the fall and they are also offering discounts.

Both of the above have events coming up on 1st October. I won’t be attending either of those because I’ll be at a very special puzzle party for the National Puzzlers League! If you want to attend, message me and I’ll give you info. Serious puzzlers only!

This one’s totally new to me - does anyone know anything about PDX Hunt? The game is in Long Beach on 11 September.

PDX makes me think of Portland and Portland makes me think of Voodoo Donut.

Anyway, back to the game: looks to be an urban scavenger hunt conducted mostly by SMS. There’s a bonus for best costume and a “missing idol” you claim. Players are allowed to drive, bike, or use public transit.

Anyone want to play this game with me?

It’s on!

Who best to revive the tradition of the global treasure hunt than Google? Kit Williams was just one man (and a slightly nutty one, in my opinion), but with the combined brainpower of Google earth and MENSA puzzler Tim Dedopolus, it will take a concentrated effort to find the ultimate solution- and even then, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize of $80K. Wow! Let the games begin: the launch is today. You have until March to submit your answer. Good luck- we’ll ALL need it.