11+ Free Game Creation Software Programs (At least for 30 Days)

If you are thinking of creating an educational game but don't want to invest a lot of money, you can try out these free software programs (or free for 30 days in some cases), some are 2D and some are 3D.

Also, if you are in a large organization and thinking of implementing a "serious game," you may want to develop a prototype using one of these software programs to see how it plays before sinking a lot of money into the project.

Or, if you are in Dr. Kapp's Instructional Game Design Class, you may want to consider one of these free programs for the educational game you are developing as a final project.

Scratch

Computer vs. Soccer ball game created in Scratch

Scratch:Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web. Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, with financial support from the National Science Foundation, Microsoft, Intel Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Google, Iomega and MIT Media Lab research consortia.

Panda 3D

Image from a game created in Panda3D

Panda 3D: Panda3D is a game engine, a framework for 3D rendering and game development for Python and C++ programs. Panda3D is Open Source and free for any purpose, including commercial ventures. It originated at Disney, and is still being used for their commercial games.You can even check out some online demos.


Game Maker

Game Maker 8 Room Properties

Game Maker: This package uses drag-and-drop actions, you a person using it can create professional looking games within very little time. It allows you to make games with backgrounds, animated graphics, music and sound effects, and even 3D games. There is a built-in programming language, which gives the user the flexibility of creating games with Game Maker. Game Maker can be used free of charge. But, if you register your copy of Game Maker, you can unlock extra functions, which extend the capabilities of the program. Game Maker comes preloaded with a collection of freeware images and sounds to get you started.

Adventure Maker

Adventure Maker Asset Management Screen

Adventure Maker: Toolkit to create point-and-click games and multimedia software without any scripting or programming. It runs on Windows, and it allows creating software for Windows, PSP, iPhone, and iPod touch. All you have to do is to import your pictures, add some hotspots to link the pictures to one another, and you are done. Adventure Maker is suitable for the creation of picture-based adventure games, virtual tours, educational software, presentations, and interactive visits.


Alice

Image from creation screen in Alice.

Alice: Alice is a 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice is a freely available teaching tool designed to be a student's first exposure to object-oriented programming. It allows students to learn fundamental programming concepts in the context of creating animated movies and simple video games. In Alice, 3-D objects (e.g., people, animals, and vehicles) populate a virtual world and students create a program to animate the objects.


Sploder

Interface for game creation in Sploder

Sploder: This package allows you to make your own platformer games, spaceship shooters, and other types of games. You can also make a space adventure game. Games created in Sploder™ are 100% Flash. You can even download your games and post them on your own commercial web site

Gamebook Engine

Interaction page with branching options.

The Gamebook Engine: This is a free open source, multi-platform framework for reading and writing gamebooks, such as the Choose Your Own Adventure, Lone Wolf, and Fighting Fantasy series. Not a 3D environment and mostly text-based but does contain some good branching and good for Role Play Games.

Eclipse

MMORPG Game created in Eclipse. 

Eclipse: Eclipse is a free to use 2D game engine. This game creator makes online MMORPG. Eclipse uses a simple point and click system. If the software does not have the requirements you need you can program it with the source.

Venatio Creo

Screen capture showing a character seeking information.

Ventio Creo: Venatio Creo is a portable intuitive platform designed to allow non-programmers to create interactive computer games. It utilizes a WYSIWYG interface that lets the user see the effects of their actions immediately. After the game is created, the user may redistribute the application as a stand-alone professional quality program. (PC version required for redistribution.) At its heart, Venatio Creo is a codeless programming tool that allows codeless software development of interactive computer games. This is accomplished by providing a system for users that is entirely visual, from creating their game worlds to supplying rules for their game.


30 Day Free Trials

Phrogram

Screen shot of game screen in development.

Phrogram: This program uses the same types of development tools that working programmers use, as they write, test and debug code, but in a much simpler package.Phrogram uses graphic objects in a "drag-&-drop" environment to allow the person to develop a game idea. Phrogram's "plain language" approach makes it easier to understand, read and write code. The programming language is concise and the tools are easy to master.

Thinking Worlds

Creating an interaction in Thinking Worlds

Thinking Worlds:Thinking Worlds is a 3D engine and authoring environment. Thinking Worlds enables designers to create and publish highly immersive simulations and games. The software has been designed from the start around the needs of designers and enables them to carry their designs forward and quickly develop 3D simulations themselves.


RPG Maker

Game screen from RPG Maker

RPG Maker:RPG Maker VX is software that helps you create you own unique RPG without any programming experience necessary. With RPG Maker VX you can create games with a resolution of 544x416, 32bit colours with a smooth, steady framerate of 60 fps. The ability to have characters run is now includes as a standard function and the in-game default font has been changed from previous versions for easier reading.

2Do It Yourself

Some of the drawing capabilities of the package.

2Do It Yourself:With this software, you can create your own interactive Flash resources, activities, games, puzzles, quizzes. With this software teachers and primary school children can create cross-curricular, personalised resources and use them on whiteboards, websites and even on Learning Platforms.

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Google Goes Gaming?

There have been a number of interesting development in term of Google and social game purchases and game related initiatives. Here are some recent highlights;

Google purchased a company called Slide, an app developer that works with popular social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace to create community-driven entertainment applications. The deal is worth a reported $182 million. Google Buys Slide for $182 Million, Getting More Serious about Social Games*

Google has invested between $100 million and $200 million in social gaming company Zynga. Zynga is a network of gaming applications built off of classic games like Poker, Battleship, and Attack!Google Secretly Invested $100+ Million In Zynga, Preparing To Launch Google Games

In May, Google was looking to hire an employee to develop Google’s games commerce product strategy and help “build and manage the business with a cross-functional team." Is Google Getting Back Into The Gaming Business?


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Educational Games for the Classroom

Here is a list of educational games that can be used to teach kids during the school year or over the summer break.

Here are some games based on Nobel Prize winning research. These games cover the topics of physics, chemistry, physiology, medicine, literature, peace and economics.

This game teaches about Nobel Prize winning Chemistry Research.


There are a bunch of games on the web site to check out. Here is a list of the top 10 most visited educational games on Nobel Prize web site.
1. The Blood Typing Game
2. The Laser Challenge Game
3. The DNA - the Double Helix Game
4. The Pavlov's Dog Game
5. The Diabetic Dog Game
6. The Lord of the Flies Game
7. The Electrocardiogram Game
8. The Immune System Game
9. The Control of the Cell Cycle Game
10. The Split Brain Experiments Game

This game teaches kids about diabetes. 

Here are some simple games to teach about energy conservation over at the Energy Hogs web site. These games might be too simplistic for older students. If that is the case, have them examine the games and see what improvement or changes they would make.
Here is the opening screen for the energy hog games.

If you want students to think about energy conservation and requirements. Have them check out Energyville.

Name your town, develop your

 energy resources in Energyville.

You can go to the EdHeads site and check out games focused on teaching about simple machines and crash scene forensics. The games are accompanied by teacher focused materials so you can incorporate them into the classroom (also a few medical focused games and one discussing the weather.)

Reviewing crash scene data.

Teaching basic math is a site called Academic Skill Builders. This site covers a number of basic skills such as math, verbs, addition, etc.
Use your math skills to win the race. Up to 4 players can compete.

If you teach biology, you might be interested in a site called Frog Guts where you can virtually dissect a frog. Check out the demo. This is cool stuff.

Provides a virtual experience for frog dissection.

You can learn about the scientific process and speak like a pirate at Science Pirates: The Curse of Brownbeard.

Check out the opening screen and

 then download a copy for yourself.

Here is a multiplayer game for teaching about algebra. The demo focused on graphing. Go to DimensionM and check out the interactive algebra game.

Here is your "Heads Up" display for learning algebra on a strange but beautiful planet.

To teach basic multiplication skills check out Timez Attack.

Give the right answer before being crushed.

Finally, you might want to check out Immune Attack to learn about the human immune system. You are shrunk to the size of a blood cell and propelled through a body to learn about how our immune system works.

In this game you enter the strange and wonderful world of the human circulatory system.

Learn about the Moon on NASA's Game. Moon Base Alpha.

Cooperate to survive on the moon.

Teach students engineering concepts through the West Point Bridge Design Contest software (you don't have to enter the contest to dowload the software.) But you will learn about building bridges.

Test out your bridge and see if it will hold.

Check out a variety of games at the TryScience web site which has both online and off-line game activities.

The Grid, is one of many games you

 can play on the TryScience web site.

You can experience some of the hardships that third world farmers suffer by playing the game, Third World Farmer.

You must carefully choose how to spend

 your limited income as a Third World Farmer.

Learn about the struggles in Darfur with the Darfur is Dying game.

Trying to hide.

Learn more about Games for Learning at the web site Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning which discusses my book by the same name.

Check out Going to the MUVEES to See River City to learn about a game which involves many students working together to solve a science problem.

Business Focused Games
If you are interested in games focused on business for students, check out this listing of business games Online Games for Teaching Business Concepts and Ideas.

Civics Focused Games
If you are intersted in games focused on world peace, civics, ect. Check out Observe the Supreme Court, Become President, Negotiate Peace with Online Games

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Controller, We don't Need No Stink'n Controller

First came the Wii-Motes which revolutionized video game controllers. Now we have Project Natal which makes your entire body a controller. Sure, we had an early attempt at this technology with Sony's EyeToy but it was a little clunkie and never really caught on.

But now Microsoft has teamed up with Steven Spielberg for an interface that is truly natural. The only real way to check it out is to play but...in the meantime, check out these videos.





Here is the Project's web site.

Check out previous posts on the subject of controller-free interfaces:

Get People Moving...have them play a Video Game

Interface be Gone

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Major Video Game Development Contest Focused on STEM Announced

This week President Barack Obama launched a new “Educate to Innovate” campaign. This initiative aims to increase science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) literacy among students in US educational institutions.

As part of that initiative, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Microsoft Corporation, and the MacArthur Foundation today announced a collaboration based on a video game focus to improve education.

As Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers, says "Computer and video games are one of the most effective ways to reach America's children and encourage them to stay interested in vital STEM principles." He goes on to say that "We are honored to have President Obama recognize the unique ability of games to act as a catalyst in generating new areas of growth in education."

So what does this mean? A national video game competition will be launched...that's what it means.

This competition is a component of the 2010 Digital Media and Learning Competition, a $2 million annual effort funded by the MacArthur Foundation that advances the most innovative approaches to learning through games, social networks and mobile devices. SCEA, in cooperation with ESA and ITI, will team with MacArthur to support the competition, which will result in the creation of new game play experiences that enhance STEM principles using new discoveries on an existing popular video game--LittleBigPlanet(TM)--winner of numerous "game of the year" awards in 2008. Additionally, SCEA will donate 1,000 PlayStation(R)3 (PS3(TM)) systems and copies of LittleBigPlanet(TM) to libraries and community based organizations in low-income communities and make the winning levels available to game players at no cost.

Applications will be judged on criteria related to participatory learning, the support of learning related to science, technology, engineering and math, and the degree to which assessment of learning is integrated into the learning experience itself.
Proposals will be posted for public comment and multiple awards will be given, including a People's Choice Award, which will be decided by the public. Winners will be announced in 2010.

(Check out entire news release on the topic.)

In early 2010, ESA, ITI and their partners will make a formal announcement of the competition's details including eligibility rules and entry procedures. Winners will be announced at the E3 Expo, the leading video game industry trade show event, which takes place June 15-17, 2010.

Look for details in the near future.
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Interviews: Questions and Answers

Lately it seems as if I have been doing a number of interviews, I was interviewed over at The eLearning Coach on the topic of Games and Simulations. Stop over and check out the interview. It was a lot of fun. Also, here is the second part of the interview (it was so long it became two parts.) Also, check out the other interesting content on the site. Some good stuff.

I also received an email with some interview questions. Here is a glimpse at some of the questions and answers from that email.

Why do you think parents disapprove of the idea of videogames in classrooms?

Parents only hear about the “bad” aspects of video games and a number of video games do have offensive language and content but so do books. Some of the most offensive subjects and written word has been captured in books. Do we ban all books as bad? No. We ban certain books but the rest we view as positive. We need the same focus on video games. Some are bad but many aspects of games are good. Parent just don’t know about those aspects because they are not as well publicized.

What are the differences between game-based learning and traditional learning methods used in schools now?
Many academic environments are not situated to take advantage of interactive learning opportunities; instead, they focus too much on one-way communication. The instructor lectures to the students. In that environment not a lot of information is retained by the learner. Other times, students are forced to do rote memorization which can be boring. Games can disguise rote memorization and make it more palatable for the learner. For example, games are played over and over again for a higher score, to beat someone or to reach the next level. We know that distributed practice (or spaced rehearsal) is an effective learning technique and a well designed game naturally embodies that concept more so than a traditional classroom lecture or homework assignment.

Another advantage of gaming over a traditional lecture is that games focus on problem-solving. In many classroom environments, time constraints and the need to keep every learner on the same page minimizes the opportunity learners have of truly engaging in problem solving. Games allow learners to engage in problem-solving on a regular basis.

Immediate feedback is another advantage. Games provide immediate feedback unlike a test or a quiz which requires time for an instructor to grade and return. Games also tend to motivate learners more than text on a PowerPoint slide that is presented in a typical classroom.

What are the problems with traditional learning methods?
The instruction all has to progress at one pace, students don’t get enough of a chance to practice problem-solving. The traditional methods don’t teach students to work with multiple variables and to see pattern recognition.

What can change if schools start to participate in game-based learning?
I believe we can raise a generation of problem-solvers and innovators. We can’t solve today’s problems with the education of yesterday. The classroom model has been around since the 1800’s and is appropriate for an industrial society but we are now an information society and we need a new focus. Games will our children to think on their feet and to aggressively confront issues with a sense of urgency.

Nolan Bushnell, the father of videogames, says “Everything can be done through a game. The learning and the exercise.” He continues to say that games teach much more than any teacher can. “They teach to work in teams, whether it is with another person or a simulation. They teach experiences and creative thinking and encourage students to learn by themselves.” Nolan concludes, “Students will learn if they just continue to play their videogames.”
Do you agree with Nolan Bushnell’s statement?

I agree to a large extent with his statements, I think I would modify to focus on educational games. I think “bad” games can teach some pretty bad stuff so to say all video games are good no matter what is like saying all video games are bad no matter what—-neither statement is true.

Games are an instructional strategy for teaching content but are not a panacea. While many good aspects of video games are ignored and should be highlighted and leveraged more in educational institutions, we cannot abandon all other types of learning in favor of games. An intelligent balance of instructor-led instruction, games, simulations, hands-on experiences and peer-to-peer interactions is necessary. A mistake too many people make is to see any one solution or technique, like video games as the answer to all educational problems. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. So, the “everything can be done through a game,” is, in my opinion, going a little far. But I do agree that learning and the exercise or application of the learning can be learned through the game but, more is needed. Practical, hands-on elements and working side-by-side and being able to see another student and work shoulder-to-shoulder is also important.

Bushnell also wants to create a “Game-Based School” where children learn from only games. What do you think the pros and cons of a school like this would be?
The pros would be the problem-solving focus and the motivation. The cons would be, as mentioned above, one cannot learn everything they need to know at all times through a game. Many more dynamics are needed. A game centered curriculum can be successful if other elements are also included. Again, a one dimensional solution to educational problems is short-sighted and is wrong.



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Learn about Somali Pirates and Capitalism with This Interesting Game

Here is a chance for you to step into the role of a 

Somali Pirate in Wired's Cutthroat Capitalism.

The folks over at Wired have created an interesting game to "teach" people stories in the news, the idea is that someone can better understand the news story of the Somali pirates by understanding their motivation and by taking on the role of the pirate to better understand the economic motivations behind the Somali attacks.

Give the game a try and see if you can be a successful pirate and...see if you learn anything about the economics of being a modern day pirate.

Imagine if all complex news related information was presented in an interactive format. It might just help people understand the complex world around them just a little better.

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Become an Investigator with Online Games

One of my favorite shows on TV is CSI because I like the mystery and putting together the clues to solve the crime. You can recreate those feelings with a couple of online games.

The first is called Fraud Scene Investigator (FSI). This game is created in a comic book style with stylized images and events. The movement from one scene to another is done by shifting from one frame to another. This is well done example of using a comic book approach to a serious subject.

It looks like Grandma is a victim of a stock scam.

Let's investigate further.

The entire scenario progresses like

 you are reading a comic book.

The site is called Finance University and is developed by the West Virgina State Auditor office, Newspapers in Education and NASSA.

Check it out as a good example of incorporating a discovery learning, online simulation and a stylized approach to online learning. Additionally, there is a teacher mode and a student mode so as a teacher you can gain some insights for presenting the concepts in class.

Over at Edheads, you can become the lead officer of a crash scene investigation. You get to help the highway patrol recreate a deadly crash by examining the evidence and calculating the forces of the accident. There is a teachers' guide and other resources to help you lead the investigation.

Gaining an understanding of the accident.

Determining the velocity of the cars at the time of the crash.

This simulation allows the learner to run calculations make determinations and investigate the cause of the crash.

These games will bring out your inner Crime Scene Investigator. If you know of any others, please share.
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Observe the Supreme Court, Become President, Negotiate Peace with Online Games

Here are three games that can be used to teach the civics topics of how elections are conducted, how the Supreme Court functions and the complicated issues of the Middle East.

Supreme Court

Justices in the game Supreme Decision.

Here is a free computer game for teenagers created with the help of former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor that helps explain what happens at the Supreme Court and its impact on the United States.

"Supreme Decision," the first of several planned web-based games, went online earlier this month as part of a project called Our Courts. In it, students can play a U.S. Supreme Court clerk helping a justice with a tie-breaking vote over a First Amendment case.

Backed by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and Georgetown University, the Our Courts project is designed to teach middle students. Check out Supreme Decision

The web site hosting the Supreme Decision called Our Courts has resources for teachers, a place for news items and another game called "Do I have a Right?" as well as a list of other civics related games. Read an article about the project. O'Connor touts civics lessons via online games

Presidential Elections

Each party (including a computer-generated third-party) 

has its own mascot.

If you want to give students the experience of running for President of the United States, one game that does a great job of explaining the process is eLection. The game requires a Shockwave plug-in. It was created by a project called Cable in the Classroom (CIC). CIC worked to create a free 3-Dimensional multimedia game in partnership with CNN Student News, C-SPAN and History to show the educational power of 3D learning (and to use as much cable bandwidth as possible.)

eLections is an online board game that demonstrates how broadband technology - with its capacity to deliver video, audio, excellent inter-activity, design and content - can support active, meaningful and memorable learning. The game was first created in 2004 but was updated in 2008 for the big US Presidential election. It is a great example of converting a board game (one based on the game Life) to an electronic board game. It is fun to play and is highly interactive. Teacher resources are available at the site (scroll to the bottom for a link.)

Middle East Politics

Balance the needs of the region to 

obtain peace in PeaceMaker.

Now that you are the President of the United States, you need to do some diplomacy. And there is no better place than in the Middle East. Try PeaceMaker for an understanding of the complex issues involved with this region.

According to the game's web site "PeaceMaker challenges you to succeed as a leader where others have failed. Experience the joy of bringing peace to the Middle East or the agony of plunging the region into disaster. PeaceMaker will test your skills, assumptions and prior knowledge. Play it and you will never read the news the same way again." The demo can be played for free and then a slight fee is required to download the entire game.


Additional Law Related Games

Check out these mini-games about the 

law at Law Focused Education, Inc.

The Law Related Education Department of the State Bar of Texas has a web site called Law Focused Education, Inc. with many mini-games that students can play to learn more about the law. From picking a jury to identifying which branch of government has which powers.

And if you want to learn more about the link between civics games and engaged members of society, check out this article. Video Games May Foster Teen Civic Engagement

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Zaid's List of Games and Women Bloggers

Zaid's Image of Karl Kapp promoting Second Life.

If you haven't had a chance, you should check out ZaidSwoosh! Zaid takes concepts and makes such interesting and fasinating presentations. He also has a great sense of humor.

Check out this slide show, creative graphics of women bloggers and a special guest appearance on page 34.

27 Inspiring Women Edubloggers

View more documents from Zaid Alsagoff.

Also see his list of 101 Free EduGames (he also has a part two you should check out at SlideShare

101 Free EduGames - Part I

View more documents from Zaid Alsagoff.

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Online Games for Teaching Business Concepts and Ideas

JA Titan Game for High School Kids to Learn Business Concepts.

Here is a list of online games and related items that I presented at the Fall 2009 Business Teacher Seminar in Grantville, PA.

Hotshot Business Game (Created by Disney)

Design Considerations for a Cell Phone (at Edheads.org)

Explore environmental and business impact with Energyville (by Cheveron)

Download educational objects on topics of Business, Accounting, Entrepreneurship and many related topics at WISC-Online (Wisconsin Online Resource Center)

For up to sixth grade check out Planet Orange for financial information and advice (sponsored by ING Direct)

Brainpop is also another good source for small, focused information on a number of topics including financial and economic subjects.

For something aimed at high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students check out Industry Player.

For some informational but fun videos on financial topics, check out CommonCraft.

JA Titan is a business simulation for high school students. During game play, students must run a manufacturing company and master six key business decisions: price of product, production levels, marketing expenses, research and development costs, capital investment level, and charitable giving. (The game is now under the watchful eye of Junior Achievement.)

If you happen to be French or speak French, you can try your hand at balancing France's budget at Cyber-Budget.

Better Business Choices let's you choose from a number of business paradigms and then make choices and see how they impact the organization.

And check out a business tool of the future with ProtoSphere (by Protonmedia)

*UPDATE also, of course to teach keyboarding skills, you might want to check out Typing of the Dead.

Here are the slides from the presentation:

Online Games For Business

View more presentations from kkapp.

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Video Games, Education and Entertainment Statistics

Here is a recap of some facts assembled by the Entertainment Software Association:

• A total of 254 universities and other institutions of higher learning in 37 states and the District of Columbia now offer courses and degrees in computer and video game design, programming, and art.
  
  
• California is home to 46 institutions of higher learning offering such courses or degrees. Other states in the top 10 are: New York (21); Texas (20); Florida (19); Illinois (16); Pennsylvania (12); Massachusetts (11); Washington (9); Georgia (8); Arizona, Michigan, and Colorado (7).
  
  
• According to a study conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, more than a third (35 percent) of parents play computer and video games and 93 percent of these parents have children who also play them.
  
  
• According to the ESA’s 2009 Essential Facts about Computer and Video Games booklet, 68 percent of American households now play video games and 42 percent of American homes have a video game console.
  
  
• A study conducted last year by KRC Research revealed that 70 percent of major employers utilize interactive software, including games, to train employees. And 75 percent of these businesses plan to expand their usage within the next three to five years.
  
  
• Over the past 12 years, annual computer and video game software sales have more than quadrupled to $11.7 billion with overall computer and video game industry sales climbing to a record $22 billion in 2008.
  
  
• Among parents who play computer and video games, Peter D. Hart Research Associates reports that 80 percent play with their children and two-thirds of gamer parents feel that playing games has brought their families closer.
  
  
• Forty percent of all game players are women. In fact, women over the age of 18 represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (34 percent) than boys age 17 or younger (18 percent).
  
  
• In 2009, 25 percent of Americans over the age of 50 play video games, an increase from nine percent in 1999.
  
  
• By 2009, it is projected that the entertainment software industry will support over a quarter of a million American jobs. The average salary for direct employees is $92,300, resulting in total national compensation of $2.2 billion.
  
  
• California, Washington, Texas, New York and Massachusetts currently have the highest concentration of video game jobs. Collectively, these areas directly employ 16,604 workers and post 70 percent of the industry's total indirect employment.

A few more industry facts:

• Electronic Arts, in fiscal 2009, had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies, and three titles that each sold more than five million copies including FIFA 09, Madden NFL 09 and Need for Speed Undercover and the company employs over 9000).(from EA Web site)
  
  
• Why do parents play games? 72% (It’s Fun For The Entire Family), 71% (Because They’re Asked To), 66% (It’s A Good Opportunity To Socialize With The Child), 50% (It’s A Good Opportunity To Monitor Game Content)from GrabStats.
  
  
• Type of Online Game Played Most Often: 11% (Persistent Multi-Player Universe), 14% (Downloadable games such as Bejewled), 16% (Action/Sports/Strategy/Role Play), 47% (Puzzle/Board/GameShow/Trivia/Card), 12% (Other) from GrabStats.
  
  
• U.S. video game sales were up 13% in January 2009, to $1.33 billion from GrabStats.

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New Resources by Clark Aldrich

I've done a lot of work these past years with Clark Aldrich, we've worked on a project together for a large pharma client and we both sit on a governmental Training and Educational advisory board so we've been spending some time together.

I actually first met Clark in the back of a van leaving a training conference on a Friday afternoon to fly home. The conference was pretty much a bust except for meeting Clark. He told me he was working on a book called "Simulations and the Future of E-Learning." He asked me if I would mind reading over it. I said "sure." He said he was sending it to the publisher on Monday...

We'll in spite of the short deadline, I read the book over the weekend (loved it) and even made a few comments that eventually made it into the book. So then Clark contributed to "Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning" concerning some research he had done with simulations.

Now Clark has another book out "Learning Online with Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds." The book is a great overview of the use of games, simulations and virtual worlds for education. It is divided in to four parts. The first is an overview of the many reasons for thinking about using these technologies and it outlines the drivers moving education in that direction. The second part details how to use a game, simulation or virtual world for your educational needs and how to access the outcomes. The third part covers the issues of using a games, simulation or virtual world in your instruction, including advice on how to politically build a case (always important). Finally the book suggests that distributed education may drive the growth of games, simulations and virtual worlds more than face-to-face classroom instruction. Look for a few cameos by me in this book as well.

Clark always provides a fun read and causes you to stop and think. If you have some time or interest in these subjects, pick up the book it will be educational and even, I dare say, entertaining.

Also, Clark has recently published his third book (his trilogy is complete) called The Complete Guide to Simulations and Serious Games: How the Most Valuable Content Will be Created in the Age Beyond Gutenberg to Google. He calls this the "big book" and it is big, 576 pages. But it is designed as a reference book, primer and encyclopedia all rolled into one. It has great information, ideas and concepts that help help you design interactivity into your e-learning programs (something that is sorely needed.)

Here are Clark's new books:


Here are Clark's older works:


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Catalog of Recommended Books, Games and Gadgets
Recommended Games and Gadgets
Recommended Books
Content Guide

The Game of School

Now video games are sneaking into the design of entire curriculums and starting to influence education in interesting and exciting ways.

The Quest school located in Manhattan (New York) is creating a curriculum that is radical different from other schools. According to the web site, "Quest is not a school whose curriculum is made up of the play of commercial videogames, but rather a school that uses the underlying design principles of games to create highly immersive, game-like learning experiences."

The school's mission:

Design and innovation are at the heart of Quest to Learn (Q2L), a school committed to helping every student to achieve excellence in the skills and literacies necessary for college and career readiness. We believe that students today can and do learn in different ways, often through interaction with digital media and games. Q2L builds on this belief to create a nurturing and vibrant 6th-12th grade school environment that supports all students in the pursuit of academic excellence, social responsibility, respect for others, and a passion for lifelong learning.

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Catalog of Recommended Books, Games and Gadgets
Recommended Games and Gadgets
Recommended Books
Content Guide

Play Games: Become an Engineer

If you have an interest in becoming an engineer or know someone who does. Or if you just like designing vehicles, bridges, buildings, consumer electronics, then there are a lot of really great games for you to check out. Here are a few.

Coconut Run

The Coconut Run Challenge is Issued.
In this game, your job is to design a cart to transport coconuts over a rough and tumble terrain to a coconut shredder. You design the shape, size and other attributes of the vehicle. WARNING: I find this game addicting. Check out Coconut Run when you have a lot of time to devote to building a better coconut cart. You might also want to check out the Particle Pro game at the site as well.


Edheads': Design a Cell Phone

Screen for designing the ideal cell phone.

I always love Edheads's stuff and here is another great example. Design a cell phone. In the game you have to consider design parameters like cost, target market and functionality. You then design the phone by selecting different functions which each have a cost associated with them. You have to pick correctly or you end up over budget or with features your target audience doesn't want. Once you design it, you can conduct a focus group meeting and even view sales results. This is a great game for thinking about design parameters, trade offs and designing for a specific audience.

West Point Bridge Design Contest

Testing the bridge.

This software can be used in a national contest sponsored by West Point (yes, THE West Point.) The downloadable software introduce the player to engineering through an authentic, hands-on design experience. The software provides the tools to model, test, and optimize a steel highway bridge, based on realistic specifications, constraints, and performance criteria. Once you have your bridge built, you can drive a truck across and see how it holds up.


The Brain Strainer

A machine that doesn't quite launch the rocket.

So you think you can be a rocket scientist? This game lets you build a machine (like mousetrap) that helps you launch a rocket. You need to consider simple machine parts and how different materials react to different surfaces. Give The Brain Strainer a shot and launch to the moon.

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Catalog of Recommended Books, Games and Gadgets
Recommended Games and Gadgets
Recommended Books
Content Guide