I haven't seen the video yet but here is one example of a lesson being learned from video games being implemented in the real world.

Quoted from websherpa

"There are no "Epic Wins" in the real world"

Maybe in her line of work.

Quoted from jonny_eh

I haven't seen the video yet but here is one example of a lesson being learned from video games being implemented in the real world.

Lesson or invitation to serfdom?



But you have a point, perhaps I should invent a MMPOG that revolves around getting an assignment to create a web site, and the players earn points if their web designs (or maji skills as a programmer, etc.) are accepted by "imaginary" Ahem clients.

I spend way too much time on this site.

I am flabbergasted that she actually believes what she says. Gaming reduces obesity??? Yeah, right.... I think she is completely disconnected from her target consumer group, who sit on their asses all day, play WoW and eat garbage.

Real life sucks because there are consequences. Virtual life doesn't. You just start over a new game. What a complete load of horseshit. You want to save the world? Change your way of life and invent something to better it. You want to meet new people and make friends? Get out of your computer room and go outside. Talk to people.

All I see is a 10-minute infomercial to make you go see her new game and log on, making her rake in money.

I have seen many videos on TED that were great, but this woman is completely nuts.

I really like what she has to say and think it has some merit.  

I think the part you guys are focusing on is the fact that she wants people to play more games.

But the part your missing is that she says she wants those games to have a greater purpose to benefit the real world rather then virtual one.

She is trying to figure out a way to engage the gamer community in the real world the same way that games engage people in the virtual world.  Think of it in context with what we do here.  If our focus as a community was on some world related problem, imagine the potential that could bring.  The amount of time we all spend here and on pinball related items is a massive amount of time.  What her idea was to engage people in something the same way our hobby does but benefit the world as a whole.  If we were all as engaged in solving some real world problem the same way were are engaged about pinball, who knows what would be possible.  

But that's the problem, how do you engage people to solve these problems.  I know I sure as hell would much rather be talking pinball then world hunger.  That is where the game aspect comes in.  Focusing the same energy and drive that gamers as a whole onto a problem like world hunger rather then reaching the next level in WOW.  

To me as a gamer it's very interesting, if there was a game that involved problem solving for world hunger, or some other major world issue and it was fun to play I could see myself focusing some of my time/energy into doing just that.  

So I don't think it's as crazy an idea as some of you think it is.  

Quoted from Vengeance

So I don't think it's as crazy an idea as some of you think it is.  

It isn't a crazy idea; WarCrack absorbs too many wasted intelligent hours and energy. At a family function, I remember a family member asking aloud what my missing nephew ( 18 ) was doing. The answer was 'vids'. Later I heard he was actually fishing ... in WoW ... for hours. Whaaa???

It would be phenomenal if someone came up with a 'game' that was as addictive as WoW but was actually productive in some respect. You can count me in!

... as long as it doesn't come out the same time as Starcraft 2.  

It's a total load of B.S., perhaps the biggeset, stinkiest load I've ever seen shovelled.  Trying to validate the slothdom of gamers by touting them as an untapped resource that will one day solve the world's problems if properly focussed is pure hooey.   If gaming promotes problem-solving skills, then why are the students in my math class getting worse and worse at problem solving every semester ?   Why am I able to pick out the "gamers" in my class simply based on their inability to concentrate or socialize in any meaningful way ?  

Whenever I do get the opportunity to engage students by using technology to perform investigations or solve problems, the first one's to turn off are the gamers.  As soon as they realize the technology has purpose, they lose interest.  For most of them anyway, it is the mindlessness of gaming that they enjoy. They will do anything on a computer, even the most basic, unimaginative games, as long as it allows them to turn off.  

"Epic win" this.  What a crock.  

Quoted from mrniceguy

If gaming promotes problem-solving skills, then why are the students in my math class getting worse and worse at problem solving every semester ?   Why am I able to pick out the "gamers" in my class simply based on their inability to concentrate or socialize in any meaningful way ?

Perhaps you're still communicating on the 802.11a frequency and they're tuned into 802.11n?

Perhaps they'd prefer to take their Segways to class instead of your preferred mode of transportation - walking uphill both ways?

You might not be offering enough XP points. Your mana is low.

Quoted from mrniceguy

It's a total load of B.S., perhaps the biggeset, stinkiest load I've ever seen shovelled.  Trying to validate the slothdom of gamers by touting them as an untapped resource that will one day solve the world's problems if properly focussed is pure hooey.   If gaming promotes problem-solving skills, then why are the students in my math class getting worse and worse at problem solving every semester ?   Why am I able to pick out the "gamers" in my class simply based on their inability to concentrate or socialize in any meaningful way ?  

Whenever I do get the opportunity to engage students by using technology to perform investigations or solve problems, the first one's to turn off are the gamers.  As soon as they realize the technology has purpose, they lose interest.  For most of them anyway, it is the mindlessness of gaming that they enjoy. They will do anything on a computer, even the most basic, unimaginative games, as long as it allows them to turn off.  

"Epic win" this.  What a crock.  

Because you're not engaging your students in a way that's relevant for them.  That is exactly the issue she is talking about.  

I know I've been gaming since I was 4 years old, I hated school, I especially hated math (took me 3 semesters to get through grade 10 math) mainly because I didn't care, didn't find it relevant, fun, or helpful.  I get that there are general building blocks everyone needs to develop mentally properly but I don't think the idea of engaging people through games is a bad way of learning.  

Quoted from OTTOgd

... as long as it doesn't come out the same time as Starcraft 2.  

Ok time for the derail....


Yes we should get a game going when/if it comes out, I heard Oct. Anyone still play Starcraft?

Ok back on topic.

I get the issue she trying to find the link why gamers spend so much time and try to apply that to help solve world issues.  I think she is only taking the good stuff about hardcore gamers and ignoring the negative.  Social issues, BATHING, keeping a job, living in you parents basement just to name a few. When I was watching this, a movie Surrogates came to mind.  I though it was a little self serving that a game developer would be asking the world to play games MORE....

In the end I think the gamers take more risks in games because the payoff is very satisfying (who doesn’t want to be a winner) and the risks are small.  If it was as easy in real life we would all succeed most/all the time.

Just my .02

Lance

Quoted from Cobra99

Ok time for the derail....


Yes we should get a game going when/if it comes out, I heard Oct. Anyone still play Starcraft?

Yep been in the SC2 beta for a few weeks now

I used to play Starcraft a ton, but my PC is so out of date now that I won't be playing SC2

I almost want to upgrade my PC so I can play it but I doubt that will actually happen.