Great quotes in executive summary
Referencing the summary below... is there a way to integrate all these 'feel good' frameworks that people talk about when designing a game / simulation? Key components draw from HCI, Comm theory, software engineering / project management, and game theory.
Public policy is an often simulated thing- so games have potential to do this, have some fun at it
Another paper that supports its outcomes by creating a 'framework' of things to do when making a game / simulation...
Seems that everyone does this- come up with 'feel good' words that explain why / why not their thing works. Many have similar themes: strong development teams, good communication, take advantage of the hardware / software available (push technology limits), focus on the user, use mapping and feedback so user can adjust gameplay.
This paper draws from a real experience (Virtual U), and adds elements of software engineering to creating success (sticking to a timeframe / budget, running 'maintenance' phase to fix problems / correct bugs).
Game design frameworks, in summary, draw from: software engineering; HCI and usability theories; project management; and game theories (game components such as AI, PBL / GBS, educational, entertaining, fun, etc)
Author says that games are: "Challenging; Entertaining; Educational; Played repeatedly; Multiplayer; Designed so no two games are perfectly alike"
see paper (circled)
Great quotes in executive summary: how and why games are powerful tools to utilize in education and policy, and how strides forward in the field must be an interdisciplinary effort.
"Not only is the game development community at the forefront of PC-based visualization programming, it is also a leading developer of applied AI, overall interface design, persistent worlds, network interaction, and other needs for next-generation modeling and simulation programs." (p. 2)