DevLearn 2008: Immersive Learning Simulations with Jeff Johannigman, People Type Consulting

Jeff’s First Computer – The Atari 800

I’ve worked on over 25 games from…

Let’s Talk About Game Design “ One of the most difficult tasks people can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games.” - Carl Jung

Can We Marry “Learning” and “Games”? … or will they just get “ Knocked Up ”?

Survey Says… It works!

Survey Says… We Want Some Help

Survey Says… We Are Using Them More

… but there are two BIG barriers

Survey Says… …” Immersive Learning” is close

… and People are Buying it!

Resources to Manipulate

Systematic Relationships Between Elements

Feedback on Results of Your Actions

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Is This Immersive?

Who are these people?

The Ingredients of a Great Game

1. Interactivity / Decision-Making

2. Game Mechanics

3. Balanced Levels of Challenge

3. Balanced Levels of Challenge

4. Feedback in Game Context

5. Goals and Subgoals

6. Increasing Options and Abilities

7. Resource Management

7. Resource Management

8. Personalization / Identification

9. Story Elements

10. Social Interaction

11. Exploration & Discovery

12. Predictable Risks

“ Tuning is nine-tenths of the effort” Will Wright Phase 4: Playtest & Balance

Balancing the Challenge

Scope & Cost (roughly) FORMAT COMPLEXITY VISUALS PLAY TIME BUDGET Video Games Complex Relationships in Depth 3D Environments Days $2M-$10M PC Games Multiple Interacting Relationships Animated graphics Hours $250K-$2M Web Games Several Interacting Relationships Static images or limited animation Minutes $50K-$250K

So, how do you make a great learning game? “ Well, that’s a series of interesting choices.”