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July 09, 2003
Suprising Findings! What Surprise?
A lot of <a href="http://steel.lcc.gatech.edu/grandtextauto/archives/000044.html">people are discussing</a> the recent <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/07/06/college.gamers.ap/index.html">CNN article</a> about the <a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/reports/toc.asp?Report=93">research/report on gaming among college students</a>. As CNN states in its headline, it is a big surprise that gamers are not social loners or misfits, that they display abilities to multitask and that gaming is just part of their culture (and for the most part, it does not adversely affect grades).
So, where's the big surprise? Is it just me, or is this stuff "we" knew all along? I remember my college years. In fact, in one of my semesters I scored five straight A+ grades (in really tough commerce classes) all while playing two varsity sports (rugby and Olympic wrestling), partying with my friends and girlfriend (now my wife), playing Heroes of Might & Magic and multiplayer Warcraft until 4am, and never downing a single drop of coffee!!!
There's no doubt in my mind that my 20+ years of game playing has attributed to my multitasking, problem solving and communication abilities. In fact, I recall "playing" school like it was a game system, trying to scope out the "rules" of the game space and how best to navigate its challenges, etc... You just <a href="http://www.links.net/share/speak/200303-austingamedevelopers.html">look at things differently</a> I suppose.
This leads me to my new favorite academic: James Paul Gee. No sooner than I finish reading his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1403961697/">fine book on games and learning</a>, than an <a href="http://www.gamezone.com/news/07_03_03_06_17PM.htm">interview with Gee pops up at GameZone</a>. I highly recommend reading the interview then buying his book. For one, we owe it to him for taking the time (as an "old", previously non-gaming academic) to play loads of games and work to understand them before writing about them. Also, it is just a really good book to help us all better understand games, game design and learning. Perhaps I can get him to come speak at <a href="http://www.gdconf.com/">GDC</a> :)
Posted by della at July 9, 2003 01:20 AM
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Comments
I bought the book after reading his answer to the fist question in the interview. I also bought "Killing Monsters" which you recommended earlier. I look forward to reading up on things that I had always thought were true but had nothing to point to for help. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Posted by: Thad at July 10, 2003 07:44 PM
>never downing a single drop of coffee!!!
Yeah, I prefer speed to coffee as well . . .
Posted by: Kones at July 11, 2003 03:34 PM