After exploring other interactive avenues that I can add to the Americana website, which was a resource for learning American history (with the use of API and Openframeworks to gather information). It came down to two additional interactive pieces to push this project further than just another website. A game and an interactive installation piece in a museum.
Found out early this week that a similar project has been of an interest from one of the graduate students in another class, except his was going to be solely on the interaction installation piece for a museum. We agreed to have him do that and I focus on the game + website. We plan on collaborating as well.
Research began in acquiring new knowledge of educational games for U.S. History. How should I position my version and how should I compete from the rest.
There’s been lots of puzzles and emotive novelettes for young girls. I found these in Scholastic, one of the top publishers for educational books, games and activities in the U.S.
Nothing exciting.
Until someone mentioned to me Sid Meir’s Civilization Game. This by far is the most interesting, close to my idea and the most dynamic. It gives a player the chance to play a role of an important historical figure. The way it’s been built and created with mind blowing effects is absolutely stunning:
http://www.civilization.com/
BUT— according to a game designer professional, as is with all historical games, the main challenge is in participatory, but more so trying to access the knowledge that the participant has received or gained after playing.
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