The document discusses emerging trends in gaming and game-related technologies. It identifies over 20 trends including micro-transactions, augmented reality, social networking integration, and transmedia storytelling. It explores how these trends could intersect and influence one another. For example, it discusses how social networking could enable new forms of shared and location-based gaming experiences. The document also considers challenges that may arise from some of these trends, such as the potential for over-commercialization from in-game advertising. Overall, the document provides an overview of many current and future technology trends that could shape gaming and game-related experiences.
20. Games provide: Clear Feedback A Sense of Progress The Possibility of Success Mental and Physical Exercise A Chance to Satisfy Your Curiosity A Chance to Solve a Problem A Feeling of Freedom
79. Are your friends on drugs? Report them NOW and get 30,000 pieces of Silver! Join the US Army Reserve TODAY and get a World of Warcraft Battle Fortress worth One Million Gold! Buy 10 Cartons, Unlock a Bentley!
162. ChristopherAlexander’sFifteen Principles Levels of Scale Strong Centers Boundaries Alternating Repetition Positive Spaces Good Shape Local Symmetries Deep Interlock and Ambiguity Contrast Gradients Roughness Echoes The Void Simplicity and Inner Calm Non-separateness
1984 was about enslavement by the government. Brave New world was about enslavement by entertainment, which is far more dangerous. Other people said, this won’t happen, it’s way too expensive.
And it won’t stop. The 21st century will be a constant battleground for our attention. Corporations will create games customized to fit each activity of our day, all day, every day.
We can’t drink, we can’t make out, all we can do is talk, point at media, and play games.
Did you rebel when TV commercial time grew from 13% to 36%? Did you rebel when logos showed up the corner of the TV, burning their brand into your brain every second that you watched? Did you rebel when Google started scanning every email you sent, to distract you with targeted ads?
Did you rebel when Shea Stadium turned into Citibank Stadium? If you did, it didn’t do any good! What makes you think this won’t happen with games?
We’re going to have some hard decisions to make.
We talk about “viral spread” of our games like that’s always a good thing. And it can be! We spread ideas we like for a small number of reasons. But, don’t forget, there are some viruses we don’t want! And once we get them, we take pains not to get them again! Social Networks are already turning into a kind of immune system, and people are building up natural immunodefensive reactions against bad viruses – which means, if you want to spread your game virally, it better be the GOOD kind of virus.
We talk about “viral spread” of our games like that’s always a good thing. And it can be! We spread ideas we like for a small number of reasons. But, don’t forget, there are some viruses we don’t want! And once we get them, we take pains not to get them again! Social Networks are already turning into a kind of immune system, and people are building up natural immunodefensive reactions against bad viruses – which means, if you want to spread your game virally, it better be the GOOD kind of virus.
So, who’s fighting this war? Well, I’ve thought about this a lot, and I think there are four different camps.
First, the persuaders. They only care about games for the money they make, no matter how crappy they are, or how ripped off the players feel. I’d name some names, but you know who you are. In fact, we all know who you are.
Second, the fulfillers. These are the developers whose every waking moment is about how they can surprise and delight their players, fulfilling their every wish and fantasy. Honestly, I think that’s most of us.
Third, the artists. They want to advance the medium for its own sake. They don’t mind if their games aren’t big sellers, as long as they are beautiful and revolutionary. The artists make games that confront what it means to be human.
And finally, the humanitarians. They want to use power of games to elevate our minds, bodies, and souls, to make us into better people.
Most of us have some sense of which side we are on. But, really, who is going to win? We all know the golden rule – the one with the gold makes the rules. So watch yourself. You might think you are on one side, when in reality you are just a puppet for somebody else.
Money is so powerful, the rest of us don’t even have a chance. Is it even possible for us to be more persuasive than the persuaders?
Now, I’ve said a war is coming, but that’s not true. The war is already here; you are fighting in it right now. Please, wake up, and figure out what side you are on. If you don’t, someone else will do it for you. Thank you.