News
October 31st, 2005, 10:19 PM
By Frank Ling, GN Writer
Monday, October 31, 2005
"Excuse Me. Are You a Serious Gamer, or Are You Playing Just for Fun?"
Although sounding a bit oxymoronic, “The Serious Games Summit” will convene in Washington, D.C. between October 31 thru November 1st. Participants will discuss and focus on games that are developed for “serious” purposes in education, military, training, health, government and various other applications.
The game industry and its loyal following of gamers have long been the source of humor and, in some cases, distain for ”wasting time” and resources in participating in this so-called questionable activity. However, with the recent acceptance of video games by the general public as a valid form of entertainment, and the confession of many luminaries as gamers, mainstream institutions have now realized the value of video games for simulation and educational purposes.
As for the attendees of the “Serious Games Summit”, we can suspect that they will have their PSP and Nintendo DS machines safely tucked away and hidden in the side pockets of their suits. In the future, the question: “Are you a serious gamer?” may take on a totally different meaning.
Monday, October 31, 2005
"Excuse Me. Are You a Serious Gamer, or Are You Playing Just for Fun?"
Although sounding a bit oxymoronic, “The Serious Games Summit” will convene in Washington, D.C. between October 31 thru November 1st. Participants will discuss and focus on games that are developed for “serious” purposes in education, military, training, health, government and various other applications.
The game industry and its loyal following of gamers have long been the source of humor and, in some cases, distain for ”wasting time” and resources in participating in this so-called questionable activity. However, with the recent acceptance of video games by the general public as a valid form of entertainment, and the confession of many luminaries as gamers, mainstream institutions have now realized the value of video games for simulation and educational purposes.
As for the attendees of the “Serious Games Summit”, we can suspect that they will have their PSP and Nintendo DS machines safely tucked away and hidden in the side pockets of their suits. In the future, the question: “Are you a serious gamer?” may take on a totally different meaning.