News games are fun (and informative!)
There are the usual suspects when it comes to multimedia news pieces: slideshows of the wonders of nature, interactive diagrams of new buildings, video interviews with the downtrodden... all of which likely teach the viewer something new. But sometimes the news needs a little dose of fun factor.
A new crop of online games that subliminally teach a lesson or two or incorporate news headlines in some way are quickly going viral because they are simply entertaining. While every news story shouldn't become an online game, the ones that are encourage participation amongst otherwise passive readers. The games also — and this is good for advertising — increase the time spent on the page.
American Public Media seeks to educate players about eco-friendly living with its Flash game Consumer Consequences. The game itself is convoluted and preachy, but its suggestions on how to improve one's lifestyle based on interaction with the game are laudable.
The Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah demonstrates the effects of drugs on the brain with a couple of animated mice. The sad and tragic news is softened and more absorbable in the "game" environment and most importantly isn't overbearing.
MSNBC has thrown its figurative hat in the ring with NewsBlaster and NewsBreaker, the latter of which is reminiscent of the Pong of Mac games, Brickles. News headlines are integrated into the fairly simple games and while it is an admirable effort, one StumbleUpon reviewer offers the most insightful critique: "If I want news, I'll go to news sites. If I want games, I'll go to gaming sites. The two don't mix."
SexyPolitics has been covered on this blog before, but it's worth repeating — this game is fun AND informative. Virtual strippers reward correct answers are rewarded by removing clothing, but the game also has an option to lessen the sexy factor. Even news buffs will be challenged by some of the questions on the issues and the candidates.
Newseum's website is more than just Today's Front Pages. It's NewsMania trivia game lets players choose from three levels: Intern, Reporter and Editor, with commentary from sassy virtual host Rita.
St. Louis Dispatch has an innovative assortment of multimedia, including this quiz that compares the player's geography skills to those of the young adults in the United States. A few news quizzes can also be found on Facebook, including the ever popular New York Times News Quiz and the equally entertaining, but less popular, Reuters News Quiz.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next online game, consider a trip to the local museum. Many exhibits, like those at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, are incorporating gaming and technology to provide a greater learning experience for visitors.
Considering many people under 30 aren't picking up newspapers or listen to non-music radio programming, making a fun online game is a great way to hook them in. As long as the games remain diverting without being overbearing, they will continue to succeed.
A new crop of online games that subliminally teach a lesson or two or incorporate news headlines in some way are quickly going viral because they are simply entertaining. While every news story shouldn't become an online game, the ones that are encourage participation amongst otherwise passive readers. The games also — and this is good for advertising — increase the time spent on the page.
American Public Media seeks to educate players about eco-friendly living with its Flash game Consumer Consequences. The game itself is convoluted and preachy, but its suggestions on how to improve one's lifestyle based on interaction with the game are laudable.
The Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah demonstrates the effects of drugs on the brain with a couple of animated mice. The sad and tragic news is softened and more absorbable in the "game" environment and most importantly isn't overbearing.
MSNBC has thrown its figurative hat in the ring with NewsBlaster and NewsBreaker, the latter of which is reminiscent of the Pong of Mac games, Brickles. News headlines are integrated into the fairly simple games and while it is an admirable effort, one StumbleUpon reviewer offers the most insightful critique: "If I want news, I'll go to news sites. If I want games, I'll go to gaming sites. The two don't mix."
SexyPolitics has been covered on this blog before, but it's worth repeating — this game is fun AND informative. Virtual strippers reward correct answers are rewarded by removing clothing, but the game also has an option to lessen the sexy factor. Even news buffs will be challenged by some of the questions on the issues and the candidates.
Newseum's website is more than just Today's Front Pages. It's NewsMania trivia game lets players choose from three levels: Intern, Reporter and Editor, with commentary from sassy virtual host Rita.
St. Louis Dispatch has an innovative assortment of multimedia, including this quiz that compares the player's geography skills to those of the young adults in the United States. A few news quizzes can also be found on Facebook, including the ever popular New York Times News Quiz and the equally entertaining, but less popular, Reuters News Quiz.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next online game, consider a trip to the local museum. Many exhibits, like those at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, are incorporating gaming and technology to provide a greater learning experience for visitors.
Considering many people under 30 aren't picking up newspapers or listen to non-music radio programming, making a fun online game is a great way to hook them in. As long as the games remain diverting without being overbearing, they will continue to succeed.
3 Comments:
commented by 
Greg, 7:52 PM
Greg, 7:52 PM
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I did a really simple one for our Pennsylvania newspaper... since Pa. just legalized slots, including one parlor in our coverage area, we made a "slot-license slots" game where, instead of spinning for bars and cherries, you spin for the logos of the parlors. Educational? Probably not, but it addicted the office and hopefully some readers too. And, it was super-simple, no Flash required. media.ydr.com/interactive/slots
subliminal messaging technology. It was fun reading your article. You might want to check out http://www.chargedaudio.com as they have a whole range of articles and programs related to subliminal messages."