Lightweight and Innovative MMP Technologies for Serious Games

Speakers: Tim Holt

Track: SGS: Game Design

Format: Tutorial

Experience Level: All

Description: The idea of doing a massively multiplayer game for serious purposes is well discussed in the serious games market. However, most of the ideas bandied about seem to focus heavily on high-end solutions which involve full-on 3D worlds and custom clients. Large amounts of academic study seems to also have focused heavily on a select few leading games such as World of Warcraft. Is this really the future for serious game based MMP projects? We don't think so... ^/BR^^/BR^ In a two-hour tutorial, Tim Holt covers an array of MMP technologies, games, and sites that many have never heard of but which offer ideas, inspiration, paths, and models for possible serious game MMP projects that are much more realistic when actual budget, timelines, and player hardware is considered. ^/BR^^/BR^ Rich with examples and demos the talk covers not only a multitude of boutique MMPs like Club Penguin but also looks at other means by which people are creating "MMP styled" projects that mix games with social networking to create new forms of communication, play, learning, and work.