A method for discovering Issues around Values in Digital Games

[first report of another NSF funded project] 

Project leaders: Mary Flanagan + Helen Nissenbaum (Philosopher)

Research Question: how can you  embed values in computer games? I want to develop a game thats's about cooperation.

In reference to her own interactive sculpture: "How does a 9 foot joystick embed the value of cooperation?"

"Can atari combat be turned into a game of creative expression? through modding?"

the idea is to embed human values or human principals into the design process

as with other media, games carry values and beliefs within their representation systems, reward structures & mechanics (jargon for game play)

values and beliefs become embedded wether designers intend or not

used the UN charter of rights, and various other articutlaion of rights

empahty is to be added

Discovery

Translation

Verification

try to discover the communal values, and identify which ones are relevant to the project

how do you translate the value into mechanics?

how do you verify that those values actually made it into the game

Science of design program from NSF (funding source)

looks at traditional iterative design model (informed by industry) and puts values into the cycle

netomat has an interesting collaborative online tool with a dual bottom line.  half of the board of directors are from non-profit cultural institutions

cycle

set design goals + values goals

develop rules  etc etc

uses a tool called values cards ( look at the paper in the proceedings, available at her site)

the 1.0 deck was white with black text that had the UN declaration of human rights.

Twinking as an example

using cards oppositionally, but the lab is trying to avoid that. [Is the antiwar war game an oppositional strategy}

Grow a game cards avaialble online, can participate in the study with a pre-test and post--test

bettergamecontest.org

due Januay 1 2008