IndieCade is Coming!

This October, Los Angeles will be host to the ninth iteration of IndieCade, the biggest event in the nation that showcases independent games. Chris Bennett was honored to be selected as a juror for the IndieCade awards, and we are looking forward to an exciting line up of games this year. There are many tracks, such as video, arcade,… Read more IndieCade is Coming!

What Can an Octopus Teach Us About Emotion?

Some of the most innovative thinking at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco every spring comes from alt.control.GDC, where finalists are invited to show off their games and interactive experiences that use alternative controls and interaction schemes. Chris Bennett had a chance to demo some of this work and talk to the people who… Read more What Can an Octopus Teach Us About Emotion?

Interactions Dynamics Notation in the HIVE

Have you ever been in the HIVE?  The HANA Immersive Visualization Environment is a scientific visualization wall that is 10 x 24 feet and is made up of 35 monitors that allow up to 16 users to connect at once. Quite a piece of technology for the Stanford Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME).… Read more Interactions Dynamics Notation in the HIVE

Spring Qtr 2016 - Engineering Education and Online Learning (ENGR 391) (EDUC 391)

A project based introduction to web-based learning design. In this course we will explore the evidence and theory behind principles of learning design and game design thinking. In addition to gaining a broad understanding of the emerging field of the science and engineering of learning, students will experiment with a variety of educational technologies, pedagogical… Read more Spring Qtr 2016 - Engineering Education and Online Learning (ENGR 391) (EDUC 391)

What is "Critical Play"?

Mary Flanagan studies and creates games as researcher and director of the TiltFactor game lab at Dartmouth College. Chris Bennett was fortunate to be in attendance as she spoke at the Theory and History of New Media Studies Lecture Series at University of Berkeley. Sometimes “cool pickup artists” make the huge mistake of confusing decisiveness with boorishness.… Read more What is "Critical Play"?

Your Brain on Games at GDC San Francisco

Chris Bennett and Margarita Quihuis looked at the intersection of neuroscience, behavior and game design at the Game Developers Conference March 16, 2016 at Moscone Center, San Francisco.   They spoke at the Facebook Games Booth and delved into how different types of game play trigger, elevate or depress various neurotransmitters in the brain.       Visit… Read more Your Brain on Games at GDC San Francisco

Center For Brain Health in Dallas

Margarita Quihuis and Chris Bennett visited the Center For Brain Health at University of Texas at Dallas. The Center is doing groundbreaking work studying not only how to repair damaged and aging brains, but also improving the healthy brain for better cognition. And speaking of groundbreaking, we could see construction work starting on the Brain Performance Institute… Read more Center For Brain Health in Dallas

Analog Minds: Learning Through Designing Tabletop Games

When educators think of using games in learning environments, they typically assume digital games. But tabletop games have been used to teach all sorts of concepts including strategy, scenarios, role playing, emotional intelligence for centuries. By removing the constraints of technology, students can get closer to the mechanics of the game and acquire a more… Read more Analog Minds: Learning Through Designing Tabletop Games

Think Like A Game Designer Workshop

Chris Bennett and Margarita Quihuis worked closely with Karin Forssell, Director of Learning, Design & Technology Master’s program at GSE to create a one day workshop for her current and former students. We spent a fun and educational day learning to deconstruct tabletop games, and practicing key GDT concepts like the Core Loop and the Compulsion Analysis.… Read more Think Like A Game Designer Workshop

Of Quests and Brain Chemicals

Lauren Hall-Stigerts interviews Chris Bennett, and does a nice job of explaining to her casual gaming audience at Big Fish Games how playing games can effect the neurochemicals in our brain. Well worth a read.