Factsheet: Computer games

Definition

There are many definitions of gaming, but based on a system perspective, gaming can be seen as a communication mode that contains a game-specific model, appropriate communication technologies and a multi-player or multi stakeholder interaction pattern (Duke, 1974).

There are many different game genres. Examples:

Role Playing Games (RPGs) are gaming situations in which players take on their own or other people’s roles or behavioral patterns in a real or imaginary context.
Strategy games cast a player with the ability to manipulate the environment through path finding and simulating the effects of decisions.

Application objectives

The functions that gaming can fulfill are:

Basic functions
- Consciousness raising;
- Motivation;
- Knowledge development;
- Overview construction;
- Attitude and self-confidence creation;
- Skill learning;
- Teaching;
- Communication.
Complex functions
- Integration of learning experience;
- Self-diagnosis of personal strengths and weakness;
- Coupling between thinking and acting;
- Experience of unknown reality;
- Evaluation of new reality (ex-ante evaluation);
- Semantic framework.

Each genre has it’s own strong points related to the above objectives. In the domain of AquaStress, new information is exponentially generated, the problem situations are integrated and complex and the process is
interactive and participatory with stakeholders involved. (Multi-stakeholder process - MSP).

Pertinent participation process phase(s)

	1.	Starting organization
	2.	Actors analysis, context
	3.	Diagnostic of the current situation
	4.	Search of solutions
	5.	Implementation, evaluation

Application method

Public participation (PP) is about stakeholders communicating about problems and solutions. Computer supported gaming is a way to stimulate communication. This approach requires the design and implementation of games that support the PP process, preferably these games can be loaded with site-specific data.

Application example(s)

Splash! – Computer strategy game on river basin management.

Example tools

Splash!: Splash! is a virtual reality game that describes a virtual world, but can be loaded with real data to study specific areas. It confronts the player with realistic stakeholders, captures expert knowledge in simulation models and can respond immediately to the players' actions. http://www.serc.nl/play2learn/products/splash/index.htm
NitroGenius: NitroGenius is a multi-player, multi-stakeholder game about solving nitrogen problems. A free single-player (demo) version is available: http://www.serc.nl/play2learn/products/nitrogenius/frameset.htm

AquaStress contact(s)

Jan Erik Wien, Alterra (jan-erik.wien@wur.nl)

Reference

Meijer, S. and G. Hofstede, 2004. Simulations and Simulation Games in Agro and Health Care, Wageningen University, Wageningen, KLICT Project TR-214, 26 pp.

Wachowicz, M. , Creator Vullings, L.A.E., Creator Broek, M., van den Creator, Ligtenberg, A., 2003, Games for interactive spatial planning: SPLASH a prototype strategy game about water management, Centrum Geo-informatie, Laboratorium voor Geo-informatiekunde en remote sensing. http://www.alterra.wur.nl/internet/webdocs/pdffiles/AlterraRapporten/AlterraRapport667.pdf