computer games
Computer technology has reshaped our lives, including how we learn. But have computer games been as equally transformative? The answer is a simple no, but educational gaming is on the rise and there is great potential in computer games to encourage social change, increase our knowledge and solve national and international problems. I want that to happen in our schools so that childhood education becomes a game.
Keeping a game in its original language solves lip-sync technical issues, adds perceived depth and immersion, is nice to listen to and saves us from horrible English versions of foreign accents.
We've been playing games made by developers from many parts of the world for a while now. Almost all of them make it to the English-speaking world with new voice acting. But is that necessary or worth it for the games we play? AAA titles that get translated with the help of well known actors are great. There's obviously added value there; However, I believe that *most* of them would be better with the original voice acting.
If you can find the MSI x340 for under $500 you should buy it. The machine is light, slim, and has a good user interface. The 13" screen is the right size for a portable work or entertainment computer. The x340 is what netbooks should have been; the keyboard/trackpad is optimal for real work, the battery will last long enough to watch two movies, and the screen size isn't a joke.
Morrowind and Minecraft are video games and with that comes the eventual desire to move on to the next piece of entertainment, or finally go clean the kitchen. But while I played, these games provided some interesting psychological and existential food for thought. Both games have pulled me into their world because they tapped into a clever game mechanic: creative freedom. This power wasn't granted to me at first though, I achieved it through the process of survival, exploration and the procurement of power. Once I was strong enough to influence the game world around me, creativity became the reason to play. There are no longer any goals that the game provides me, and I am left to my own imagination and my own goals. It is fun, challenging and relaxing.
Innovations in interactive entertainment to promote social activism are important and deserve your attention. These games thrive on our social instincts, our desire to compete and the challenge players face to solve problems. Eventually someone will turn them into self contained MMOs and then we'll really be combining the two things I always wanted to do simultaneously: save the world and play computer games.
