Research Funding

Funding for the "Game Camp" was generously provided by "The Foundation for the Fusion Of Science and Technology" (FOST). Learn more at http://www.fost.or.jp/

Game Camp Photo Diary

Students from local schools joined us for 6 full days to learn about games, English, teamwork and design.

Students played many games to practice English.

Students playing “Conversation Jenga.” They had to pull out a block and then talk with their teammates in English using a word written on the block. Points were awarded for the number of blocks removed and the number of questions and answers in English.

Students learned about and played many modern board games: “Tsuro," "Labyrinth," "Spooky Stairs," "Shadows Over Camelot," "Word on the Street" and "Wits and Wagers.”

Students played English video games like “MLB Power Pros” and “Mario Party 4,” learned how to use diaries and vocabulary worksheets to study English with video games, and learned about game rules, game genres, game players and the game industry.

Students shared ideas about effective teamwork in discussions and presentations.

Students learned how to design games using a fantastic online game creation tool: http://www.sploder.com

Students had to create a three-part story, in English, using Sploder. We used http://www.ludomancy.com/games/StoryTeller.html to illustrate simple narratives.

Students had to make games that were not too easy, too hard, or too taxing on computer resources.

Students used images from Sploder printed on magnets to plan the 3 levels and stories of their games.

Students worked in two teams: Level 7A and Digestive System

The teams playtested their games again and again to perfect their designs.

Just hours after the teams games were published online, other designers on the Sploder website contacted the teams to ask how the students were doing after the Tohoku earthquake! The students were really moved!

The students analyzed various print and video advertisements to learn about marketing strategies.

The students learned about the CERO and ESRB content ratings systems and selected ratings for their own games. They designed their company logo and created English “catch copy” for their advertisements.

They presented their own advertisement's strategy and target audience and sketch, then designed a poster that incorporated feedback from the other group.

To prepare for a “Game Show,” students analyzed English interviews done at industry and university gaming events.

They created their own scripts to prepare for the English interview.

They rehearsed their interviews, were videotaped, and watched their taped interviews to improve their English speaking skills.

A “Game Show” was held in a large classroom. The students set up their game and poster at computer stations.

Sploder controls guide (keyboard and game controller): Sploder controls PDF

Students' friends and families came and played their games.

Board and card games (UNO, Villa Paletti, Zitternix, Trouble and Animal Upon Animal) and video games (Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros.) were also enjoyed by everyone.

The design teams had an interview in English and demonstrated their games for the audience.

Everyone at the “Game Show” voted on prizes that were awarded to the teams. This year's prizes were for:

• Best Story

• Best Expression of Theme (“Get to the top!”)

• Best Challenge

• Best Implementation from Prototype

It was a very busy and challenging week, but everyone had fun and learned a lot!