UGDP - Classifications Lesson

Classifications Lesson

Games come in so many forms, and terminology can sometimes get a bit confusing. For example, some companies use the term "video game" to only mean one that is played on a TV, and is not played on computer. However, more popular culture uses the term "video game" and "game" interchangeably when talking about an electronic game, and we can do the same here. More often than not, we will refer to the term "game", and know that we're not talking about a board game or other non-electronic game.  What does have to be clarified are the numerous variations of games, based on classification, genre and mode.

First, classification of games is necessary, and it's actually pretty simple. A game classification is a basic category that helps identify the general purpose of the game. Games are usually classified as entertainment, serious, or education. 

 

	Entertainment games are probably the largest segment, and these are games played for fun. These include games like Halo, Angry Birds, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Slither.io and so many more. There is no agenda that you need to complete, nor any real world ramifications like the other two categories, just some fun for a few minutes or a few hours.
	After fun games can be serious. This means that the game is intended to accomplish something, not just entertainment. Yes, you might enjoy yourself, but there is an end goal, something to be accomplished or solved. One recent example was Fold.it and how gamer took a few weeks to solve a challenge with HIV and AIDS that scientists had not been able to accomplish in 15 years. Other sites like Games For Change link to other variations of these serious games, wit a positive mission to solve world problems.
	Finally, there are Educational games, those that are created to help you learn. This has happened long before the video game age, with teachers creating "Jeopardy" simulations and other activities in class, but the Internet and computer evolution has allowed more individual pacing and choice for educational gaming. From the basics for the very young learners found on the Fun Brain website to more advanced concepts like programming found on code.org, playing a game is a proven concept for learning. This is even used by the military, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Meggitt Training Systems in the Atlanta area creating simulations to train our troops, blending real weapons with virtual worlds that allow people to practice their task with less risk, lower cost, and more information to improve their performance.

 

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