Almost as a caveat to Terra Nova also brings word of an event designed to challenge game designers to think outside the proverbial console box. Ludium II is designed to extend the theory behind the Game Developers Conference's Game design challenge - where top flight commercial creators grapple with devising an interactive experience with topics as difficult as Emily Dickenson (and her poetry) and William Shakespeare's sonnets. This year's event at Indiana University in the US will demand that the participants conceive of games to do with public policy.
From the blurb:
The theme "Videogames and Public Policy" will be explored through a game that puts participants in a 19th century US political convention, complete with smoke-filled rooms and bombastic delegates. OK, due to health concerns we will not allow cigars, but bombasticism will be encouraged regardless of the risks. Gameplay: The delegates will form caucuses and compete to get planks on the party platform. They'll also elect a party nominee for President. Results: A platform recommending 10 (or so) Principles for Sensible Video Game Policy, and a single person, the nominee, who will become our de facto spokesperson for the ideas in the platform. From the Ludium's end until November 2008, we will point to the nominee whenever we are asked about games by the media, legislatures, courts, lobbying groups, or voters. Prizes go to participants who get the most ideas on the platform, and for being a candidate or the eventual nominee. Participation will be open. We have room for 400 people.
Last year's event was met with great praise. If you have the funds (it ain't cheap), I highly recommend it. It's provisionally happening in mid-June.
For us paupers, we can watch from afar on Upcoming.
