Libraries and Video GamesLibraries and Video Games

Games and GamersGames and Gamers

Creating and Collecting Creating and Collecting

Some Interesting Facts and Some Interesting Facts and Figures.Figures.

Video games have been around for 30+ years. (Yes, they are older than some librarians.)Video games have been around for 30+ years. (Yes, they are older than some librarians.) Average number of years adult gamers have been playing computer or video games: 12Average number of years adult gamers have been playing computer or video games: 12 Frequent game players in 2003: an estimated 83 million worldwideFrequent game players in 2003: an estimated 83 million worldwide Three times as many Americans (approximately 145 million) played computer and video games as went to Three times as many Americans (approximately 145 million) played computer and video games as went to

the top 5 U.S. amusement parks. the top 5 U.S. amusement parks. With an estimated 22 billion dollar annual turnover, computer games generate more money than With an estimated 22 billion dollar annual turnover, computer games generate more money than

Hollywood. Hollywood. (($7.3 billion from U.S. sales, which twice the U.S. sales in 1996)$7.3 billion from U.S. sales, which twice the U.S. sales in 1996)

Computer and video games are a recognized form of art and culture in Germany.Computer and video games are a recognized form of art and culture in Germany. Since 1992, video games have been part of French national library’s patrimonial collections. Every video Since 1992, video games have been part of French national library’s patrimonial collections. Every video

game distributed in France must send in two copies to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.game distributed in France must send in two copies to the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

About 43% of digital game players are female. About 43% of digital game players are female. In fact, women over the age of 18 represent a greater In fact, women over the age of 18 represent a greater portion of the game-playing population (28 %) than boys from ages 6 to 17 (21%).”portion of the game-playing population (28 %) than boys from ages 6 to 17 (21%).”

Approximately 60% of Americans play interactive games on a regular basis; and 32% of those who play Approximately 60% of Americans play interactive games on a regular basis; and 32% of those who play computer and video games are age 35 or older with 13% age 50 or older.computer and video games are age 35 or older with 13% age 50 or older.

The GamesThe Games

Games have changed Games have changed quite a bit over the quite a bit over the last 30 years. last 30 years.

Remember Pong?Remember Pong?

Pong’s Maturation Pong’s Maturation

Pong and other early Tennis Pong and other early Tennis games, like all sports based games, like all sports based games, have greatly evolved games, have greatly evolved from simple pixilated sprites to from simple pixilated sprites to more fully rendered and more fully rendered and detailed environments.detailed environments.

But speaking of Pong…But speaking of Pong…

Popular Culture and HistoryPopular Culture and History

Pong is an excellent Pong is an excellent example of how video example of how video games are now part of games are now part of the American media’s the American media’s vocabulary and popular vocabulary and popular culture. culture.

Recent television Recent television advertisements reveal advertisements reveal that they are more that they are more accepted as part of a accepted as part of a shared context and shared context and experience.experience.

Games are everywhere!Games are everywhere! As technology evolves and becomes As technology evolves and becomes

more and more pervasive, so do the more and more pervasive, so do the games we play. games we play.

Even technology that was not originally Even technology that was not originally

intended to be part of game-play, like intended to be part of game-play, like GPS (Global Positioning Systems). GPS (Global Positioning Systems). Using these, once military satellites, Using these, once military satellites, people are playing a global game of people are playing a global game of hide and seek called geocaching. hide and seek called geocaching.

Who is playing? As of 2006, there are Who is playing? As of 2006, there are 312,279312,279 active caches in active caches in 222222 countries countries . In the last 7 days (9/15/2006), there . In the last 7 days (9/15/2006), there have been have been 203,763203,763 new logs written new logs written by by 32,91332,913 account holders. Now that account holders. Now that is BIG “Hide and Seek” game!is BIG “Hide and Seek” game!

Some additional information:Some additional information:

http://www.geocaching.com/http://www.geocaching.com/

andand

http://www.cacheintrashout.org/http://www.cacheintrashout.org/

Games are everywhere!Games are everywhere!

Where are the games?Where are the games?

1.1. Businesses, some SchoolsBusinesses, some Schools2.2. Newspapers (sometimes the only Newspapers (sometimes the only

reason we buy a newspaper)reason we buy a newspaper)3.3. Radio (call in, in studio events)Radio (call in, in studio events)4.4. Television (shows, call in programs)Television (shows, call in programs)5.5. Computer (online, offline)Computer (online, offline)6.6. Cell phone (online, offline)Cell phone (online, offline)7.7. Blackberrys Blackberrys 8.8. Websites (in general, different Websites (in general, different

access)access)

How are games used?How are games used?

1.1. Family time. (Board games, video, and computer Family time. (Board games, video, and computer too!)too!)

2.2. Get together with friends (cards, LAN parties, Get together with friends (cards, LAN parties, multiplayer video games, MMORPG’s)multiplayer video games, MMORPG’s)

3.3. Bars and Grills, Pool Halls, State Fairs, Bars and Grills, Pool Halls, State Fairs, Shopping Mall Arcades, and Student Unions Shopping Mall Arcades, and Student Unions (certainly, various motivations for the games (certainly, various motivations for the games placement, but all to enhance the social placement, but all to enhance the social experience)experience)

4.4. By advertising agencies to attract buyers and By advertising agencies to attract buyers and product interest.product interest.

5.5. In the military for training purposes. (Flight In the military for training purposes. (Flight school)school)

6.6. Some games in Education, but mostly training Some games in Education, but mostly training designs and not very sophisticated.designs and not very sophisticated.

Games, generally, are designed to Games, generally, are designed to mentally challenge and engage; and, mentally challenge and engage; and, sometimes, used to enhance a social sometimes, used to enhance a social experience. The top selling video games experience. The top selling video games have an have an E E or or T T rating and often have a rating and often have a multiplayer (cooperative or challenger) multiplayer (cooperative or challenger) option.option.

How many sold?How many sold?

Strictly Gaming Units (in 2005):Strictly Gaming Units (in 2005):

PS2: PS2: 106 million106 million Xbox:Xbox: 24 million 24 million GameCube:GameCube: 21 million 21 million Xbox 360Xbox 360:: 5.05 million (as of 5.05 million (as of June 30, 2006)June 30, 2006)

GameBoy:GameBoy: 70 million70 million GBA:GBA: 75 million75 million PSPPSP:: 20 million 20 million DSDS:: 22 million22 million

718 video games have sold over 1 million copies each718 video games have sold over 1 million copies each Super Mario Bros (Nintendo): 41 million copies soldSuper Mario Bros (Nintendo): 41 million copies sold

GamersGamers

We’ve talked about games and video We’ve talked about games and video games; we even have an idea about video games; we even have an idea about video gamer demographics… gamer demographics…

But, who really are these game-players?But, who really are these game-players?

Short answer… We all are.Short answer… We all are.

GamersGamersThe long answer is that “gamers” are distinct from “casual players” by their devotion to gaming as a The long answer is that “gamers” are distinct from “casual players” by their devotion to gaming as a

hobby. They are fans of games. As might be expected, gamers can be generally classified:hobby. They are fans of games. As might be expected, gamers can be generally classified:

Analog/Pen and Paper/Dice and Card games (more about the mechanic/strategy)Analog/Pen and Paper/Dice and Card games (more about the mechanic/strategy) Board gamers (Monopoly, Settlers of Cataan, RISK, etc.)Board gamers (Monopoly, Settlers of Cataan, RISK, etc.) Tabletop Gamers (Miniatures, some card games)Tabletop Gamers (Miniatures, some card games) RPG’ers (examples: D&D, Traveler, etc.)RPG’ers (examples: D&D, Traveler, etc.) Puzzle workers (Sudoku, Crosswords, Jumbles, Mazes, and Brain Teasers)Puzzle workers (Sudoku, Crosswords, Jumbles, Mazes, and Brain Teasers)

Video/Computer (more about the game-play, sometimes ambiguous and contradictory)Video/Computer (more about the game-play, sometimes ambiguous and contradictory) Hardcore gamers (game-type, rarer games, but more about frequency)Hardcore gamers (game-type, rarer games, but more about frequency) Old school gamer (all about game type, pre-32 bit era)Old school gamer (all about game type, pre-32 bit era) Cyber-athlete (competition, thrill isn’t solely in game context, but competing within it)Cyber-athlete (competition, thrill isn’t solely in game context, but competing within it) Import gamers (all about game-type, overseas – mostly Japanese games)Import gamers (all about game-type, overseas – mostly Japanese games)

Most folks fit into the casual gamer category; they are people who are “occasional video Most folks fit into the casual gamer category; they are people who are “occasional video game players” or “beer & pretzel” game players. Additionally, most games are designed game players” or “beer & pretzel” game players. Additionally, most games are designed for this demographic, because it is the largest. (Target audience of the Wii – all ages)for this demographic, because it is the largest. (Target audience of the Wii – all ages)

Why is this important?Why is this important?Half-time Summary:Half-time Summary: (RAPIDLY EVOLVING MEDIA) Games are getting more sophisticated and detailed. Will we (RAPIDLY EVOLVING MEDIA) Games are getting more sophisticated and detailed. Will we

have the archive to trace future games’ evolution?have the archive to trace future games’ evolution?

(SOCIAL FABRIC) All games are designed to mentally challenge and engage, and, (SOCIAL FABRIC) All games are designed to mentally challenge and engage, and, sometimes, enhance social experiences. Libraries represent humanity’s cultural memory, sometimes, enhance social experiences. Libraries represent humanity’s cultural memory, will we forget this part?will we forget this part?

(MAJOR MEDIA FORMAT) The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, even (MAJOR MEDIA FORMAT) The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, even dwarfing Hollywood in profits. The Academic Library is constantly looking for outside dwarfing Hollywood in profits. The Academic Library is constantly looking for outside funding; now a major media product is uncollected and one strongly associated with funding; now a major media product is uncollected and one strongly associated with several academic degree programs (Computer Science, Art, Creative Writing programs) several academic degree programs (Computer Science, Art, Creative Writing programs) isn’t there an opportunity there?isn’t there an opportunity there?

(COMMON) Games are pervasive and attached to or available through most of our daily (COMMON) Games are pervasive and attached to or available through most of our daily activities. If this is a new media being used by all and entering into the shared content activities. If this is a new media being used by all and entering into the shared content knowledge (that advertisers use) shouldn’t we collect it?knowledge (that advertisers use) shouldn’t we collect it?

(BEING COLLECTED) A few European countries and some American Public Libraries (BEING COLLECTED) A few European countries and some American Public Libraries collect games. The collection of these games is already beginning at National libraries collect games. The collection of these games is already beginning at National libraries and some Public libraries, doesn’t the Academic library have a role?and some Public libraries, doesn’t the Academic library have a role?

Creating GamesCreating Games

Where are these games being created?Where are these games being created?

There are number of studios in California. There are number of studios in California. 1.1. Blizzard – Irvine, CABlizzard – Irvine, CA2.2. Sierra Entertainment, Los Angeles, CASierra Entertainment, Los Angeles, CA3.3. High Moon Studios – Carlsbad, CA High Moon Studios – Carlsbad, CA 4.4. Midway Studios - San Diego, CA Midway Studios - San Diego, CA 5.5. Midway Studios - Los Angeles, CAMidway Studios - Los Angeles, CA6.6. LucasArts – San Francisco, CA LucasArts – San Francisco, CA 7.7. Reverge Studios - Culver City, CA Reverge Studios - Culver City, CA 8.8. Cryptic Studios - Los Gatos, CACryptic Studios - Los Gatos, CA9.9. Pixologic Studios – Los Angeles, CAPixologic Studios – Los Angeles, CA10.10. Xbox – Newport Beach, CAXbox – Newport Beach, CA

Creating GamesCreating Games

Game creating software, tools, and Game creating software, tools, and opportunities are becoming more readily opportunities are becoming more readily available and easier to use…available and easier to use…

1.1. XNA Game Studio (Xbox)XNA Game Studio (Xbox)

2.2. 3d Gamemaker Software3d Gamemaker Software

3.3. Garage Games (Tribes) Garage Games (Tribes)

4.4. Multiverse Multiverse

An Education in Gaming?An Education in Gaming?

There are several institutions which offer a degree in Computer There are several institutions which offer a degree in Computer Game Design and game programming.Game Design and game programming.

Game Culture & Tech Lab at the University of California at IrvineGame Culture & Tech Lab at the University of California at Irvine. . Southern Methodist University in Dallas has a Bachelors in ComputSouthern Methodist University in Dallas has a Bachelors in Comput

er Science with a Game tracker Science with a Game track. .

Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OhioShawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, offers an , offers an undergraduate major in "game and simulation arts" as part of its undergraduate major in "game and simulation arts" as part of its bachelor of fine arts degree program.bachelor of fine arts degree program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University offer classes on video-Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University offer classes on video-game criticism, games as educational tools, and game design. game criticism, games as educational tools, and game design.

In AUGUST 12, 2004 SDSU offered a new course on the “ SDSU offered a new course on the “Introduction to the Game IndustryIntroduction to the Game Industry” through the college of extended ” through the college of extended studies.studies.

Are there Jobs?Are there Jobs?1.1. Computer game designers are expected to be among the fastest growing Computer game designers are expected to be among the fastest growing

occupations over the next decade. occupations over the next decade. 2.2. Full time computer game designers earned an average salary of $74,900. Full time computer game designers earned an average salary of $74,900.

Those with higher levels of education earn higher wages. Those with higher levels of education earn higher wages. 3.3. The market is expected to become very competitive. The right mix of The market is expected to become very competitive. The right mix of

skills; however, is difficult to find.skills; however, is difficult to find.

London:London:GameGame Career Fairs Career Fairs GameDev.net: GameDev.net: JobsJobs

Some notable locals…Some notable locals… BlizzardBlizzard (Headquartered in Irvine, CA. ) (Headquartered in Irvine, CA. ) Sierra Entertainment (Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.)Sierra Entertainment (Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.) High Moon Studios High Moon Studios (Headquatered in Carlsbad, CA)(Headquatered in Carlsbad, CA) Midway Studios - San Diego & Los Angeles (Headquarters, Midway Midway Studios - San Diego & Los Angeles (Headquarters, Midway

Games, Chicago, IL)Games, Chicago, IL)

Digital Games used in learning?Digital Games used in learning?

“ “Games are widely used as educational Games are widely used as educational tools, not just for pilots, soldiers and tools, not just for pilots, soldiers and surgeons, but also in schools and surgeons, but also in schools and businesses.”businesses.”

_The Economist, August 4, 2005_The Economist, August 4, 2005

Games in LearningGames in Learning

Games, in general, have been a part of Games, in general, have been a part of learning for a long time. (scavenger hunts, learning for a long time. (scavenger hunts, in class debates, question and answer, in class debates, question and answer, building competitions, etc.)building competitions, etc.)

Computer/Video games are the next step?Computer/Video games are the next step?May help address issues in Cross-May help address issues in Cross-

curricular areas and more interdisciplinary curricular areas and more interdisciplinary fields.fields.

Games in LearningGames in Learning

Examples of use:Examples of use:

Historical simulations (Decisive Battles – History Channel) Historical simulations (Decisive Battles – History Channel) Planning and architecturePlanning and architecture Problem solving (instant response)Problem solving (instant response) Economics and financial managementEconomics and financial management LiteracyLiteracy Physics (gravity, vectors, acceleration)Physics (gravity, vectors, acceleration) Chemistry Chemistry AstronomyAstronomy Cultural studies and religionCultural studies and religion Library research (as part of game mechanic)Library research (as part of game mechanic)

Collecting Games?Collecting Games?

Why? They are just games after all… right?Why? They are just games after all… right?

Information as Object (understood as painting, sculpture, various old Information as Object (understood as painting, sculpture, various old collectables) Objects that inform us about time and place.collectables) Objects that inform us about time and place.

Games build upon each other. There is an evolutionary process.Games build upon each other. There is an evolutionary process. Part of American culture. A video game playing generation -- 30 Part of American culture. A video game playing generation -- 30

years in the making.years in the making. Part of World Culture. (World of Warcraft – Blizzard Entertainment Part of World Culture. (World of Warcraft – Blizzard Entertainment

as of as of June 2006 had 6.6 million subscribers worldwide -- 2 million in June 2006 had 6.6 million subscribers worldwide -- 2 million in the USA, 1 million in Europe, and the rest mostly in China and the USA, 1 million in Europe, and the rest mostly in China and Southeast Asia. (that is 3x the popualtion of Chicago, 5x San Diego, Southeast Asia. (that is 3x the popualtion of Chicago, 5x San Diego, or roughly the population of or roughly the population of Switzerland.)Switzerland.)

Technology is constantly evolving. We may not be able to view Technology is constantly evolving. We may not be able to view these older games.these older games.

Fundraising opportunitiesFundraising opportunities

Regionally , in the California area, there Regionally , in the California area, there are a number of Video and Computer are a number of Video and Computer Game Companies. Game Companies.

These companies are constantly looking These companies are constantly looking for College graduates to work for them.for College graduates to work for them.

We are providing a service, by archiving, We are providing a service, by archiving, making available for study, and supporting making available for study, and supporting the next generation of game designers.the next generation of game designers.

Thank you!Thank you!

Questions?Questions?

Wil WestonWil Weston

Engineering LibrarianEngineering Librarian

SDSU Library, ReferenceSDSU Library, Reference