playing in the park:
games in cultural venues
nina simon, museum 2.0
nina@museumtwo.com
@ninaksimon on twitter
slides at http://balboagame.wik.is

lots of people are gamers.
72% of US heads of household play computer and
video games
96% of youth under 18 play daily
78% of large US companies use games and
simulations in employee training and skill-building
40% of gamers are women
35 is the average age of US game-players
statistics from: http://www.slideshare.net/avantgame/epic-win-why-gaming-is-the-future-of-learning

games give people...
mastery of structured skills and challenges

games give people...
feedback & encouragement based on clearly
delineated goals and values

games give people...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/libraryman/2998733732/
social engagement with diverse fellow-players

games give people...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avantgame/2963344344/
exciting work exploring new and wondrous pursuits

games give people...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brapke/226101874/
a place to get lost in narrative, art, and action

games give people...
mastery of structured skills and challenges
feedback & encouragement based on clearly
delineated goals and values
social engagement with diverse fellow-players
exciting work exploring new and wondrous pursuits
a place to get lost in narrative, art, and action

how does this relate to a
multi-venue cultural
institution like Balboa Park?

museum games are often limited to the facility

but they can go anywhere.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tallcj/2150280927/

games inspire people to...
pursue repeat and deepening experiences
openly explore new value systems and ways of
thinking
engage deeply in external narratives
enjoy structured exploration of new and foreign
places and connections
connect real life to play spaces and stories

cross-platform experiences
connect places, people, and tools

we all live in a multi-platform world.
external venues social
events &
exhibits word of mouth
festivals
programs cellphones
radio
email
television events
photo-sharing
newspaper website
blogs
online media
social networks

we all live in a multi-platform world.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deviedev/528153310/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/3465762639/

we all live in a multi-platform world.
(some people play in it, too)

we all live in a multi-platform world.
(some people play in it, too)

is this a treasure map? why not?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lemontank/3578792394/

books can be treasure maps

exhibits can be treasure

but sometimes books aren’t enough...

how many platforms make an immersive experience?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_babyman/49893497/

how many platforms make an immersive experience?

stories tie real & imagined spaces

stories tie people to objects

stories tie people to places

stories tie people to ideas

stories tie people to real life

stories are not always necessary,
but worthwhile pursuits are essential

stories are not always necessary,
but worthwhile pursuits are essential

so...
what Balboa Park stories or experiences could form
the basis for a compelling game?
which values and goals should the game support?
how will you provide feedback and social support to
players?
what exciting work can you offer them?
who will be the primary audience, and who else will
the game serve?

is this guy joking around at the park?
or is he playing a game?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomaslevinson/451943881/