"Educational video games... isn't that an oxymoron?" -Some Guy    
       
       
   

News!

IGDA Madison and GLS presentation videos
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Madison chapter of the International Game Developers Assocation (IGDA) asked Filament Games to give a presentation back in November 2007. The conference allowed co-founders Dan White and Dan Norton to share the progress they have made in field of educational games with other members of the video game community. For your viewing pleasure, here is a video and a few pictures (1 2 3 4) from the evening.

Also, here is the video from the GLS Conference 2007: "So, You Want to Design a Game for Learning". (If you do, I suggest watching the video)

On the lighter side of things, someone in the office decided to create "boffer swords". These swords are fashioned from pvc pipe, duct tape, cloth, and those floaty noodle things from the pool. The boffers seem to work best as a stress reliever and/or time waster. I'm sure there will be more updates concerning these boffer's in the future.
Link It




What We're Playing

Dan Norton

The Godfather (Wii, Blackhand Edition):The Godfather: Blackhand edition is without a doubt the most violent game I’ve ever played. Following the spirit of the movie, the only way to gain respect is through money, violence, or a combination of the two. Much like the movie, you are a mobster equal parts brutality, loyalty and corruption.

For some reason the elements of the Godfather serve as a reasonable justification to the ultra-violent world you inhabit, as opposed to the GTA titles that always left me feeling empty. This game is great!

Dan White

Oblivion: Oblivion is a terrific game. It's big and beautiful. On the other hand, it's big and beautiful.

Like its predecessor, Oblivion has a tendency to overwhelm. If you're used to walking away from a game with a sense of completion, be prepared to seek counseling. Also, unless you have a super beefy graphics card, understand that liberal slider adjustment will be necessary.

With the appropriate horsepower, though, it really is something to stand at the top of a mountain and see the tower of the capitol city clear down in the valley below. And as much as I'm a fan of stylised aesthetics, the texture work in Oblivion is pretty astounding. Sure, the glass armor set is powerful, but more importantly, it's sooo pretty.

Alex Stone

Dark Messiah: Heroes of Might and Magic: Contrary to the critics, I thoroughly enjoy this game's story mode. Yes, it is a rail ride like Half-Life. But I liked Half-Life. The combat mechanic feels very natural and the skill system is very intuitive. Unfortunately, you don't ever need to use the skills you earn to accomplish the game. Also, I enjoy the sequences where the player looses control, like being dragged to safety by a friend after getting stunned by an explosion.

What We Played

Burning Crusade

Elebits

Rayman: Raving Rabbids

Trauma Center

The Legend of Zelda: TP

Pirates: The Legend of Black Cat

Call of Cthulhu

Civilization IV

Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime

Okami

New Super Mario Bros.

Guitar Hero 2

Guitar Hero 1

Full Spectrum Warrior Ten Hammers

Super Columbine Massacre RPG