DMS 518/418: CFA 232 : Mon-Thurs 1-3
Instructor: Josephine Anstey, jranstey at buffalo
Community Manager: Cayden Mak, caydenma at buffalo
Technical Consultant: Dave Pape, depape at buffalo

Description

Pervasive Games or Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) blur the boundaries between fact and fiction; sprawling between media and non media, (websites, phones, emails, websites, location-based activities). They are hybrids that may include performance, treasure hunts, art installation, political activism, advertising. In this course we will STUDY pervasive games while PRODUCING a pervasive game.

The class will work on the implementation and run the first version of play/share beyond/in, a game designed as an outreach event for the Beyond/In Western New York Exhibition. play/share beyond/in is a game about exploring the city of Buffalo, visiting the sites of the Beyond/In Western New York show, learning the history of our city, and re-thinking the past and the future.

play/share beyond/in is a collaboration between UB’s Intermedia Performance Studio, Beyond/In Western New York 2010,DMS @UB, Buff State, and community based groups of makers and players.

Funding for this project has been provided by the education committee of Beyond/In WNY 2010 & by the Digital Humanities Initiative at Buffalo.

Project Websites & Info

Readings, People, Weblinks, Games

Requirements and Responsibilities:

Students will work individually and collectively to build the pervasive game. Individual and team assignments will be given. All students are required to take part in the Game Day: Saturday July 30th.

preparation and participation - You are expected to

  • research the technology/content areas you are working with/in.
  • meet other students in the team outside of class hours in order to complete any team projects.
  • ask questions if you do not understand assignments & ask for help if you are stuck.
  • attend classes, meet deadlines and benchmarks
  • be prepared with working projects

Possible Work Areas Students will pick/be assigned work in one or more of these areas.

  • website content
    • Written/Image/Sound/Video
    • website function
    • php/mysql
    • google maps
    • interface with scheduler
  • Gumband phone/web interface
  • game objects
  • PR
  • Scheduler
  • Missions

Assignments

Attendance:

Attendance for every class is mandatory barring serious emergency. Each student is allowed two unexcused absences for whatever reason (e.g., illness, weather). If extenuating circumstances arise (e.g., serious medical problems, child care), please contact the instructor as soon as possible to address the situation. Barring emergency circumstances, each absence after two will drop lower the final grade by a full grade for each additional absence (i.e.,3 absences = B→C). Punctuality is also expected.

Criteria for Incomplete Grade:

It is the policy of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Media Study to grant incompletes for a semester only under extraordinary circumstances. Under any circumstances, incompletes will be granted only to students currently in good standing (i.e., regular attendance and passing completion of assignments). Requests for a grade of incomplete need to be submitted in writing, and should include a rationale, documentation for the reason, and a proposed schedule for completion.

University Statements

  • Please read this informational material on plagiarism, students with disabilities, and weapons as props.