GAME THE NEWSNEWS NERD PROFILE - MELISSA

THOUGHT PROCESS

Tomas Rawlings and his team of developers are exploring how they can present news information in an interactive format based on play.

“Games are a natural way for us to express our thoughts on the world around us. They can and do take on serious issues and open (people) up to new audiences.”

-Rawling

ACTUAL PROCESS

The games are created in a software program called GameMaker and then exported as HTML5. Many of the games have been exported as mobile apps as well.• Endgame: Syria• ^ Apple rejection of Syria game• Android is open source and supports it• Made a new game called Endgame: Eurasia so Apple

users could play the game. Lost all editorial grounding.

WHY GAME-IFY THE NEWS?Game the News hopes to reach a new generation of news consumers by developing games that educate them on the current events and issues of the week.

This involves a lot of research and updating, as issues are constantly changing.

The idea is to put the player in the hotseat, exposing him or her to the environment by allowing them to experience it, not just read or view it.

ENDGAME: SYRIA-AN EXAMPLE

• Can play on a number of devices

• App Store link takes you to Endgame: Eurasia

• Multiple levels of play

• Idea is to be a little like Gears of War or a similar video game but be factual

• Interface needs some work, but once you read the rules it’s pretty easy to figure out.

DIFFERENT PHASES AND METHODOLOGY

In the military phase, the player uses his or her support level and prompts to take action- putting them into the mindset of a Syrian rebel plotting a course.

The political phase is all about strategy. What alliances are you going to make? What can you sacrifice, and how are you going to gain support?

SUPPORT AND RECEPTION

Game the News was funded through donations for its first few months and is now supported through advertising.

Media sites like Wired and the Huffington Post host some of their games.

Endgame: Syria has achieved the most attention, while there are 11 other games put out by the company.

GAMES1. Moral Kombat- The Presidential Debate Game2. Coconut Sunshine- The First Solar-Powered Nation3. Freedom of Information- The Game4. CFBDSIR2149 Was Alone- The Orphan Planet5. Endgame: Syria6. Save the Rhino- Army vs. Poachers7. Twin Calling Birds- 12 Days of Christmas Remix8. Free Zee French Hens- 12 Days of Christmas Remix9. My Cotton Picking Life- On Child Labor in Uzbekistan10. Climate Defense- Defend the World11. Cow Crusher- Run Your Own Meat Processing Plant12. Endgame: Eurasia

EL FIN!

“THEWORLDMADE

PLAYABLE”