Gardens of Time Post #2

Six principles of good games for learning that are reflected in Gardens of Time:

1.      Interaction—Gardens of Time gives feedback and presents problems, as soon as the player acts and makes decisions. There is a ton of interaction between the game and the player. There are game-represented people that talk and lead you through the tasks.

2.      Well-Ordered Problems—the game has levels, and as you increase in level, the challenges become harder. This promotes motivation, because it is a gradual increase in difficulty which allows players to accomplish a little at a time.

3.      “Just in time” and “On demand”—Gardens of Time gives people hints and information when the player needs it. For example, when a player doesn’t finish a task before logging off, there is a place where the information or task goals are stored. The player can then find it any time they need reminded. Also, while playing the game, there are helpful hints that direct the player if he/she needs.

4.      Situated Meanings—the game brings along its on vocabulary. For example, “neighbors” are the people who play the game with you, and can help you by sending you items you need. Also, “inventory” are the items you collect or find from your neighbors, as well as store items you have purchased but haven’t used yet. “News” tells you a few things that are new to the game, as well as any additional items you can purchase. Moreover, “Reputation” and “XP” help you achieve the next level by completing scenes and quests.

5.      Pleasantly Frustrating—Gardens of Time is doable, but challenging. It is sometimes difficult getting to the next level, because you can use up all your energy trying to complete a scene, and if you don’t succeed then you have to wait until your energy rebuilds in about 20 minutes.

6.      Explore, Think Laterally, Rethink Goals—the game allows players to think laterally, i.e. their garden. The garden allows players to think about creating their own space instead of going on to the next level. Moreover, players can explore their neighbors’ gardens and do activities.

7.      Performance before competence—Gardens of Time lets gamers play before they are competent in the game. The game sets up the player to succeed, by offering prompts and directions during the first level. These helpful guides are still offered in the other levels, but the player has to request them or search them out. As new resources appear, the game displays what they are used for within the scenes or garden.