Games and Gaming #38 - Console Gaming

I loved playing Pacman and other arcade games as a kid! I do think I gained some skills over people who never played, such as problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.

In modest amounts, I think video games are a learning experience. There is such a thing as too much gaming, though. In my opinion, for library purposes, it would be best to use an Xbox 360 or a Wii. Each of those systems have a wide selection of games that will appeal to more people. I think the goal should just be getting people into the library, and video games systems do that. I'd like to think that players will come for the game, and stay for the books.

Games and Gaming #37 - Get Your Game On @ The Library

I read the New York Times article, and I have to agree that having video games available for checkout at the library is a positive thing. It's especially hard to get young adults interested in visiting the library. If we promote programs and materials that they can relate to, they'll come in and maybe check-out some books, as well.

I think the availability of video games in libraries will continue to increase. Libraries will always be changing. As technology advances and evolves, libraries have to, as well...not only to keep up, but to stay ahead.

Games and Gaming #36 - The Wide World of Online Role Playing Games

I don't have any interest in playing MMORPG's, but I signed up for an account at Runescape anyway, just to see what all of the fuss is about.

I was very unimpressed.

I went through the tutorial, and it's fairly easy to get from one place to another, but I was constantly having to rotate the camera to make sure my character was going the right direction. The graphics were horrible!! I had a hard time figuring out who I was supposed to talk to, where items were, etc. It was very frustrating.

I'm sure the MMORPG's you have to pay to play are much better, but since I don't really have the interest, the time, or the money, I won't be trying any of them out.

Games and Gaming #35 - Games? In the Library?

I love this new module! I played FreeRice for a little while. It's a great way to brush up on old vocabulary, and learn some new vocabulary, while benefitting a good cause!

There's not much to the game itself. No rules to learn, just get to the website and start playing. Here's a hint for you: Pay attention to the correct answer when you get one wrong, because they do repeat the words you missed occasionally.

My highest score was 35, and I donated 3180 grains of rice!