Bogost -Curiosity Journalism

Introduction to Newsgames

  • Author: Ian Bogost, Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Key Themes: Origins, promise, and current state of newsgames; lessons for future efforts.

  • Keywords: Gamification, journalism, newsgames, serious games, social media, video games.

Origins of Newsgames

  • September 12 (2003): A significant early newsgame by Gonzalo Frasca about the war on terror.

    • Players target terrorists but kill innocents, demonstrating complex repercussions of actions.

    • Became a notable example in the genre of serious games.

Evolution and Collaboration

  • Post-Conference Collaboration:

    • Bogost and Frasca initially created a blog, Water Cooler Games, discussing games outside entertainment.

    • Collaborated on newsgames for various significant events (Madrid bombings, U.S. immigration legislation).

  • Publication Milestones: Some newsgames were featured in media like The New York Times.

Reflection on Newsgames

  • Status Over Time:

    • Bogost reflects on the 12 years since the book Newsgames: Journalism at Play; shift in personal focus from making newsgames.

    • Notable games focused on journalism education and documentary practices.

  • Challenges in Integration:

    • How to integrate games into journalism proved more challenging than creating the games themselves.

    • Journalism requires a commitment to public accountability which games alone do not ensure.

Status of Newsgames Today

  • Contextual Shifts: The advent of social media and the rise of video-centered platforms redefined media consumption.

  • Gamification: Emerged as a prominent trend, borrowing game elements for engagement without being fully-fledged games.

  • Persisting Curiosity: Although newsgames remain intriguing, they often face scrutiny regarding their necessity and effectiveness as journalism.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

  • Lessons from the Past: Understanding the historical context and reception of newsgames is crucial for future development.

  • Maintaining the Promise: The potential of newsgames is still recognized, but realization requires strategic innovation and honesty about past limitations.