Topic 3 Exercise 2

Mobile computing research

Are online games and social networks worthwhile in education?
Educational value of online mobile games:
• Players may learn because they need to in order to play the game
• Using games to learn can be done subconsciously
* Presenting different points of view, opening minds, helping students to interact with others that they might not normally socialise with.
* They allow the underachievers in a class chance to succeed, compared to traditional teaching methods
• Even some games that might not be considered ‘educational’ can require critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills of the player.

Mobile gaming categories
Overall Top 5 Game Categories (by revenue share)
1. Puzzle/Strategy
2. Action/Adventure
3. Sports/Racing
4. Card/Casino
5. Trivia/Word

Recent statistics

With the new rising ‘Rhythm Game’ genre,the following data regards the hit game for the mobile platform, Guitar Hero III.
How has Guitar Hero III been faring?
- Since December 2007, total purchases of Guitar Hero III have increased each month, making it the most successful game in the ‘Rhythm’ genre
- Guitar Hero III accounts for more than half of Hands-On Mobile’s publisher revenue
Who’s playing Guitar Hero III?
- The game is especially popular with younger gamers, with 75% of purchasers under the age of 25
- 54% of all purchasers were 13-17 years old; by comparison, the age group comprised just 11% of game purchasers across all titles
- Although 60% of all game downloaders are female, Guitar Hero III is popular among both genders, as purchasers are 47% male and 53% female

Comments (on the record) from Eric Puterbaugh, Director of Mobile Media, Nielsen Mobile:

"Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and other rhythm-based games are red-hot right now. The tremendous sales of Guitar Hero III for mobile prove that the popularity of these franchises transcends plastic guitars and living rooms.”
"With 3 additional new songs available for download every month, fans won’t be getting tired of rocking out on their mobile phones anytime soon.”

http://www.nielsenmobile.com/html/press%20releases/MobileGamingStats.html