Games & Gaming: Console Gaming

I didn't remember most of the console games mentioned in the game console history site. It's amazing how many different types came out. Those games were not anything that ever really interested me.
Now, I think it would be fun to try some of the console games. The biggest drawback to them is the price for the basic console and then you have all the extras to buy. The Nintendo Wii seems like it might be the most fun since you can actually "play" the games. Some libraries actually check out games, but I would like to know what their loss/damage rate is.
Other library systems have started game nights or had groups come in with their pcs to have group gaming. In many cases the teens are surprised to find this at the library and will come back to see what else is there, including reading books. They might also read or work on homework while waiting their turn. Gaming could be a draw for some teens and children that might not come to the library at all. If nothing else, it gets them it the library and they might come back.
I still like to play Pacman and some of the older games on ArcadeRetro, though I still have to practice to get any good at them. Some of these games I never heard of, but they are still fun to try out.

Role Playing Games: pt 2

I'm still working on the RuneScape tutorial. I do have a picture of my character to add.

So far, I've made it to the sword play instruction. Will continue as I can.

Games & Gaming: Get Your Game on @ the Library

I've read Jenny's The Shifted Librarian blog for several years now and she has frequently talked about gaming in the library and has told how they used gaming at different libraries her former place of work in Illinois. They have had game nights where teens bring in their own pcs to network and play together. The teens have responded well to the addition of games in the library and even use the library more. I think that a library would need to have a separate room for gaming to keep from disturbing other patrons.
The games do require skills in remembering how things work, especially in other realities, what instructions are needed to play the game. Many have backgrounds that need to be read to understand how to play the game. Some require players to work together to accomplish tasks. The skills needed to play many games are more than just mindless staring at the screen.
I believe larger libraries would be able to handle gaming much better than small libraries. They tend to have computer rooms and techies that would be able to set up gaming pcs. That said, it might be something that could be taken on the road to let other libraries try it out.
So far I haven't been able to get my pc to play the Carnegie Mellon games, so I'll have to report later on that.

Games and Gaming: Online Role Playing Games, pt 1

I've been aware of online role playing games for some time, but they have never really interested me. They seem very time consuming. It's very annoying that it logs you out if you haven't done anything in a couple of minutes. It's hard to do stuff on the desk. I've been going through the tutorial and that's taking quite a long time. You would have to have hours to spend playing this kind of a game and I just don't have the time or the patience. Will keep working on the tutorial.

Off Topic - Online computer tutorials

Found a website, In Pictures, from ResearchBuzz that has free online tutorials for among other things, Office 2007 products. It has step by step screen shots on how to do things. It may prove handy for specific needs when we get our new Office. It also has OpenOffice, web layout, and some programing.

Off Topic - How to Make Salt Glitter - wikiHow

Didn't want to lose this idea. So here's a link.

How to Make Salt Glitter - wikiHow

Games and Gaming: Games in the library?

I've read a number of things on blogs about games in the library. The Shifted Librarian has blogged about this a number of times and has given presentations on games in the library. A couple of recent posts are Does Gaming Promote Reading? and More on How Gaming Promotes Reading and Library Usage. One of her presentations was even in Second Life. ALA even has a blog for gaming in libraries, News about Games and Gaming.

I had heard about FreeRice from another blog, and when I have some time, I play. You get word meanings while you donate. It is very addictive once you get started.

WordSplay is fun, though I really wonder about some of the words they come up with. It is good for learning new words and to increase typing speed. I just don't get Sudoku. Even playing the children's mode, when I think I'm following the instructions, I still can't get it right. I do OK on the spelling and some of the other kids games. These are all instructional, plus you learn to use the mouse, keyboard, and to follow instructions. Some other games I like are Bookworm, Text Twist (kind of like WordSplay except you have to rearrange the letters to form words), Bejeweled and Zuma. You either have to be good at spelling and typing or mouse control. Plus some games are just fun.