Games programmed using languages such as Macromedia Flash and Macromedia Shockwave have become increasingly common. Usually modest in scope, with limited graphics and sound, these so-called "Flash" games often appear in banner ads positioned at the top or on the right-hand margins of commercial sites. In return for accomplishing an ostensibly simple objective such as "shooting 20 ducks," "roping a bull, " or "striking oil," these games redirect players to sponsor's websites with the promise of rewards such as a free IPod, Xbox 360, or laptop. Flash games are also used for political purposes. One of the best examples of this practice can be found in September 12th: a Toy World < http://www.newsgaming.com/games/index12.htm>. A self-described simulation designed to "explore some aspects of the war on terror," September 12th positions players above a fictional Middle-Eastern city town and asks them to "shoot or not shoot" the terrorists that roam the streets. As with the games embedded in the banner ads of commercial sites, players discover that playing the game does not produce the expected results.
In order to explore the critical and pedagogical possibilities of Flash games, the 2007 Computers and Writing Online conference invites submissions of games that directly or indirectly address the conference theme of "Technoculture"
Please submit finished games to cwonline2007@yahoo.com
Computers and Writing Online 2007
Conference Co-Chairs:
Keith Dorwick, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Kevin Moberly, St Cloud State University
http://acadianamoo.org/cwonline2007
