Everyone:

Next week, we will briefly discuss the history of mobile gaming, with a focus on the rise of social gaming and casual gaming.

Readings

For this week, you are to read a few of the following articles:

Mobile Phones

Smart Phones

Mobile Games

Casual Gaming

Activities

To further explore mobile gaming, you are to play a few popular titles such as:

Of course, you can play another mobile game if you wish. Be sure to play at least one game that involves micro-transactions.

Reflection

For this upcoming week, you are to consider the following question as you perform the readings, discuss in class, and do the activities:

The rise of mobile gaming has largely been fueled by the growth in casual gaming and social gaming. Do you view this as a positive or negative phenonemon, especially considering that mobile gaming is now surpassing the traditional PC and console markets in terms of revenue? Moreover, how do you feel about the associated business models (ie. free-to-play and micro-transactions) that come with mobile gaming and casual gaming? Is this a democratization of gaming or a debasing of this form of entertainment?

Your individual reflection should provide short reviews of the games you played along with photos images as evidence of your work, and ultimately answer question above.