Feature Articles on Gamasutra

The Social Network Game Boom, April 29, 2009

In this in-depth article, Chen looks at the state of games for social networks like Facebook & MySpace, which "seem poised to set a revolution in the game industry akin to the one first kindled by downloadable casual games", according to her.

Towards More Meaningful Games, July 22, 2008

In this thought-provoking design piece, writer Sande Chen (The Witcher) takes a look at how to ratchet up emotional intensity - through narrative design, visuals, and music - to create more meaningful games.

Proof of Learning: Assessment in Serious Games by Sande Chen and David Michael, Oct. 19, 2005

In today's main Gamasutra feature, it's pointed out that 'serious games', like every other tool of education, must be able to show that the necessary learning has occurred. Sande Chen and David Michael's article on the subject discusses how games that teach, from firefighting to business simulations, can demonstrate success.

Book Excerpts from Serious Games: Games That Educate, Train, and Inform

Feature: 'Book Excerpt: Serious Games: Games That Educate, Train, and Inform'

Another of today's main Gamasutra features, as part of this week's Serious Games Summit coverage, is an excerpt from Sande Chen and David Michael's book 'Serious Games: Games That Educate, Train, and Inform', which takes a look at how to utilize the educational benefits of video games, and how a number of serious games now exist that target healthcare and well-being, like the “exergaming” game, Yourself!Fitness, and the biofeedback game, The Wild Divine Project, which combines breathing techniques and meditation with biofeedback.

Chapter 1: New Opportunities for Game Developers