'Gunbound'

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the concept of having fun and analyzes the video game 'Gunbound' with respect to its play characteristics, based mainly upon the "pleasure dchemas" of K. Salen and E. Zimmerman. The paper offers a background of the video game and maintains that video games in general and 'Gunbound' in particular goes beyond a simply entertaining computer program for adolescent males. Rather, the game shapes these young people by teaching them self esteem, the concepts of risk and reward, consequences and interaction. The paper contends that while constant video game play can be bad, a healthy amount can certainly be played and will "play" a role in the development of the player as a member of society.

Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Introduction to the Game
Pleasure Mechanics
Maintenance of Challenge
Rewards and Reinforcement
Flow
Consequences
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"As an introduction, the background of the video game Gunbound should be explained. Gunbound takes place in Planet Lond and its 8 moons. Gunbound means "The infinite war between each unique mobile and its riders" (Softnyx.net). Because of the unique nature of each mobile, the play options are endless. When players are doing battle, the crowd is watching them, and rewards are given for strong play, so the importance of doing well in battle is important from many different points of view. As the next section of this paper will explore, for some, the importance of doing battle goes beyond good gameplay."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gunbound Plays and Cheats. Playcenter.com. Retrieved February 20, 2006 from Playcenter Web Site: http://www.playcenter.com
• Gunbound Review. PC Magazine Online. Retrieved February 20, 2006 from PC Magazine Online: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1736836,00.asp
• Salen, K and Zimmerman, E. Rules of Play. 2003, MIT Press, Boston.
• Softnyx. (2006). Gunbound. Retrieved February 19, 2006, from Softnyx Web Site: http://www.softnyx.net

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