Companies and other organisations involved in games development
Digital Games Research
Association (DiGRA)
A non-profit, international association of academics and
practitioners whose work focuses on digital games and associated
activities.
GameLab
A game development company based in New York City<USA
Game Research
Aims to bring together knowledge on computer games from the
areas of art, business, and science. Traditionally such
cross-communication has been sparse to the detriment of all
involved.
Games2Train
The company focuses on using the game-based learning approach for
corporate training. Its goal is to foster the ability to marry the fun
of playing a video or computer game together with the information needed
to accomplish training objectives, getting away from the traditional
"tell-test" method of learning and focusing on question-led or task-led
game-based learning. Clients include Manhattan, American Express, IBM,
Reuters, and Bankers Trust.
Imparta
Creator of Strategy Co-Pilot, a simulation game with an excellent
coaching feature, UK-based Imparta combines sophisticated computer game
technology and artificial intelligence with leading-edge business
content. The programs are developed in conjunction with major
international companies and allow managers to develop business skills
through accelerated experience in a highly realistic setting. The
software can be used for self-paced learning, or integrated into
facilitated workshops that apply the learning to real-life problem
solving.
International
Game Developers Association
Knowledge Dynamics
Knowledge Dynamics is a developer, consultant, and tool provider for
advanced training simulations, integrated performance support
applications, and entertainment applications. The suite of tools is
based on open standards for Web-based and stand-alone delivery.
MÄK
Technologies
MÄK Technologies is a leading provider of simulation networking
software, covering aspects of distributed simulation, from Web-based
training to computer-generated forces. MÄK offers a full suite of
commercial, off-the-shelf products including the best-selling VR-Link
simulator networking toolkit and VR-Forces, a flexible toolkit for
creating AI controlled virtual players. MÄK extends beyond commercial
software to customized low-cost training games using low-cost PCs, the
power of Internet technology and the interaction of video games to teach
decision-making, reinforce team-tactics, and perform mission rehearsal.
MÄK's worldwide defense customers include Boeing, Lockheed-Martin,
Northrop-Grumman, Raytheon, Alenia Marconi Systems, and Mitsubishi.
Management Possible
The company offers management-skills training immersed in a spy game.
Course material is taught as the user navigates the game. The user
becomes a secret agent who must successfully complete a mission by
learning, integrating, and applying management skills, thereby saving
the mythical Nohital Corporation and defeating the evil Hand of Chaos.
Users improve management skills while impressing colleagues with an
agile spy persona and awesome, evil-killing knowledge put to the task.
Competencies can also be taught by live instructors in intensive 2- to
3-day modules and can include coaching tutorials.
The
Masie Center
The Masie Center is an international e-lab and think tank dedicated to
exploring the intersection of learning and technology. It is focused on
these key areas: how people and organizations leverage technology as a
tool for learning, knowledge, and performance; the best practices for
implementing e-learning and other models of digital collaboration;
exploring the behavioural and cultural assumptions behind learning;
changes around the globe; how organizations absorb technology into their
culture; how technology works from a behavioural point of view. The
company offers keynote presentations and consulting services for
organizations that are either implementing new learning solutions or
companies that are developing/refining products for the learning
marketplace.
Maxis
A brand of Electronic Arts, Maxis gives the user the ability to create -
virtually - a home, furnishings, family, and career. The Sims has an
established community that shares some of their creations, from love
stories to dysfunctional diaries. From the makers of SimCity, this
simulation focuses on controlling people instead of cities. As stated in
a review by USA Today, "We have met 'the Sims,' and they are us."
MBA Games
A specialist in interactive management development and training games,
simulations, and scenarios for executive development played on the web,
MBA Games provides a choice of three management skills and management
training games - Conglomerate, Team Leadership, and Test Your Management
Skills.
Monte Cristo
Most notable in terms of learning simulations from Monte Cristo is
Gadget Tycoon, which allows the user to start a company with research,
manufacturing, marketing, and administration departments. The product is
expected to launch by the end of 2001.
Ninth House Networks
Ninth House Network is a broadband multimedia-learning network providing
online business skills and learning programs to Fortune 500 companies
and government agencies. It currently offers six online learning
channels accessible from the corporate desktop: leadership, management,
team effectiveness, communication, project management, and business
essentials, each of which includes various courses on the topic. Ninth
House creates personalized, highly interactive, and cinematic learning
experiences using teaching techniques such as story telling,
role-playing, simulations, complex behavioral modeling, streamed videos,
personalized mentor reinforcement, and case studies. Major clients
include Hewlett Packard, Intel, TechData, First Union National Bank,
Texaco, Black & Decker, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, MediaOne, U.S.
Navy, the State of New Mexico, Software Spectrum, Excite@Home, ConEdison,
Insight Direct, and the U.S. Department of Justice
SimuLearn
SimuLearn offers the design and creation of simulation software for
teaching business soft skills. SimuLearn has created an engaging,
experiential simulation that transforms traditional e-learning methods.
The user "attends" meetings with staff and bosses and many factors
determine the relationships and levels of success.
Star Chefs
Targeting tech-savvy Generations X and Y, Star Chefs offers a
distance-learning program for hospitality and foodservice operators
enhanced with numerous game-based models and simulations focusing on
three areas: food safety, restaurant profitability, and sexual
harassment. Clients include American Express, Maytag, and Evian.
TeleBeans
TeleBeans, a bioscience e-learning company, is in the production phase
of NanoWorld, an e-learning game that will teach protein science from
beginner to professional levels.
think3 Educational Grant Program
Think3, is an upstart design software company which, like Star Chefs, is
targeting younger users to its 3D software. Central to the company's
strategy is The Monkey Wrench Conspiracy, an intergalactic game-based
learning tutorial where in order to beat the evil Dr. Monkey Wrench,
players must progressively learn and use advanced 3-D design skills. To
evangelize 3-D, think3 also launched an educational grant program to
establish 3-D game-based learning labs in schools and universities. The
plan is to convert design students into "Monkey Wrenchers," so they're
more likely to remain loyal to think3 software when they advance into
professional careers.
Transmedia, Inc.
TransMedia develops computerized courtroom simulations designed for
trial attorneys and approved for CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credit
in 18 states. TransMedia offers the popular trial skill games Objection!
as well as the following: Civil Objection! Autoneg; Civil Objection!
SlipFall; and Expert Witness!. TransMedia provides users with engaging
learning programs that are designed to sharpen evidentiary skills and
expand working knowledge of the rules of evidence.
Visual Purple
Creators of Angel Five and other video-based simulation training games
for the government and military, Visual Purple's interactive simulations
sport comprehensive support materials and user-determined decision
points affecting the outcome of the story line -- all within a
randomized, dynamic construct. Since its inception in 1997, Visual
Purple has primarily focused on United States government clients (Defense
and Justice departments). The company's future growth additionally
targets corporate and consumer markets in 2000, offering Advanced
Distance Learning solutions using the Application Service Provider
model: hosting, maintaining and managing access to clients' training
applications over secured networks.
WILL Interactive
WILL Interactive produces and distributes interactive movie virtual
experience software for training, education, entertainment, and
lifestyle decision-making. Products are deliverable via
Internet/Intranet, CD-ROM, DVD, and interactive television.
Please do let us
know if you know of any companies or other organisations that should be included here. Email
pjb@pjb.co.uk
Last
updated 28 June 2007 |
