Playing the Game - The Multiplayer Classroom: Designing Coursework as a Game - page 251

Level 15

Playing the Game

It s opening day. The stands are packed with screaming fans. Or, more likely,

you

'

re confronted
with the tops of two or three dozen heads, as students surf, text, and twit,
never having noticed you entered the room. Never fear,

' re facing a sea of skeptical faces. Or even more likely, you '

ve gone
through the extensive prep I know you have, you are ready to launch your
surprise attack on an unsuspecting populace. For this populace, there will be
no defense.

if you '

“ Welcome to the class. � Say it softly. Sneak it up on them. Now, loud and proud:

“ Tops of heads are suddenly replaced by faces. Confused,

even outraged, looks are exchanged.

You all have an F. �

“

However, you will be able to level up by

killing mobs, questing, and crafting. The confusion and outrage are gone in an

instant. You see something new in their eyes: determination. And a challenge:
Bring it on. You

�

'

ve hit the Power On button (see Figure 15.1). They are in your
world now. The game is afoot.

Whether you distribute a syllabus, or simply begin to describe the game they will
be playing, there are three points that must be clear, two are metagame, one is
within the game.