Little Big Planet Approaches….

Follow the link for more pictures…

I would like to see if I can create some Historical levels on the go!

clipped from playstation.joystiq.com Click to begin your LittleBig-screenshot gallery. Sony has just released a few more screens of the upcoming PSP version of LittleBigPlanet. Anyone who has played the PS3 game will find a lot of familiar environments and mechanics: jetpacks and swings, for example. Pay attention, and you’ll even see an adorable Sackboy wearing a turban. We can’t wait to dress our Sackboy in this new handheld attire!

PSP infrequent posts!

PSPTeacher will be updated less frequently than in the past as a number of uses have been covered and the news appears very rarely.

Later in the year PSPTeacher will have New Pages which will house the following:

VIDEO PAGE

PODCAST PAGE

GAME PAGE

I would ask you to visit these when updated

pspgo

Media = Agression?

An interesting article explores the issues around the reports and studies on violent media and the supposed links to agression.
Just recently the very stressful Tetris was commended for its ability to allow traumatised victims to regain confidence and remain calm.

clipped from www.whattheyplay.com How the research into violent media is carried out, and what conclusions are being drawn By Christian Barnes-Young, February 20th, 2009 Pages: 1·2·next » Christian Barnes-Young is an avid gamer and clinical consultant for the Continuum of Care, a South Carolina state agency that serves children with severe emotional disturbance. He is also a licensed professional counselor—intern and adjunct instructor for the American Public University System. Christian earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coastal Carolina University and a master’s of science degree in clinical psychology from Francis Marion University.

The EU endorses Gaming!

Follow the link for Gamespot’s full article. Lets keep that pro-gaming evidence and studies coming.

clipped from uk.gamespot.com European parliament report states “games can be used for educational purposes and contribute to the development of knowledge and various skills crucial in the 21st century.” A report to be published by the European Parliament on video games looks likely to heavily promote the positive sides of gaming, according to a draft seen by GameSpot. The report also calls for the investigation of improved parental controls on consoles via a “red button,” and tightened regulation of the sale to children of games intended for adults. The draft calls for an EU-wide resolution that: “Emphasises that video games are a great stimulant which in addition to entertainment can also be used for educational purposes; takes the view that schools should pay attention to video games and informing children and parents about benefits and disadvantages that video games can have.”

The PSP will be SCRABBLE(D) this March in the US

clipped from www.pspfanboy.com The beloved crossword game is coming to handhelds in March, courtesy of EA. SCRABBLE will feature three gameplay modes, including: Classic, which offers traditional play; Speed, where players race the clock; and, the new SCRABBLE SLAM card game. In SLAM, players must make four letter words in an attempt to get rid of all their cards. There will be six difficult levels, including a Training mode, which offers six training exercises. There will also be multiplayer features. SCRABBLE is expected to retail for $30. Gallery: SCRABBLE

Slitherine Software Back Education on the PSP

There is a real economic factor for companies to do so. Whilst many are saying there are not many sales compared to the DS it is clear that the family of Playstation titles is strong. There are many migrating to the PSP from the PS2 and the strength in graphics is enough to persuade a large group of males between 12-25 to make it their purchase. The increasing connection to the PSP could also generate sales of the handheld.

It is clear that strategy based and warfare titles might have more of a home on the PSP than the DS or other mobile device, due to its demographic.

Lets support the companies making a effort. Review coming soon.

clipped from www.pspfanboy.com Marco Minoli, one of the guys responsible for The History Channel’s Great Battles of Rome game, sees the future of his company on PSP. Speaking to GI.biz, he says “the PSP version gave us the best results. That’s why we really keep pushing the PSP now, it’s perfect for us, for our strategy of history and strategy.” Slitherine Software will continue working on educational video games, a genre Minoli thinks is expanding. As the company moves forward, PSP will continue to be in their sights. “To be very honest nobody’s looking at the PSP as a huge opportunity at the moment, and I really think there is a huge opportunity there. I’ve seen sales charts for some territories now and a top ten PSP game sells more than a top ten Nintendo DS game,” he added.

Who are Gamers? Over Half of Adults Are!

Follow the link below for more details

The story is interesting in its timing. Many parents and friends will be deciding what to purchase for their friends and family this Christmas (Festivus) and I am sure Video Games will be at the top of many lists. My own father loves the interactive nature of the Wii and the high fidelity of the PS3. The idea of what makes up gamer is much wider than the consoles. Many wold refer to themselves as video game players if they play the web-based games they are part of on Facebook or they play the Brain games on their NDS. To many these people would not be seen as true gamers. I disagree. We cannot judge their experience and enjoyment. The distinction between hardcore and casual gamer is not always clear. The pick up and play nature of Guitar Hero means its should be a causal game but the depth, complexity and time spent on playing the game by most would make it a hardcore game. We are indivual gamers. I am enjoying LittleBIGPlanet right now, but I am always returning to SINGSTAR and Metal Gear Solid 4. I play the adventure demos avaialable through the Playsation Network. I would not class myself as a hardcore gamer anymore but I can’t wait for the European release of SF II HD Remix!

clipped from www.newsarama.com More than half of American adults play video games and one in five play just about every day, according to a survey released Sunday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The survey of 2,054 U.S. adults was conducted late last year, with a margin of error of about 2 percent. People from all walks of life play, though younger adults are far more likely to play than seniors, proof that video games are mainstream entertainment for the generations that grew up with them. In all, 81 percent of respondents between 18 and 29 said they play games, compared with 23 percent of people 65 and older. Another Pew survey this fall found that nearly every teenager — 97 percent — is a gamer.

Sony is Green (friendly) on the inside

This news can be used to inform students about the marketing of a brand and Green technologies. During a Business and Communication lesson you can use the data from the Greenpeace site on the main consoles and have the students produce positive spin for their respective companies. This exercise can also be done in English lessons. General Studies papers and even Key Stage 3 English papers often have articles on topics of the day and themes of interest. I belive that this article and the information within fallsunder that catergory. This could serve as a mock exercise for students.

clipped from www.edge-online.com Greenpeace International has told Edge that Sony is a significantly greener videogame company than both Microsoft and Nintendo. And while Microsoft is improving its standards, Nintendo is performing woefully. The environmental group’s toxics campaigner Iza Kruszewska explains that it has measured the green properties of all the major electronics companies ahead of the post-Kyoto talks – scheduled for December – where world governments will embark on two vital discussions of a global emissions cut initiative.

Europe’s PSN Update for PSP

clipped from www.pspfanboy.com Loco Roco 2 full game (£23.99) KAZook full game (£6.29) Carol Vorderman’s Sudoku full game (£6.29) Syndicate Wars PS1 game (£3.99) Shoot! episode 2 (four videos, free)

Games are not addictive!!!

I love how games are much more social now, but the stigma of obessed nerds and such playing into the wee hours of the moring is accurate for those submitting to counselling over their supposed addiction. Now their are educationing them on social skills rather than treating them for addictive. The scare mongering of game addiction has obviously been blow out of proportion.
Visit 1up.com for more news and a ful story.

clipped from www.1up.com The BBC reports that the vast majority of people who seek treatment for compulsive gaming habits aren’t addicted. The word comes from Keith Bakker, founder of the Smith & Jones Centre in Amsterdam, Europe’s only clinic for treating game addiction. After treating hundreds of compulsive gamers, Bakker has found that only 10% of gamers are truly addicts. “These kids come in showing some kind of symptoms that are similar to other addictions,” he said, “but the more we work with these kids the less I believe we can call this an addiction. What many of these kids need is their parents and school teachers — this is a social problem.” The clinic has started to alter its treatment to hone the social skills of the compulsive gamers, rather than traditional addiction counseling.