existing and emerging business simulation-game design movements jeremy j. s. b. hall
TRANSCRIPT
Existing and Emerging Business Simulation-Game
Design Movements
Jeremy J. S. B. Hall
Simulation Movements 2
Simulations as an art form
This paper explores the artistic characteristics of business simulations.
And the parallels with Fine Art.
From this it defines, explores and critiques several business simulation design movements.
Simulation Movements 3
Simulation as an Art Form
“Making models, mathematical or otherwise, of complex systems is an art with a small amount of science to guide one.”
Bellman, et al 1957
“In the main simulations are a representational art form devoted to the emulation of real experience”
Hall, 2008
Simulation Movements 4
Fine Art Movements
The design of paintings and architecture are separated into movements that describe:– for paintings – the degree of reality– for architecture – the degree of functionalism– for both – aesthetic engagement
And these are paralleled for business simulations
Simulation Movements 5
From Realism through Impressionism and Expressionism to Surrealism
Realism
Simulation Movements 6
Functionalism - Learning
Architectural FunctionalismForm follows Function
Sullivan
Meaning lies in useWittgenstein
Simulation FunctionalismPurpose, Process & Support
Simulation Movements 7
Aesthetics - Engagement
Fine ArtFrom “emphasis on reason and rational” (Neo-Classicism)
To “valued human emotions” (Romanticism)
Little, 2004
SimulationsFrom unadorned content to fun!
Simulation Movements 8
Simulation Movement Space
Real
Surreal
Content
Fun
Learning
Simulation Movements 9
Simulation-Game Movements
• The Real-World Movement
• The Small Simulation Movement
• The Serious Game Movement
• The Corporate Cartoon Movement
Simulation Movements 10
The Real World MovementBusiness Simulations
Ideally “100% realistic copy” Chiesel (1979)
Valid “complex and realistic” Miller & Leroux-Demers (1992)
Objective “realistic as possible” Decker et al (1987)
Future “become increasingly realistic” Aldrich 2004
Paralleled by several painting movementsNaturalism (15th Century)
Realism (19th Century)
Superrealism (20th Century)
Simulation Movements 11
Motivation & Aesthetics
For paintings
“realism is seen as intrinsically motivating” Raybourn (1997)
For simulations
“complex games force players to make interesting and important decisions” Prensky (2005)
Arguably “l’art pour l’art” Cousin (1836)
Where “a simulation’s purpose can well be the last consideration in its development rather than the first” Thavikulwat (2004)
Simulation Movements 12
Emergent Movements
Small Simulation MovementParallels architecture’s minimalism movement.- “less is more” van der Rohe (quoted in Glancy, 2000)
And painting’s miniatures.
Serious Games MovementParallels expressionism (painting) and
postmodernism (architecture).
Corporate Cartooning MovementParallels impressionism (painting) and
functionalism (architecture).
Simulation Movements 13
Artistic Criticism
Real World Movement
Hunter-Gatherer Movement
Because they often involve
• Hunting for a situation to model
• and gathering information about it!
Simulation Movements 14
Reality is Complex
You sent mother an aerial photo not a road map
to the new cave!
I thought she would be flying
Simulation Movements 15
Mammoth Design Task
MRS BEETON’SRoast Mammoth
First catch your MammothCooking Time: One Month per Ton1 and 20 minutes over.Serve with freshly gathered vegetables
1 Equates to 20 minutes per pound.
Simulation Movements 16
Long Durations
Simulation Movements 17
Small Simulations
You know we have a large dinner party
and you catch a small foal
May not provide enough challenge and learning.
Unless multiple simulations are run
But it is only the Horse D’oeuvre
Simulation Movements 18
Serious Games
Fun and clever graphics may be at the expense of learning
What makes seeing pink
Mammoths fun?
Simulation Movements 19
Corporate Cartoons
Mother-in-laws are not all carnivores.
How many timeshave I told you
mother is a VEGETARIAN.
Stylisation and simplification may lead to problems
Simulation Movements 20
Fine Art/SimulationsSimulation Movements Fine Art Movements
Real-World Realism (mid to late 19th Century)
Small Simulations Architectural Minimalism
Serious Games Expressionism (1905 – 1920)
Corporate Cartoons Impressionism/Functionalism (1860 – 1900)
Simulation Movements 21
SummaryReal World
Mew!Small Simulations
Serious Games
Catnip mouse
Corporate Cartoons