To participate, play Bush Whacker 2 and plant seeds to create different flowers and arrange your ideal garden. Judges within the game will give you a score.

Here are some of our favorite designs so far (click on the pictures to enlarge):

You’ve got until May 17th, may the greenest thumb win!

In Robert’s experience, when games are available everywhere and to everyone, the exposure and maximization of the player base can actually turn some people away as they get more than they bargained for. This change in gaming dynamics can be disconcerting for the player and must be managed accordingly.

Robert clearly targeted Facebook gaming (Zynga in particular) with the remainder of his presentation. Specifically, he called out CityVille (which, based on the number of active players is pointed to as the most popular game in the world). In essence, he likened the game to running on a treadmill.

Furthermore, he took issue with the constant bombarding the player to buy stuff. He summarized CityVille as more or less a "boring game" wherein Zynga expects the player "to get bored". This boredom then leads the player to actually pay Zynga to accelerate the pace of the game.

To be clear, Robert concludes CityVille players are actually paying Zynga so they don’t have to play the game.

Gifting was next up for Robert’s presentation. He pointed out that every time you gift something, it brings with it a form of obligation and the feeling of reciprocity. To leverage this, of course, Facebook game developers limit a player’s progress if they don’t have enough friends playing the game. Roberts conclusion is that THIS is the game. The game isn’t CityVille…the game is, ‘how often can I spam my friends and lean on them before they push back?’.

Robert likens the Facebook / Zynga relationship to the Shark / Remora relationship.

Gamification

Again, Robert laid his feelings out on the table when his first statement.

“Gamification sucks. We are stripping something out of games when we gamify.”

In the gamification world, the challenges are not game goals. They are marketing goals. This is the current battle between the gamification realists and the gamification idealists (or the Gamification Cynics and the Gamification Zealots).

All that being said, Robert was quick to acknowledge the fact that gamification permeates our lives. He went so far as to share an image of all the rewards cards intended for his wallet (over 60!).

Gamification is a virtual Skinner Box. These point programs put the hamster wheel in your head and makes the player very highly attuned to points, progress, and conditioning.

Reclaiming Gaming

Finally, Robert called upon all game developers to take a stand against gamification and to get back to the essence of great game design. He discussed four key points.

1. Mythology: Gamification is missing the fun factor. Games are meant to be fun, not productive.
2. Transgression: Consider street art. It’s edgy. It’s a bit naughty. Gaming should be too.
3. Spectacle: While many struggle with making games spectacle worthy on small screens, consider 3D projection mapping as the future.
4. Deception: Check out Marco Tempest’s iPod Deception video.

There isn’t a lot of information available at this point in time, but we expect the Casual Games Association will be releasing details in the near future. Stay up to date on the official Casual Games Singapore site.

For those who are interested in advising, a speaking, a sponsoring, or hosting, please contact Ms Lea Marie Hester at lea (at) casualconnect (dot) org.

Owais Farooqui led a panel of five women gamers this afternoon at Casual Connect. The panel was asked to answer questions regarding their habits, tendencies, and experiences as moms who game.

We were lucky enough to sit in on this lecture and have some notes to share with you…

The panel quickly established their diversity within the social gaming space. When asked if they were frustrated by purchasing virtual goods on Facebook, one panelist conceded she did not like to game on Facebook because she doesn’t believe that is what Facebook is for. However, another panelist took a different position saying she likes to play games on Facebook and buy virtual goods because she “doesn’t like to wait”.

The women on the panel talked of playing a lot of games with their kids. In fact, they cited their kids as often opening their eyes to new games to play. As for what games are allowed within the home, each panelist agreed they get the final say on what games their kids get to play. Finally, games were pointed to as a great way of communicating and supporting their children’s emotional needs.

The questions progressed to how the women find the mobile games they are playing. Not surprisingly, the App Store was called out as the first stopping point. However, they also pointed to advertising, natural search, and paid search as means of discovering new games to play.

Play time for each women varied from 5 minutes to multiple hours depending on schedules. Quick games and long games are good but games offering high replayability and ease of engagement / disengagement were called out. Also, the convenience of mobile platforms was highlighted as it allows the women to play wherever and whenever there is time.

None of the panelists restricted themselves to a monthly gaming budget and one shared her love of the try before you buy model. Also, the women showed a tendency toward browser based games over fully downloadable games based on convenience.

When asked about game review sites, the panelists each said they do consider reviews, but typically don’t take it entirely to heart. Highly negative reviews are ignored and overall consistency of ratings is the key. One panelist deadpanned, “If I listened to every review I’ve read, I wouldn’t have half my games!”

Finally, each panelist commented on the social aspects of being mom gamers. Two comments stood out here. First, two panelists made it clear many mothers just don’t understand gaming. Second, one panelist pointed out that many mom gamers out there, “just don’t talk about it”.

Each event offers a grand opportunity for meeting new people, connecting with key industry icons, and having a great time. Also, if you are new to Seattle, you’ll get to see some of our best party venues including The Garage, The Seattle Aquarium, and the Fairmont Hotel Ballroom.

Have a great time and remember, cabs are always just a phone call away. Also, don’t forget, lectures start at 9:30am sharp! :)

Pre-Funk Party & Badge Pickup hosted by Mochi Media

WHEN: July 18th, 2011 @ 6:00pm – 10:00pm
WHERE: Fairmont Hotel Ballroom
WHAT: Relaxed lounge party beer, wine, cocktails, and light snacks

Games Party Mingle hosted by EA Partners

WHEN: July 19th, 2011 @ 5:30pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: Grand Lobby of Benaroya Hall
WHAT: Happy hour with beer, wine, and cocktails

Official Casual Connect Party hosted by OpenFeint

WHEN: July 19th, 2011 @ 8:00pm – 12:00am
WHERE: The Garage
WHAT: Bowling, billiards, drinks, and appetizers

Minna Mingle hosted by TransGaming

WHEN: July 20th, 2011 @ 5:00pm – 7:00pm
WHERE: Grand Lobby of Benaroya Hall
WHAT: Happy hour with beer, wine, and cocktails

Official Casual Connect Party hosted by WildTangent

WHEN: July 20th, 2011 @ 9:00pm – 1:00am
WHERE: Seattle Aquarium
WHAT: Relaxed lounge party with beer, wine, cocktails, and appetizers

Meet the Investors Mingle hosted by Corum Group & Founders Institute

WHEN: July 21st, 2011 @ 4:30 – 6:00 pm
WHERE: Founders Room, Benaroya Hall
WHAT: Relaxed lounge party with beer, wine, and cocktails

If you are an independent game developer on a small budget or a devoted gamer who likes being in the know, SIX is for you. Come share your project (and a beer!) with like-minded, local developers and gamers.

SIX will be covering the cost of the loft space, utilities, Wi-Fi, and beer. Donations of cash and party food will be graciously accepted.

While there is no guest list, exhibitors are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. Read below for further information.

SIX Details

Date: Monday July 18, 2011
Time: 7:00pm – Midnight
Location: 1534 1st Ave S Seattle, WA 98134

SIX Exhibitor Registration

If you are an independent game developer and want to show off your latest game, please RSVP to paul (at) hauntedtemplestudios (dot) com with the following information:

• Your full name, and a guest count
• A description of your project(s)
• Whether you need an Exhibitor Package

* Optional Exhibitor Package: 1x card table and 2x folding chairs (Cost = $10)

Confirmed SIX Exhibitors

The following list is taken from Skulls of the Shogun and is likely to be updated prior to the event.

On July 18th, Big Fish Games will be hosting the 2nd annual Big Fish Games Workshop, where developers and customers like yourselves will have the opportunity to talk to each other about the games you love! The event will be held at the Seattle Convention Center and will feature both developer and customer discussion panels, as well as two Game Round-Robins, which are designed to give customers a sneak peek at new games in development by your favorite game developers!

If you’ll be in the Seattle area during this time and would like to attend, send an email to roundrobin[at]bigfishgames[dot]com with your name and mailing address. Up to 75 requests will be selected at random on June 24th, 2011.

*Please note you must be able to provide your own transportation and lodging. The number of guests invited will be at the discretion of Big Fish Games and may depend on the amount of requests received.