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The Gamification of Running

“Gamification” is everyone’s favorite buzzword these days. It’s so hot, that we still use quotes to write it out — “gamification.” Yes, it’s that fresh. To put it simply, “gamification” is applying game-design thinking to non-game applications in order to make them more fun and engaging. Think Foursquare; you earn points for checking into locations, …

Google Plus: The Facebook Killer?

Google Plus recently got its ten millionth user—yes that’s million, with an ‘m’—which is pretty insane, considering it’s only been around for a couple of weeks.  Based on its astronomical growth, it would appear that it could really live up to its reputation as the Facebook Killer, becoming the dominant social network in just a …

Fantasy University Opens – Schools Facebook Gaming

Too late for back-to-school news?  We don’t think so. Facebook – meet Fantasy University, the latest project from veteran development team Simutronics.  Since 1987, Simutronics has been entertaining millions with games such as GemStone IV, the longest-running commercial MUD in the world.  If CEO David Whatley and company could turn text-based games into entertainment enjoyed …

Social Game Soapbox: Pop-Ups and News Feed Noise

“How many pop-ups is too many pop-ups?” asks the Frisky Mongoose. Shouldn’t there be a more reasonable cap on pop-up notifications, so players can get busy playing (and spending money, for that matter)? Log-in interruptions are particularly bothersome in my opinion, but some games are offering smoother entry these days, so I’ll just assume that’s …