Stephen Jacobs
ABSTRACT
The pinball machine is an endangered species. Often cited as a historical touchstone for video game levels, their pedagogical value is clear. Yet it is becoming difficult to find operational machines for students to play and analyze. However, by using Internet-based pinball design and history resources, and a shareware package called Future Pinball, the authors have been able to surpass the original pedagogic goals of a pinball analysis assignment. A new approach has been developed to convert a merely observational process into a constrained early design project; blending thematic and functional analysis, design and the benefits and challenges of constraints into a successful active learning experience. This paper will discuss the design and benefits of the experience and highlight examples of exemplary student work at both the graduate and undergraduate level.
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Index Terms
- Kickback: turning game history students into pinball designers
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