Sony brings Buzz! to UK classrooms

by Ludwig Kietzmann on Jan 10th 2007 9:55AM

Though the headline might fool you into thinking trenchcoat-wearing Sony goons will soon be infiltrating schools and selling children some sort of designer drug, it actually refers to the hugely popular series of quiz games on PS2. It's rather simple -- the game asks a question and you consequently slam your hand or forehead into a giant red button (part of the special Buzz! peripheral) before answering.

Being based upon the acquisition and sharing of knowledge, the game seems like an ideal fit for a classroom brimming with kids. Buzz!: The School's Quiz will derive its over 5,000 questions from the UK's Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, and will include cooperative play modes.

It's pleasing to see that some still see the value in video games as educational tools. You know, beyond the ones that teach us how to kill each other.

Source

Tags: Buzz, Buzz quiz, Buzz!, BuzzQuiz, educational, PS2

Reader Comments (4)

I think Microsoft and Nintendo should follow Sony's example and try to make franchises like Buzz and SingStar, and then really run them through the full marketing process. Most of the non-gamers I know have SingStar or Buzz for the PS2, with extra peripherals and everything.

I already use the electronic whiteboards in ways like this, we have a'millionaire' game etc all built in, with remotes for every kid in class. Most schools have the electronic whiteboards in already now and getting the extra equipment over the years since. Been an invauable teaching tool! Kids thought Physics was dull till the dicovered drag n drop physics :S

Indeed, Sony's string of peripheral based games such as the EyeToy, Singstar and Buzz! have attracted even more casual gamers to the PS2. While this version of Buzz! may not be successful in schools it's definitely not a bad idea.