Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Don't Starve demonstrates why Forbidden Knowledge is forbidden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/dont-starve-demonstrates-why-forbidden-knowledge-is-forbidden/#comments

Don't Starve's main man, Wilson the gentleman scientist, is a curious fellow. He's odd, yes, but he's also an inquisitive, clever person with a mind for mad machines, at least after his possessed radio reveals the secrets of the universe to him.

Klei Entertainment's animated short, "Forbidden Knowledge," shows how Wilson became involved in the strange world within the game, while showcasing its quirky, creepy art style. Think Courage the Cowardly Dog meets South Park in sepia tones. Or just watch the above video.

Don't Starve is a wilderness survival game for PC that blends science, magic and fancy vests. It's in open beta, available on Steam now for 20 percent off before its launch in late March.

JoystiqDon't Starve demonstrates why Forbidden Knowledge is forbidden originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starveklei-entertainmentpcsciencewilsonWed, 27 Feb 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 58% of US adults blame violent games for violent behavior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/report-58-of-us-adults-blame-violent-games-for-violent-behavio/#comments Report 58% of American adults believe violent video games contribute to violent behaviorStudies have shown that violent behavior is both linked and not linked to violent video games, but the majority of Americans have decided for themselves: A new poll says that 58 percent of adult Americans do believe that playing violent video games can contribute to violent behavior in teenagers. The independent survey studied 2,278 US adults, and found that nearly three out of five of them believed the link was there.

However, those same adults aren't too bothered with keeping violent video games out of the hands of children. 38 percent of survey takers said they know nothing about the Entertainment Software Ratings Board's system for rating game content, and 33 percent of those surveyed say their kids can play whatever they want anyway. Only 32 percent of respondents say the ESRB can keep violent games out of the hands of children, which is less credit than those surveyed give the movies or music ratings systems.

In reality, the FTC actually says the gaming ratings system is the best at keeping illicit content out of the hands of minors, though the media doesn't always report it that way. The full results of the report, from Harris Poll, are set to be released on Wednesday this week.

JoystiqReport: 58% of US adults blame violent games for violent behavior originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3reportsciencestudysurveyvideo-gamesviolencexboxMon, 25 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/#comments Google publishes Understanding the Gamer reportScientific studies have a way of making well-rounded, conscientious people feel as if their lives are contrived, noting how their habits are shared by millions of other people and probably aren't that special in the long run.

In the study "Understanding the Modern Gamer," Google does this with "millions of gamers," but knows how to make us feel special while we're being scrutinized: "Gamers are incredibly savvy Internet users whose searches reveal an extraordinarily high level of intention." Google notes that the gaming industry has "significantly transformed" in recent years and has studied our online search habits - desktop and mobile - for insight into purchasing processes and levels of engagement.

Google finds that gamers are researching games before buying more often, with desktop searches in 2011 up 20 percent year-over-year; searches for marquee titles are up 29 percent. Pre-launch searches are up 37 percent and most gamers consider two different games before deciding on one.

Despite protestations to sequels, gamers get involved in major franchises more heavily with each new game, becoming "active members of growing communities that are interested in year-round interaction with franchise content." Search volume for franchise titles increases significantly with each iteration, as shown in the above desktop and mobile graphs.

Reviews remain relevant up to four months following a game's launch week. Search volume correlates with game sales: A game that accrues 250,000 AdWords clicks in the 10 months around launch is expected to sell 2 - 4 million units in its first four months.

Major games now involve year-round digital interaction from consumers, Google finds. Aiding that year-round boost may be mobile searches, which are up 168 percent year-over-year.

Read the full report after the break.

Continue reading Google report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer

JoystiqGoogle report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamergooglemobilepcresearchsciencesearchsearch-engineTue, 25 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect helping robots see and recognize environment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/kinect-helping-robots-see-and-recognize-environment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/kinect-helping-robots-see-and-recognize-environment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/kinect-helping-robots-see-and-recognize-environment/#comments Wired has a fascinating (if a little long) read up about how Microsoft's Kinect hardware is changing the robotics industry. For a long time, robotics has been held back, not by technology that defines how robots move, but by a lack of understanding of their environments -- a robot that can't "see" or recognize its surroundings won't have any idea where to go. Most solutions to this problem were too expensive or unwieldy to use in a lot of robotics applications.

But the Kinect has made that much easier, providing what's basically a sub-$500 kit that can recognize humans, their movements and almost any other objects around the room. And while Kinect hacks first began as a push by unofficial open source engineers, Microsoft has more or less made that kind of stuff official, both by providing developer kits for programmers and by supporting community mods.

So let it be known: Just a few years from now, when Skynet is chasing you down after capturing your loved ones to work in the slave camps, it'll be thanks to Kinect that those robots can see and hunt you while moving across the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

JoystiqKinect helping robots see and recognize environment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectroboticsrobotssciencewiredxboxTue, 21 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Hacks: Navigating your virtual apartment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/kinect-hacks-navigating-your-virtual-apartment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/kinect-hacks-navigating-your-virtual-apartment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/kinect-hacks-navigating-your-virtual-apartment/#comments Some Kinect Hacks seems to have some practical applications to us tech-savvy folks who don't have access to our own mad scientist laboratories. This ain't one of them: Researchers at the Dundalk Institute of Technology have hooked a Kinect up to a virtual apartment, as seen in the video below.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks: Navigating your virtual apartment

JoystiqKinect Hacks: Navigating your virtual apartment originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavekinectkinect-hacksmicrosoftpcsciencexboxSat, 26 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move Hack: Tracking the earth's rotation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/playstation-move-hack-tracking-the-earths-rotation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/playstation-move-hack-tracking-the-earths-rotation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/playstation-move-hack-tracking-the-earths-rotation/#comments Sure, the PlayStation Move hasn't had the explosive hacking scene of its Microsoft-branded competitor, but that doesn't mean it's not capable of some mind-boggling secondary functions. Modders at PABR Technologies recently combined the controller, a turntable, and ... a bunch of other tools we've never heard of before to create a Copernitron: A device capable of finding geographic north, determining latitude and measuring the rotation of Earth.

There's a lot of nigh-incomprehensible science in the device's video demonstration (which is posted after the jump), but you don't need a Ph.D. in physics to appreciate the complexity of the final result. You may need one to understand what the hell it's doing, though.

Continue reading PlayStation Move Hack: Tracking the earth's rotation

JoystiqPlayStation Move Hack: Tracking the earth's rotation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copernicuscopernitronhackmodplaystationplaystation-moveplaystation-move-hacksps3scienceWed, 23 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/esa-goes-on-offense-regarding-flawed-video-game-study/#comments The Entertainment Software Association recently issued a press release calling the credibility of an article which will be published in the February issue of Pediatrics (which we're sure you all subscribe to) into question. The article is penned by Iowa State professor Douglas Gentile, whose previous essays attempt to link gaming with addiction and alcoholism. The article in question is equally inflammatory: It attempts to draw a connection between video games and mental health problems in Singaporean children.

The ESA claims that Gentile's "definition of 'pathological gaming' is neither scientifically nor medically accepted and the type of measure used has been criticized by other scholars." The group's senior vice president for communications and industry affairs Richard Taylor added "We commend credible, independent, and verifiable research about computer and video games. However, this research is just more of the same questionable findings by the same author in his campaign against video games."

We'll have to wait until the February issue of Pediatrics arrives before passing our own judgment. We'll make sure to share our insight on the rest of the articles therein as well -- we've got a few choice words to share about a certain exposé on Spongebob Squarepants-themed tongue depressors.

Continue reading ESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study

JoystiqESA goes on offense regarding 'flawed' video game study originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>douglas-gentileesapediatricssciencesingaporestudyFri, 14 Jan 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists use Wiimote to measure water evaporation rates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/#comments A recently published report in the Water Resources Research academic journal describes an experiment undertaken by a team tasked with measuring evaporation rates by monitoring water levels. How is this related to our favorite hobby? Well, rather than use a hypersensitive monitor or a high tech ballast system, they used a Wiimote. According to the report, the scientists pointed the Wiimote's IR LEDs at reflectors attached to a float in a water pan, and then used the reflected light (usually used to see where the sensor bar is relative to the controller) to check and see how quickly the water was evaporating.

The results were pretty amazing, actually -- not only did the Wiimote pick up even slight changes in the water level, but it was able to compensate for other movement, due to waves or water displacement. That's impressive for a little $30 game controller. We've already seen Kinect do some pretty impressive things as well, including recreate a Minority Report-style interface, and recognize sign language. That leaves just one motion controller without its own academic degree -- better get a Move on, Sony.

JoystiqScientists use Wiimote to measure water evaporation rates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicexperimentnintendoreportresearchsciencewiiwiitmoteTue, 04 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Physicists rebuilding early video game from scratch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/physicists-rebuilding-early-video-game-from-scratch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/physicists-rebuilding-early-video-game-from-scratch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/18/physicists-rebuilding-early-video-game-from-scratch/#comments Unsurprisingly, tenured physicists at the Brookhaven National Laboratory are capable of creating some pretty radical science projects. A group of lab technicians and physicists led by Dr. Peter Takacs are currently working to restore one of the first video games ever created: fellow Brookhaven physicist Dr. Willy Higinbotham's 1958, oscilloscope-based Tennis for Two.

Sure, the project may lack the high-definition graphics and ... um, visible rackets of more modern tennis titles, but you can't help but respect its gumption. Check out the video after the jump to learn more about the physicists' pet project -- unless you want to continue operating under the assumption that, no matter what anyone says, Halo 2 was the first game ever made. Dummy.

Continue reading Physicists rebuilding early video game from scratch

JoystiqPhysicists rebuilding early video game from scratch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brookstoneoscilloscopepeter-takacssciencetennis-for-twowilly-higinbothamSat, 18 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study explores link between gamers and lucid dreams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/study-explores-link-games-lucid-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/study-explores-link-games-lucid-dreams/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/31/study-explores-link-games-lucid-dreams/#comments So, you know that recurring dream you've been having for the past three weeks? You know, the one where you're riding cross-country in a hot air balloon in the shape of Ed Asner's head? And then the balloon-face looks down upon you, frowns with disappointment, detaches the basket, and you fall into a volcano made of knives? According to a study conducted by Grant MacEwan University researcher Jayne Gackenbach, you might be able to take the fate of dream-you into your own hands.

Gackenbach's survey concluded that gamers are more prone to reporting "lucid dreams" or "control dreams," in which they view themselves in a third-person perspective with complete control of their actions and the world around them. When faced with a nightmare, participants of the study claimed to have a proclivity to "turn and fight back," according to Gackenbach. So, next time you're falling, remember: There's been a jetpack under your sweater the entire time.

[Via Fidgit]

JoystiqStudy explores link between gamers and lucid dreams originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 May 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamlucid-dreamnightmarepsychologysciencesleepstudyMon, 31 May 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds casual gaming can help cognition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/#comments East Carolina University's Psychophysiology Lab recently published some promising findings from a study on the effect casual games can have on the cognitive abilities of older players. According to Gamasutra, the study, which has run for almost six months and counting, has measured certain mental functions of 40-some participants over the age of 50 as they've played various PopCap games in half-hour chunks over the duration of the study. Researchers have found that even this semi-regular play (like, really, who plays a PopCap game for just thirty minutes) has boosted participants' cognitive response times by 87 percent, in addition to increasing their executive functioning by a whopping 215 percent.

So, what does that mean? The group conducting the study explained these findings could prove casual games (and, in all likelihood, "so-called 'hardcore' video games") could constitute effective mental exercise for the elderly, or those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's. That's really great news, since our grandmother has probably played enough Zuma that she can now move things around with her mind.

JoystiqStudy finds casual gaming can help cognition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alzheimerscasualcognitivedementiaelderlypopcapsciencestudyThu, 27 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study says violent gaming doesn't have a major impact on sleep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/study-says-violent-gaming-doesnt-have-a-major-impact-on-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/study-says-violent-gaming-doesnt-have-a-major-impact-on-sleep/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/study-says-violent-gaming-doesnt-have-a-major-impact-on-sleep/#comments A team of Australian researchers recently conducted a study to determine what effect -- if any -- late-night violent gaming sessions have on a young person's sleep cycle. Two groups of teenage boys were either made to play 50 minutes of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare or watch March of the Penguins while lying in bed. The results showed that the group who played Modern Warfare took only a few minutes longer to fall asleep than those watching the movie, causing the researchers to think presleep gaming's negative effects "may be more modest than previously thought."

These results aren't entirely conclusive, as some have taken umbrage with the relatively small 50-minute testing session, which is Sony's recommended amount of continuous gaming time. Personally, we're not convinced Modern Warfare was the best game to get these kids' adrenaline flowing. Next time, we suggest a rousing round of Flower.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqStudy says violent gaming doesn't have a major impact on sleep originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaustraliacall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-4-modern-warfareinfinity-wardmarch-of-the-penguinsmodern-warfaresciencesleepstudySat, 17 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists using Balance Board in stroke rehab]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/scientists-using-balance-board-in-stroke-rehab/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/scientists-using-balance-board-in-stroke-rehab/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/scientists-using-balance-board-in-stroke-rehab/#comments While the Balance Board is a good tool for controlling cute little monkeys and perhaps creating a career, Australian scientists have found it's also an inexpensive way to measure the balance in stroke patients. University of Melbourne scientist Ross Clark decided to pick one up after reading that some physicians were using Wiimotes to help recuperating soldiers, and found it to be "an extremely impressive strain gauge set-up." That's a very good thing, considering the only alternative is a "force platform" which can set scientists back a hefty £11,000 ($15,700).

There aren't any results out of Melbourne yet, but if you're interested in what's under the hood of that little plastic pad you're slowly turning a kind of brownish-black (would it kill you to wear clean socks when using it?), check out this Nintendo Channel video from back in the day.

[Via Kotaku and New Scientist]

JoystiqScientists using Balance Board in stroke rehab originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabalance-boardrehabross-clarksciencestudyuniversity-of-melbournewii-fitTue, 19 Jan 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Playing puzzle games will make you better at puzzle solving]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/study-playing-puzzle-games-will-make-you-better-at-puzzle-solvi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/study-playing-puzzle-games-will-make-you-better-at-puzzle-solvi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/study-playing-puzzle-games-will-make-you-better-at-puzzle-solvi/#comments
[flickr: Stephen Hampshire]
Wheaton College psychology professor Rolf Nelson has come to a startling conclusion based on the outcome of a recently conducted study: Playing games makes people better at playing ... games. According to GamePolitics, the study results -- published in the journal Perception (subscription required) -- showed that its 20 participants performed more accurately on two spatial relations tests after spending time playing a puzzle game, but were faster at completing the tests after sitting down with an action game.

In one test, participants were tasked with clicking on a spot where a target had briefly flashed on-screen; the second required them to choose from four shapes the one that most closely matched a target shape -- so, essentially, they were playing puzzle games after playing ... puzzle games. We're puzzled by the fact that Professor Nelson hadn't himself realized much sooner that, hey, this Professor Layton game tape is making me better at these here tests.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqStudy: Playing puzzle games will make you better at puzzle solving originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbrainpsychologypuzzlesciencestudywheaton-collegeWed, 30 Dec 2009 03:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See Mario transformed into bacteria]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/see-mario-transformed-into-bacteria/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/see-mario-transformed-into-bacteria/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/see-mario-transformed-into-bacteria/#commentsWe're always happy to see gaming encroaching on the rest of the world, a sign that it's becoming more culturally accepted and mainstream, but this example is so nerdy, it might actually be a step in the other direction. What you see on the right there is the classic NES Mario sprite, recreated in specifically-engineered bacteria by the nanobiology laboratories at the University of Osaka, Japan.

We love the idea of gaming's leading man being transformed this way, we can't help but think how great it would have been if Team Osaka could have achieved the same effect with fungus. ... You know, because the Mushroom Kin --- oh, never mind.

[Thanks, Modern Epicurian]

JoystiqSee Mario transformed into bacteria originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriamarionesretrosciencesuper-mario-brosSuper-Mario-Bros-NESWed, 16 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Remote turned into water sensor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/wii-remote-turned-into-water-sensor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/wii-remote-turned-into-water-sensor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/wii-remote-turned-into-water-sensor/#comments The Wiimote has been used for plenty of non-gaming needs, including tidying up the house and controlling robots. Even the US military got in on the action, using the Wiimote to defuse bombs in Iraq. And let's not forget the groundbreaking work done by Johnny Chung Lee -- a man who just happens to have inspired the creation of the setup you see above.

See, a team of scientists in Luxemburg (via Wired) figured out that using the sensor-filled gutty-works of the Wiimote would -- through some tinkering -- be a good way to measure water evaporation. See, this type of measurement usually requires sensors that can cost up to $500 a piece, making the $40 Wiimote quite the attractive alternative. This has applications outside of just measuring water evaporation, the team said -- including measuring the speed at which a structure collapses.

[Via Gizmodo]

JoystiqWii Remote turned into water sensor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>modsciencewater-evaporationwiimoteWed, 16 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real world CSIs look at videogame tech to help solve cases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/real-world-csis-look-at-videogame-tech-to-help-solve-cases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/real-world-csis-look-at-videogame-tech-to-help-solve-cases/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/real-world-csis-look-at-videogame-tech-to-help-solve-cases/#commentsWhile TV-based crime scene investigators use futuristic moon technology to solve mysteries, real world forensic scientists say the biggest advancements need to come from how investigators collaborate on cases. North Carolina State University recently received a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help develop crime scene mapping tech (right) derived from the Unity game engine, allowing teams to create a virtual reproduction of crime scenes.

Using environments made up of 3-D laser scans and 2D models, investigators would be able to share detailed information with other scientists through the platform's website, reducing wait times and travel budgets.

The IC-CRIME platform (Interdisciplinary, cyber-enabled crime reconstruction through innovative methodology and engagement) won't be ready for at least three years, but scientists seem confident in the platform's future potential growth in catching scumbags. Also, turning the lights on in the lab might help the process. Those rooms always look so dark on TV.

JoystiqReal world CSIs look at videogame tech to help solve cases originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crime-scene-investigatorscsiic-crimeNational-Science-Foundationnorth-Carolinareal-worldreal-world-gaming-applicationscienceSat, 28 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Emotiv mind-control device shipping December 21 for $299]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/emotiv-mind-control-device-shipping-december-21-for-299/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/emotiv-mind-control-device-shipping-december-21-for-299/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/emotiv-mind-control-device-shipping-december-21-for-299/#comments Wait, you guys are still playing video games with your hands? What, are they baby games? For babies? We've been using Emotiv's EPOC human-computer interface for months now, allowing our cerebellums to play our games for us, completely cutting our appendageal middle men out of the equation. You'll have the same opportunity on December 21, when Emotiv ships limited quantities of the device to customers who decide to pony up for the $299 price tag.

Of course, it doesn't work with all your games. Actually, from what we've seen, it's only capable of making boxes spin around and disappear. What it's really great at, however, is creating super awkward press conferences.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqEmotiv mind-control device shipping December 21 for $299 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainemotivEmotiv-Epocepocgadgetmind-controlscienceWed, 11 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iowa State study links gaming to -- over there, check it out!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/#comments If we can stay focused on this post for just a minute, we'll tell you all about a recent Iowa State University study that concluded -- hey, how 'bout all that commotion over Demon's Souls ... crazy, right? So anyway, this study claims there's a correlation between spending a lot of time gaming and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). The study, appearing in the latest issue of Psychophysiology, determined brain wave responses to both proactive (i.e., "attack the monster") and reactive (i.e., "dodge the monster's attack") activities. By the way, have you been following the buzz around Uncharted 2? The game's awesome!

Oh right, so ... The ISU researcher (not this one) found that test subjects playing games for four-plus hours a day showed "significantly diminished" attention levels to proactive activities. Though you're welcome to draw your own conclusions, you little scientists, this deficiency is alleged to -- cue scientific blabber: "reveal a reduction in brain activity and disruption of behavior associated with sustained attention ability." It's possible you'd have a mess of outraged questions at this point, but let's be honest: you didn't read the whole post, did you?

[Image credit: MarsDD]

JoystiqIowa State study links gaming to -- over there, check it out! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addattention-deficit-disorderiowaiowa-state-universityresearchsciencestudyThu, 15 Oct 2009 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 being used to detect heart defects]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/xbox-360-being-used-to-detect-heart-defects/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/xbox-360-being-used-to-detect-heart-defects/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/xbox-360-being-used-to-detect-heart-defects/#comments We've suffered our fair share of broken hearts at the hands of the Red Ring of Death -- now, the Xbox 360 is being used to mend our ailing blood-pumpers. A computer scientist at the University of Warwick in England recently did some sweet console modification to allow his 360 to calculate heart rhythms using a complex algorithm. Microsoft's console is capable of performing these calculations five times faster (and 10 times cheaper) than a lab computer, and has the added benefit of letting its users play Madden in between bursts of scientific study.

To sum up, the 360 is now being used to cure heart disease, and the PS3 is being used to cure cancer. Ball's in your court, Nintendo.

JoystiqXbox 360 being used to detect heart defects originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>healthheartheart-diseasemedicalmicrosoftscienceuniversity-of-warwickxbox-360Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pediatric journal boasts about benefits of exergaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/pediatric-journal-boasts-benefits-of-exergaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/pediatric-journal-boasts-benefits-of-exergaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/19/pediatric-journal-boasts-benefits-of-exergaming/#comments
Kids-focused health journal Pediatrics recently published a study that would shock those who decry the health benefits of exergames. The study, which was performed by researchers from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, measured young people's energy expenditure while at rest, while playing Dance Dance Revolution at two different skill levels, while walking and running on a treadmill and while boxing and bowling on Wii Sports. That sounds like more physical exertion than we go through in a year.

Some of the comparisons between these activities yielded somewhat unsurprising results -- playing the video games burned three times the calories the kids spent at rest, of course. However, the researchers also found that playing these games was a comparable activity to "moderate to intense walking," despite the fact that Wii Sports requires little lower-body movement. It seems that for the first time in recent memory, we've got science on our side. Hooray!

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqPediatric journal boasts about benefits of exergaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddrexerciseexergaminghealthpediatricssciencestudywii-sportsSun, 19 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision shamelessly announces 'Science Papa' ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/activision-shamelessly-announces-science-papa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/activision-shamelessly-announces-science-papa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/activision-shamelessly-announces-science-papa/#commentsActivision came up with a great new idea for a Wii/DS game. It's a bunch of short minigames, right, but each minigame is a component of the process of creating something. Like, say, steps in a recipe. In this particular game, you will perform scientific experiments "from a wide variety of sciences."

Science Papa features "over 30 different experiments," during which players will manipulate lab equipment like Bunsen burners, mix chemicals, and perform other stylus/Wiimote-based activities in order to "prove their scientific worth against a crazy cast of rival scientists in intense competitions."

Here's where it gets really brilliant: while you're doing these experiments, or following these "recipes," if you will, you'll be guided by a cute, cartoon-style helper. A sort of parental figure. We're surprised that nobody else has come up with this winning formula yet!

Gallery: Science Papa (Wii)


Gallery: Science Papa (DS)

JoystiqActivision shamelessly announces 'Science Papa' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionedutainmentminigamessciencescience-papaThu, 14 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Science team creating 'smell effect' device for games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/science-team-creating-smell-effect-device-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/science-team-creating-smell-effect-device-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/28/science-team-creating-smell-effect-device-for-games/#comments
Listen, we're all for new and exciting video game peripherals which lend themselves to sensory immersion, but -- well, we're not really crazy about the idea of total sensory immersion, you know? Nevertheless, a team of engineers at Birmingham University are working on a device that exposes gamers to context-sensitive scents during their gaming sessions. Thank goodness this thing wasn't around when Conker's Bad Fur Day pooed up our N64s.

The device, which uses a system of scented paraffin waxes and fans to simulate in-game smells, was partially funded by the Ministry of Defense for use in military training simulators, a fact that makes us equal parts uncomfortable and disappointed. Give us scented Cooking Mama over scented Call of Duty: World at War any day of the week.

JoystiqScience team creating 'smell effect' device for games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birmingham-universitymilitarymilitary-trainingministry-of-defensescentsciencesmellTue, 28 Apr 2009 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[General Electric makes breakthrough in microholographic storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/general-electric-makes-breakthrough-in-microholographic-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/general-electric-makes-breakthrough-in-microholographic-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/general-electric-makes-breakthrough-in-microholographic-storage/#comments
Technical Version

General Electric researchers announced today that the company has made a breakthrough in the development of microholographic storage discs for mainstream use. Using G.E.'s current technology, a single holographic disc could ostensibly hold 500 gigabytes of data -- about 100 times the size of a standard DVD -- and still be readable. Better still, these discs should be commercially viable when they're introduced in 2011 or 2012, coming in at around 10 cents per gigabyte (a pittance compared to Blu-ray's initial price of $1 per gigabyte).

Layman's Version

You know those holographic Jurassic Park stickers you have on the spine of your middle school Trapper Keeper? They're putting those on CDs to make them bigger! That is to say, on the inside. They'll be the same size on the outside, and should still fit snugly within your Saved By The Bell CD case.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqGeneral Electric makes breakthrough in microholographic storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discformatgegeneral-electrichologramholographicmicroholographicstoragesciencestorageMon, 27 Apr 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing Tetris helps with trauma, study says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playing-tetris-helps-with-trauma-study-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playing-tetris-helps-with-trauma-study-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/playing-tetris-helps-with-trauma-study-says/#commentsFiled under:


We've always been big fans of Tetris, to tell the truth, and now it would seem the game has real health benefits. According to a study done in the UK, the game can help those with post-traumatic stress disorder. The study exposed volunteers to disturbing imagery and, for some, allowed them to play the game after. For those that played the game, stress levels reduced and they suffered from fewer flashbacks of the disturbing imagery.

So, make more time in your busy life to play some games. It's good for you!


[Via /.]

JoystiqPlaying Tetris helps with trauma, study says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>healthpost-traumatic-stresssciencestudytetristetris-partyukWed, 07 Jan 2009 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/#commentsFiled under:

The white coats at Nielsen have been at it again, analysing our gaming lives and charting the consoles we use most. Unlike the Nielsen study we posted about previously, this one takes into account pre-Wii/PS3/Xbox 360 platforms. This means that the PS2 stormed to a predictable, convincing victory: 30.2% of "all measured console minutes" were dedicated to Sony's nine-year-old machine.

Despite its smaller user base, the Xbox 360 was second with 18.3%, while the Wii came third with 13.5% -- high enough, we feel, to put any no-doubt-hilarious Wii/dust jokes to rest. Excellently, the GameCube is following the PS3 more closely than you'd think.

A quick disclaimer before you scuttle past the break to see the data in full: these numbers cover January to October 2008, there's no word on whether non-U.S. gamers were surveyed, and handhelds aren't mentioned, though are presumably bracketed in the "Others" category. Multiple console owners who are richer than us: how closely do your own habits follow this pattern?

Continue reading Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes

JoystiqWii clinches bronze in console usage stakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdatanielsennielsen-gamesps2ps3researchSCIENCEusagexbox-360Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo making six bucks on every Wii sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/nintendo-making-six-bucks-on-every-wii-sold/#commentsFiled under:

Macquarie Securities analyst David Gibson has used Science to calculate that Nintendo makes $6 from every Wii console snapped up by the public. It's long been known that Nintendo profits from its hardware, though how much has never been revealed.

If Gibson's sums are accurate, that means Nintendo made almost $4.2 million of profit from North American Wii hardware during October alone. Six dollars, for the record, is what we almost earn in a whole day of blogging. That kind of money will get you one-fifth of this amazing Wii Music add-on set!

Gibson also states that Microsoft breaks even with the Xbox 360, while Sony loses cash whenever it sells a PS3. Sadly, he doesn't say how much Sony drops, so we can't point and laugh.

[Via MCV]

JoystiqNintendo making six bucks on every Wii sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessforbesmoneyprofitSCIENCEMon, 01 Dec 2008 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii games drop in price faster than competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/wii-games-drop-in-price-faster-than-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/wii-games-drop-in-price-faster-than-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/21/wii-games-drop-in-price-faster-than-competition/#commentsFiled under: ,

The research bods at EEDAR have got their abacuses out and calculated that Wii games are more prone to "price protection" than titles on rival machines.

What's price protection? Price protection occurs when a publisher of a game that isn't selling offers its game to retailers for a lower price, allowing stores to get rid of excess stock quickly. If this happens too soon (EEDAR defines "too soon" as "when a title's third month average selling price has decreased by 20% or more from its original average selling price"), it is known as "early price protection."

Anyway, EEDAR found that 15.1% of all Wii software goes through this process, compared to 7.5% on Xbox 360 and 9.09% on PS3. What does this disparity say about Wii software? EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich thinks it backs up the theory that third-parties struggle on the Wii because they and retailers have "overly aggressive expectations" for Wii games, and that it proves "quality is one of the most impactful features for a video game."

Or, in a nutshell, Wii has waaaay too much half-assed shovelware.

Continue reading Wii games drop in price faster than competition

JoystiqWii games drop in price faster than competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseedarscienceshovelwareFri, 21 Nov 2008 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Phew!: Waggle doesn't produce murderers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/phew-waggle-doesnt-produce-murderers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/phew-waggle-doesnt-produce-murderers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/phew-waggle-doesnt-produce-murderers/#commentsFiled under:


There is a popular viewpoint pushed by those who campaign against the likes of Manhunt 2, and it runs a little like this: motion-controlled on-screen violence is more likely to corrupt players than that which is played through pressing buttons. Senators have used this argument in the past, as have journalists, but they're both wrong. Gloriously, wonderfully wrong. Who says so? Science says so, that's who.

A new study from the labs of Villanova University has revealed that swinging a Wiimote and pressing a button generated the same amount of "hostility and aggressive thoughts in" 118 college students (68 female, 50 male). The participants played either Manhunt 2 or Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008, with each individual having their levels of "psychoticism" tested before and after play. Nobody completely flipped out, and whether flailing with a controller or pressing a button, levels of hostility remained even -- and thus another anti-gaming myth crumbled.


[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqPhew!: Waggle doesn't produce murderers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversymanhunt-2motionrockstarsciencetiger-woodsviolencewaggleMon, 17 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychologist says Wii users have 'truth bias']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/psychologist-says-wii-users-have-truth-bias/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/psychologist-says-wii-users-have-truth-bias/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/psychologist-says-wii-users-have-truth-bias/#commentsFiled under:


A psychology expert from the University of Memphis, Dr Rick Dale, has been using the Wii in his latest experiments. No, not to help senior citizens stay active or to help those in physical therapy, but to study the relationship between the mind and the body.

"We often begin to act before we think, even when making relatively simple decisions," Dale said. "Some might say that we even think through our actions." Using the Wii in a variety of different experiments helps him to map how our brains handle thinking and action, and that the two are apparently intertwined.

In another experiment, Dale found that participants had a 'bias toward truth,' meaning that those involved had a natural tendency to think what they were presented with was truth. In this experiment, those involved would use the Wiimote to determine if a statement was true or false. Before making up their mind, those involved in the experiment tended to float towards each statement being true, before making up their mind and choosing their answer. This proved that the body of the participant was in motion before the cognitive process was finished, as well as showing that each individual wanted to believe each statement was true, even if they later decided that the statement was not.

Might not be the most exciting stuff to us without years and years of education, but it's good to see that folks in the medical field are taking the console seriously and understanding that it can do some good beyond letting you and Mario run around some globes in space for a few hours.

JoystiqPsychologist says Wii users have 'truth bias' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dr-rick-daleexperimentnational-university-of-irelandpsychologysciencetruth-biasuniversity-of-memphisFri, 07 Nov 2008 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Are the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/are-the-rock-band-2-instruments-really-quieter-a-semi-scientif/#commentsFiled under: ,


Observation
Harmonix has claimed that Rock Band 2 will have "quieter and more natural feeling drum pads" and guitars with "quieter buttons" than their original Rock Band counterparts.

Hypothesis
Rock Band 2 instruments are quieter than their original Rock Band counterparts.

Continue reading for our experimental method and results!

Continue reading Are the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study)

JoystiqAre the Rock Band 2 instruments really quieter? (A semi-scientific study) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonharmonixinstrumentloudnessrock-bandrock-band-2sciencescientificstudyXbox-360Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



We're starting to get a little sick from Spore fever, since we gamers have been hearing about it for what seems like eons. But once the title launches September 7 in North America (and September 5 in Europe and Asia), we'll have to ride the wave of hype again when the rest of the world hears about the title. Set your TiVos for one of the first (of potentially many) Spore tie-ins; the National Geographic Channel will air its HD special, How to Build a Better Being on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 PM. The production is also included in the $80 Spore Galactic Edition.

The show offers a primer in DNA and genetics beyond what we remember from high school, connecting science with Spore. It's less a look at the game directly and more of a handshake (sometimes literally) between Will Wright and genetic scientists.

How to Build a Better Being centers on the Creature Creator and the genetic basis for the game's evolution and multitude of parts. After watching a screener, we wish it also covered science behind other parts of the game. However, the hour-long show works as a companion to that fundamental Spore angle.

Continue reading Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright

JoystiqJoystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-Artsgeneticshow-to-build-a-better-beingMacmaxisnational-geographicnational-geographic-channelPCsciencescience-of-sporesporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightFri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Noel Gallagher gives lecture on game violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/professor-noel-gallagher-gives-lecture-on-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/professor-noel-gallagher-gives-lecture-on-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/professor-noel-gallagher-gives-lecture-on-game-violence/#commentsFiled under:

Rock star and noted media violence expert Noel Gallagher used a recent public appearance to speak out against the influence of violent video games, according to the BBC. While accepting an award at London's Silver Clef Music Awards, Professor Emeritus Gallagher mentioned games as one possible cause for the prevalence of youth-oriented knife violence throughout England.

"People say it's through violent video games and I guess that's got something to do with it," said Gallagher, whose wide-ranging, cross-cultural sociological studies on the relationship between media exposure and real-world violence have changed the way we all look at this complex problem. "If kids are sitting up all night smoking super skunk [cannabis] and they come so desensitised [sic] to crime because they're playing these video games, it's really, really scary," he added while adjusting the Amalfi Prize hanging around his neck.

Gallagher is the best-selling author of Burning the Razor's Edge: How Super-Skunk Smoking and Our Knife-Obsessed Media Landscape are Turning Our Kids to Crime.

[Thanks, GunForHire]

JoystiqProfessor Noel Gallagher gives lecture on game violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gallaghermusicmusiciannoel-gallagheroasisrock-starscienceFri, 04 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists find red team is better than blue team (seriously)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Finally. Proof that red team roolz. The scientific journal "Cyberpsychology & Behavior" has published the results of a research study, finding that over the course of 1,347 matches of Unreal Tournament 2004, the red team beat the blue team 55% of the time. Yes, this is actually what passes for science now.

One neuroscientist reasons that the slight red team advantage may be psychological, as the color red could prove distracting to men, "possibly because men flush and turn red when they're angry." As silly as that sounds, the study parallels a similar one performed in 2005, where it was found that wearing red in real-life one-on-one sporting events increased the likelihood of victory.

Acknowledging the findings of the research, Epic Games VP Mark Rein said they won't be changing the classic multiplayer colors of Unreal Tournament anytime soon. At least now you have an excuse for losing all the time, right blue team?

JoystiqScientists find red team is better than blue team (seriously) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCresearchscienceunreal-tournament-2004ut2k4Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Science Training for kids]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/science-training-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/science-training-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/science-training-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Denjiro Sensei no Fushigi na Jikkenshitsu (Professor Denjiro's Mysterious Laboratory) isn't about manufacturing Chemical X or assembling interocitors or any other activities you'd associate with mysterious laboratories. Instead, it deals with regular old science, which is itself awesome (and blinding).

Mysterious Laboratory contains quizzes about elementary-level science, including topics like weather, magnetism, electricity, and geology. But it also features minigames that both simulate experiments that can be done at home and instruct kids on how to perform the experiments themselves. Some of the activities include creating boomerangs and some kind of air cannon! Some of the minigames do not involve events for kids to replicate: seen here, the "hit a burglar with lightning" minigame.

JoystiqScience Training for kids originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jalecomysterious-laboratoryprofessor-denjirousciencetrainingThu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Science says: Game violence makes players relax]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/science-says-game-violence-makes-players-relax/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/science-says-game-violence-makes-players-relax/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/science-says-game-violence-makes-players-relax/#commentsFiled under:

The link between playing violent games and short-term increases in amorphous measures of "aggression" has been well-established by science. Or has it? Develop takes note of a new study being presented today that shows gamers tended to feel more relaxed after some good, old-fashioned online gaming.

The Middlesex University researchers studied 292 World of Warcraft players, asking them to fill out personality and aggression surveys before and after a two-hour play session. The results showed "higher levels of relaxation before and after playing the game," researcher Jane Barnett said, though she added that the results "did very much depend on personality type."

Barnett said she hopes the study will lead to a questionnaire that can identify "the type of gamer who is likely to transfer their online aggression into everyday life." Probably the same type of gamer who'd transfer their love of Pac-Man to a career in competitive eating, if we had to guess.

JoystiqScience says: Game violence makes players relax originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggressionsciencestudyviolenceworld-of-warcraftWoWWed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Learning quantum mechanics with Super Mario World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/learning-quantum-mechanics-with-super-mario-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/learning-quantum-mechanics-with-super-mario-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/learning-quantum-mechanics-with-super-mario-world/#commentsFiled under:


We love science, even if it totally creeps us out sometimes. Take, for example, this video explaining quantum mechanics and parallel universes via Super Mario World. Maybe Tyler Durden was right and we aren't unique snowflakes, after all. (It's okay, we're trying to hold back the tears, too.)

Still, we love when science is dumbed down to our level (that is, explained using video games we know and love). This video, for example, teaches Hugh Everett's multiverse concept, using 134 overlaid playthroughs of a Super Mario World hack.

We now conclude your Nintendo Wii Fanboy lesson for today (brought to you by the folks at PopSci); make sure to run off and tell your mothers what you've learned.

[Via Gemaga]

JoystiqLearning quantum mechanics with Super Mario World originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhugh-everettmultiverseparallel-universequantum-mechanicssciencesuper-mario-worldMon, 24 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New book seeks to clear up game violence debate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-book-seeks-to-clear-up-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-book-seeks-to-clear-up-game-violence-debate/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/new-book-seeks-to-clear-up-game-violence-debate/#commentsFiled under:

It's not hard to find studies and media reports both for and against the damning effects of video game violence on children, but a new book coming out in April seems to be attempting to forge a new, more reasonable middle ground in the debate. Grand Theft Childhood is based on a June 2007 study in which the book's authors studied over 1,200 middle-schoolers in two states . Rather than trying to measure levels of "aggression" or map brain activity, the study asked the students to fill out surveys on their gameplay habits. The results found that while a large majority of students played violent games, most played "to get their anger out."

The authors say their research is different because they went in with no preconceived notions. "When we began our research, we didn't fully grasp how politicized and emotional this topic was," said Dr. Cheryl K. Olsen in an interview with The Game Couch. "It may take a new generation of researchers and advocates, open to both pros and cons of video games (and who've played video games themselves!), to start truly productive discussions." Let's hope they hurry. We can't take many more screaming matches.

JoystiqNew book seeks to clear up game violence debate originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversydebateharvardsciencestudyviolenceFri, 07 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Pikachu video is shocking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/this-pikachu-video-is-shocking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/this-pikachu-video-is-shocking/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/01/this-pikachu-video-is-shocking/#commentsFiled under:

Ah, science. We're not exactly sure how this experiment works, at least this blogger isn't (being a history major and all), but we still love it. Why? Because Pikachu gets to shoot out electrical bolts in real life.

We always knew the little critter had it in him, but what other Pokemon characters' powers would you like to see recreated scientifically?

Also, if any of you Bill Nye types want to explain the workings of Tesla coils, go right ahead.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqThis Pikachu video is shocking originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricitypikachupokemonsciencetesla-coilSat, 01 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Science says: FPS players enjoy getting shot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/science-says-fps-players-enjoy-getting-shot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/science-says-fps-players-enjoy-getting-shot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/science-says-fps-players-enjoy-getting-shot/#commentsFiled under: ,

Intuitively, winning at a video game should be more fun than losing, right? Thankfully, science is around to show us exactly how our intuition is totally wrong. According to a study in the February issue of science journal Emotion, "the wounding and death of the player's own character may increase some aspect of positive emotion."

The Helsinki-based study, which looked at 36 young-adults playing James Bond 007: Nightfire, found that getting hurt and killed in the game "elicited an increase in SCL and zygomatic and orbicularis oculi EMG activity and a decrease in corrugator activity" -- in layman's terms, it made the players less anxious. Even more interestingly, the study found that "wounding and killing the opponent may elicit high-arousal negative affect (anxiety)."

The study also found that students that scored higher on a common test for "psychoticism" experienced less anxiety when shooting opponents. So the next time you enjoy fragging an opponent in Halo 3, remember ... there is a good chance you are psychotic!

[Via GameCritics. Photo Credit]

JoystiqScience says: FPS players enjoy getting shot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emotionhelsinkiJames BondJamesBondNightfiresciencescience-saysstudyviolenceMon, 25 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST