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DimensionU Frequently Asked Questions
General
Membership
Activity
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OTHER MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
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GAME INSTALLATION AND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Q: How do I install a DimensionU game?
A: Follow these steps for a straightforward installation:
1. Before you dive in, use the latest System Specifications document to be sure that your computer meets the minimum requirements to support DimensionU Games.
2. You’ll need to have sufficient privileges to install programs on your computer. If you don’t have the ability to install programs, you’ll need to contact someone in your organization who can provide the required access privileges or assist you with the installation.
3. Locate the installer for your PC or Mac computer. You can download the installer file from www.DimensionU.com by signing in with your username and password and clicking on “My DimensionU” to access a list of available game downloads. (Talk to your school administrator if you don’t have a profile or don’t remember your login.) You can also install the game using the CD installer your school received.
4. Launch the installer and follow the steps on the install wizard. (We recommend that you allow the program to configure the firewall.)
5. That’s it—you’re ready to play! Double-click the icon on the desktop to launch the game and use your username and password to log in and get started. If you have any problems, please contact our Tech Support at 1-888-9-TABULA (1-888-982-2852) or support@tabuladigita.com for help.
Q: How do I know that a particular machine is able to support a DimensionU game?
A: Here are a few options:
1. See the System Specifications for hardware and software specifications.
2. If installing the game on a PC, follow the steps listed below. This procedure will generate a report detailing the various specifications of your machine. This information is essential to diagnose such things as RAM, display memory, driver (e.g., outdated drivers), or operating system issues.
1. Go to the Start menu and select Run
2. Type ‘dxdiag’ then click ‘OK’
3. The computer’s hardware and software profile will be displayed
4. Click “Save All Information” to save everything to a text file
5. You can then either print that text file or view it on-screen
3. Make sure that the specifications outlined on the report generated meet the game’s minimum requirements. Specifically, the information viewable in the System, Display and Sound tabs is the most important for comparison.
Q: What initial steps can I take to ensure that the games will run well on my machine and network?
A: There are a few areas to review:
1. Make sure that you are using the most up-to-date versions of the DimensionU games. As of July 16, 2010 these are:
a. DimensionU Multiplayer (Released on July 16, 2010, this application replaces ALL previous multiplayer games: Evolver Multiplayer v1.3, DimensionM Multiplayer v2.0 and v3.0.)
b. Evolver Single Player v124
c. Dimenxian Single Player v1.6
2. Make sure your machine at least meets the minimum System Specifications.
3. Make sure all your network’s ports and firewalls are set correctly. See DimensionU Network Requirements document.
4. Check the website of the manufacturer of your graphics card or chipset to be sure that you are using the latest available driver version.
5. Close any applications that may be running in the background (including web browsers) before launching the game.
6. Ensure that Tabula Digita games are installed in a location that provides a typical user (i.e., the person logging on to the machine to play the game) with read and write access to files and folders. Installation by a user with administrator rights will typically provide the appropriate access.
7. Make sure that your machine’s hard drive is reasonably well-maintained. PC users may want to consider periodic defragmenting of the hard drive and user of the Disk Clean-up utility built into the Windows operating system.
Q: I’ve determined which machines meet the minimum system requirements. What do I do next?
A: If you have a system that enables you to push the game out to all users’ machines from a central location (e.g., Altiris or Active Directory), then we recommend that you use that system. This is the most efficient way to install the games. Or, you may place the installers on a central server and run the install file on each individual machine. Finally, you may also place the CD with the installers in each machine individually.
Q: My school has received a CD with the software. What is on the CD?
A: There are two CDs available, depending on the type of software purchased by your school. One CD contains the PC and Mac installer files for DimensionU Multiplayer software (Released on July 16, 2010, this application replaces ALL previous multiplayer games: Evolver Multiplayer v1.3, DimensionM Multiplayer v2.0 and v3.0.). Another CD contains the PC and Mac installer files for both Evolver Single Player v124 and Dimenxian Single Player v1.6.
In addition, the CD contains the End User License Agreement and additional documentation to support the use, classroom integration, technical troubleshooting, and enjoyment of the software.
Q: How do I install the games on an individual machine?
PC Computers
A: To install the games on a PC using the CD, follow these steps:
1. Verify your computer meets the game’s system requirements.
2. Close all open applications before installing.
3. If installing using a CD, insert the CD with the DimensionU game installers into your computer’s CD drive.
4. Double click the icon for the game you’d like to install .
5. An install wizard will appear to guide you through the process. Click NEXT.
6. Accept the License Agreement. Click NEXT.
7. Select whichever option is appropriate (‘Anyone who uses computer’ or ‘Only for me’). For school computers we recommend ‘Anyone who uses computer’. Click NEXT.
8. Save to a location on the machine’s hard drive. The installer will automatically default to a new location and create a Tabula Digita folder. If you click ‘Browse...’ and select your own location, remember it—you’ll want to save all your Tabula Digita games here.
9. Install. It will take approximately 2–3 minutes to install all the files, depending on the speed of the machine and which game you are installing.
Mac Computers
A: To install the games on a Mac using the CD, follow these steps:
1. Verify your computer meets the game’s system requirements.
2. Close all open applications before installing.
3. If installing using a CD, insert the CD with the DimensionU game installers into your computer’s CD drive.
4. Double click the icon for the game you’d like to install.
5. An install wizard will appear to guide you through the process. Click Continue.
6. Agree to the License Agreement. Click Continue.
7. Save to a location on the machine’s hard drive, or stay with the selection defaulted to by the installer.
8. Install. It will take approximately 2–3 minutes to install all the files, depending on the speed of the machine and which game you are installing.
Q: Where should I install the game files?
A: This is up to you, and different schools have different protocols for installation of program files. Here, however, are few things to keep in mind:
1. All users must have read and write access to the files, so make sure that the games are installed where that will be possible. Installation by a user with administrator rights will typically provide the appropriate access.
2. Whenever possible, maintain a consisten folder hierarchy and installation location across multiple computers.
3. We recommend that you use the installer’s default settings.
4. The installer creates a shortcut to the game on the desktop, with a distinctive icon. Most schools find it very useful to keep that in place for easy student access.
Q: May I download the games for installation?
A: Certainly! Go to www.DimensionU.com/games and log in at the upper right, then click on the version you would like to download (PC or Mac).
Q: How many machines may we install the games on?
A: As many as you would like. The site license permits a set number of active user profiles, but you are permitted to install the games on as many computers as you’d like.
Q: On which computers should we install the games (e.g., computer lab, math or literacy classroom computers, laptop carts, etc.)?
A: Wherever students will be working on mathematics or literacy frequently and benefit from access to the games. Remember, our license allows installation on multiple computers for access by those students with active profiles.
Q: Do the games ever get updated?
A: Yes. Periodically, updates may be available. Be sure to check the message center of the games from time to time. Tabula Digita will also make every effort to inform everyone—repeatedly and in plenty of time—if an update is on the way. DimensionU Games are installed in a wide variety of computing environments, so we’ll provide detailed instructions to ensure that you are aware of the proper process for your situation.
Q: What are the most up-to-date game versions?
A: As of July 16, 2010:
1. DimensionU Multiplayer (Released on July 16, 2010, this application replaces ALL previous multiplayer games: Evolver Multiplayer v1.3, DimensionM Multiplayer v2.0 and v3.0.)
2. Evolver Single Player v124 (released in Summer 2007)
3. Dimenxian Single Player v1.6 (released in Summer 2007)
Q: Are there any parts of my network or desktop that need to be specially configured for the games to work?
A: Yes. This is a crucial aspect of ensuring that the software runs properly and that students can take full advantage of the gameplay environment. Please see the document entitled DimensionU Network Requirements, for complete information on networking requirements, including ports and IP addresses, etc.
Q: Which ports must be open for the Multiplayer games?
A: Please see the document entitled DimensionU Network Requirements. This document covers the full set of networking requirements for all Tabula Digita products.
Q: Which ports must be open for the Single Player games?
A: Please see the document entitled DimensionU Network Requirements. This document covers the full set of networking requirements for all Tabula Digita products.
Q: How many machines should we install the games on?
A: While there is no specific number, generally we recommend that you install the game on at least eight machines for the Multiplayer games so a number of students may enjoy the team competitions.
Q: What’s the most efficient way to install the games on all these machines?
A: If your school or district IT department has software management tools that pushes software out to multiple machines at once (e.g., Altiris, Server Manager from Microsoft or through Active Directory) this is probably the best option. Alternatively, you can save the installer file on a shared network drive and then run the installer from each individual machine. A third option is to load the installer and run the install process on each individual machine. NOTE: We currently do not have an MSI package or silent install option available.
Q: Will students have to use a mouse?
A: Some players prefer using a mouse to control their avatar, but using one is not required. In fact, many students accustomed to working on a laptop prefer the touchpad. If you do plan to use a mouse, we recommend one with a scroll button.
Q: Are all of the Tabula Digita Mac applications Universal binaries?
A: Yes.
Q: The mouse for my Mac doesn’t have two click buttons or a scroll button. Can I still use it with the games?
A: Yes. There are keyboard options for those mouse functions.
Q: Will students need headphones?
A: Headphones are not required and their use depends on the circumstances. If the student is in the Single Player mode, or is in Multiplayer mode but is the only one in the actual classroom or computer lab, then headphones will restrict the game sounds to just that one student. However, if many students are playing a Multiplayer game together in the same area, most teachers (and students!) find that it’s a lot more fun for students to be able to hear the game and be able to interact with one another.
Q: Can I run other applications while playing the games?
A: We strongly recommend that you exit all other applications. You may continue to run antivirus and anti-spyware software. If this software does stay running, however, you must make sure that game files are excluded from antivirus and anti-spyware Active Scan operations. Make sure that any operations and processes that were pre-scheduled to run automatically are disabled from running during game play.
Q: I have pop-up blocking software on my machine. Will this impact the games?
A: Pop-up-blocking software should not have adverse effects on software performance.
Q: Do cookies need to be enabled?
A: Yes, cookies should be enabled for the DimensionU.com website.
Q: How do I check to see what version of the game I have installed?
A: For PC-based games, use the following path: Start Menu > Control Panel > Add or Remove Software. Scroll down until you find the DimensionU game you’re looking for.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PLAYERS
Q: What are DUTs?
A: DUTs (or U) are DimensionU Tokens. DUTs can be used to buy power-ups and avatar assets in the DimensionU store.
Q: How do I earn DUTs?
A: After completing a mission, you will earn one DUT for every 100 points you earned in that mission. These point-to-DUT conversions will take place in real time. Bonus DUTs may also be awarded on a nightly basis based on TBD criteria.
Q: Does the mission have to be fully completed to earn DUTs? What if I quit the mission before it’s over?
A: You do not have to complete a mission in order to earn DUTs with your score.
Q: How many DUTs do I start out with?
A: Everyone starts with U500.
Q: Can I buy DUTs?
A: No. DUTs can only be earned.
Q: How do I check how many DUTs I have in the bank?
A: Your DUTs are posted in your locker and when you shop in the Rewards Store as your available balance.
Q: Do DUTs ever expire?
A: DUTs do not expire during the term of your membership.
Q: Can I trade my DUTs? Can I give out DUTs?
A: No. DUTs are non-transferable.
Q: How do I know how many DUTs I’ve earned at the end of each mission?
A: Check your score at the end of a mission and divide that number by 100. The result is the number of DUTs you earned in that mission.
Q: Does it matter if I earn DUTs using DimensionL or DimensionM?
A: Any DUTs earned in DimensionU games can be used to purchase items in the Rewards Store for use in any DimensionU game.
Q: What happens to my DUTs after my account expires?
A: The DUTs will expire as well.
Q: What’s the difference between the 1-star and 2-star memberships?
A: After completing a mission, you will earn one DUT for every 100 points you earned in that mission. These point-to-DUT conversions will take place in real time. Bonus DUTs may also be awarded on a nightly basis based on TBD criteria.
Q: How do I upgrade to a World membership?
A: To upgrade to a World membership from a Player membership you may purchase a paid subscription through our website, www.DimensionU.com.
Q: Can you tell the difference between membership levels during game play?
A: Certain items in the Reward Store are only offered to World members. For example, the JetPack Plus is only available to World members. Other players can see it during game play, but they can’t purchase it for themselves.
Q: Does the membership level affect the number of points earned?
A: No, membership level does not affect the number of points earned.
Q: Can I cancel my membership and just go back to Player level?
A: If your World membership ends for any reason, you will go back to Player level. All of your World assets will remain in your locker, but you will not be able to use them as long as you are a Player member.
Q: I got my username and password from my school. What membership level does that get me (Player or World)?
A: Everyone starts at Player level. We may occasionally have promotions for World level (on a temporary basis), but it is usually a paid membership.
My Locker and the Rewards Store
Q: When I buy a set of hair or eyes, does each color count as an individual purchase?
A: Yes, each color counts as a separate purchase. Therefore, if you want a hairstyle in two different colors, you have to buy that hairstyle twice.
Q: Do assets and power-ups expire?
A: No, assets and power-ups are available through the life of the membership.
Q: Can I return anything I buy?
A: No. All purchases made in the Rewards Store are final.
Q: Are there ever any sales in the Rewards Store?
A: No.
Q: If I buy in bulk, can I get a discount on assets?
A: No.
Q: I bought several power-ups that I don’t actually like. Can I trade them in for something else?
A: No. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Q: Can I trade assets or power-ups with any other players?
A: No. Assets and power-ups are non-transferable.
Q: Are there any secret/code assets that we can earn?
A: If there were, they wouldn’t be a secret anymore, would they?
Q: Does anyone else ever see my avatar?
A: In the game, other players can see your avatar dressed in the space suit of your choice. The actual face of your avatar, however, is private.
Q: Can any other players look through my locker?
A: No, other players cannot see your locker. Your locker is private.
Q: Can I decorate my locker?
A: You can decorate your locker with assets and power-ups.
Q: Can I share assets and power-ups with my friends?
A: No, assets and power-ups are non-transferable. Any purchase you make in the Rewards Store can only be used by you.
Q: What happens to the assets and power-ups after my account expires?
A: Your assets and power-ups will stay affiliated with your account. If you reactivate your account in the future, the assets and power-ups will still be in your locker.
Q: My school purchased DimensionU for us and I’ll be graduating at the end of the school year. Can I use my account after I graduate?
A: Any accounts purchased by schools are owned by the school. Therefore, your school will have the right to reassign your account to another student. If you would like to continue using DimensionU, you would have to open a new account.
Q: How do I know which keyboard slot my power-up is in?
A: In the Game Setup Screen, there are 3 power-up slot drop-down menus. If you select “SuperJump” in Slot 1’s dropdown menu, “SuperJump” will appear in power-up slot 1. The default key binds for the slots are keys 1, 2 and 3, but these can be changed in the Options dialog.
Q: Does my power-up slot countdown still run when I’m trying to answer a question?
A: Yes, the power-up slot countdown continues to run while you are answering a question.
Q: Do I have a maximum amount of times I can use a power-up during a mission?
A: The maximum amount of times that a power-up can be used during a mission is dependent on the length of the mission. After each time a power-up is used or after the power-up countdown has reached zero, players have to wait 60 seconds before that power-up can be used again.
Q: What’s the difference between the JetPack and JetPack Plus?
A: JPP is slightly more powerful in the lift and push. Additionally, the JPP has rainbow colored emissions.
Q: Can I buy a power-up in the middle of a mission?
A: No, you cannot buy a power-up in the middle of a mission. The Rewards Store can only be accessed from your locker and the game set-up screen.
Q: Does it matter if I use a power-up for a five-minute mission or a twenty-minute mission?
A: No. Regardless of the length of mission, if you select to use a certain power-up, you will be able to use that power-up throughout the entire mission.
Q: If I end a mission before the time is up, does my power-up still count as used?
A: If you activate that power-up during that mission, then that power-up will be burned.
Q: If I select to use a power-up during the mission set up but then I don’t use the power-up in the mission, does it count as used or will it still be in my locker?
A: That depends. In a dedicated server, if all players leave, regardless of how, the game room will recycle and will tell the server that the power-ups will remain in your locker. If other people are in the game room and they stay after you leave, the power-up won’t burn. If you are only person in there and you leave, it will burn.
Q: How come Tower Storm and Velocity won’t let me use any travel power-ups, such as my JetPack?
A: In those two missions, travel power-ups are earned throughout the mission and players cannot use more than one travel power-up at a time. Therefore, you cannot include any travel power-ups when setting up the mission.
Q: When I use Teleport in Swarm and Meltdown, how does the power-up know where to teleport me?
A: Teleport will pick the best location. Generally in Swarm, Teleport will transport you to the next node on the trail of nodes; in Meltdown, Teleport will transport you to the entrance to a tunnel.
Q: In previous versions of the game I had a JetPack in Meltdown. Where did it go?
A: In the new version of Meltdown, players must select to have a JetPack during the mission by purchasing it in the Rewards Store with DUTs. It does not come automatically in the game anymore.
Q: What math and literacy content is covered by the game?
A: The math and literacy content ranges from Grade 3 through high school.
Q: How do I earn points in each game?
A: Points are earned by answering questions correctly throughout the game.
Q: I have trouble reading the question in Swarm. The question and graphic is a little too blurry. What can I do to fix this?
A: To get a better view of the question and the answer choices, read the question in first-person view and press “Z” to zoom in on the question.
Q: What do I do if I need help with a question during a game?
A: Cheat codes for the educational content is available. During a game, pressing “H” on the keyboard brings the codes up onto the screen. If you need help after the mission is over, you can look through the Q & A log and access the codes there as well.
Q: Gooping seems slower in this version of the game when compared to older versions of the game. Is this true?
A: Yes. Gooping is slower, and you need to charge your gooping tool in between. But gooping is now more accurate and powerful, so you don’t have to goop as many times to freeze another player.
Q: How do I get my game name on the Top 10 Players list?
A: Practice! The Top 10 Players list is based on the top scores of all players, so the way to get on the list is to play a lot and answer a bunch of questions correctly.
Q: What happens after I cross the finish line in Velocity but other players are still on the course?
A: Your avatar can continue to explore the 3D space while the other players are finishing. The remaining players will have 60 seconds per lap from the time the first finisher crosses the line to get to the finish.
Q: In team-based games, is there a bonus awarded to the winning team?
A: Bonuses are only awarded in Swarm. The bonus will be equivalent to the opposing team’s score, divided evenly amongst the players of the winning team.
Q: How do I change my Game Name?
A: Game Names can be changed by logging into the DimensionU website and through the Educator Portal.
Q: How do I change my Username?
A: Usernames can be changed in the Educator Portal.
Q: How do I change my Password?
A: Passwords can be changed on the DimensionU website.
Q: I forgot my Username. How can I find out what it is?
A: If you are a student, you can ask your teacher to look up your username. If you have an email address attached to your user profile, then you can have the username emailed to you. You can also contact a member of the Tabula Digita Support team.
Q: I forgot my Password. How can I find out what it is?
A: If you are a student, you can ask your teacher to look up your password. If you have an email address attached to your user profile, then you can have the password emailed to you. You can also contact a member of the Tabula Digita Support team.
Q: My school has access to multiple Curriculum Packs. Can I play with content from more than one Curriculum Pack at a time?
A: No. You are only able select and transport yourself to one Curriculum Pack at a time from the Home Screen. You can always go back to the Home Screen and select another Curriculum Pack if you’d like to play with other content.
Q: Can I play against players who are using a different Curriculum Pack than I am?
A: Yes, provided the game’s host has not designated the game room as User-Defined Curriculum.
Q: I want to join a game room of one of my friends, but I don’t see it. Why not?
A: There are a couple of reasons why you may not see your friend’s game room.
•In school: When you are doing the search for the game room, make sure your search parameters are set to include the qualities of his/her game room. It may take a couple of searches before the game room appears. Also, if your friend has started the game, but did not check off the box in the game room set up that says, “Allow players to join late” then you will not see the game room until that mission is over.
If you can never see any user-hosted game rooms while you are connected to your school’s server, then those game rooms may be blocked. Please have your school’s technologist contact Tabula Digita for network help.
•Out of school: If you and your friend are in the same building using the same computer network, you should be able to see each other’s gamerooms. If you’re not in the same place, however, and are on different computer networks, you probably won’t be able to see each other’s rooms. If you want to play together, call each other and decide which public game room to play in together.
Q: Is there any way to clear Search Filters from Game Room Lobby?
A: No, you have to click the “Change Search Filters” button and reset the filters from the Search Filters dialog.
Q: How big are the Game Logs?
A: The image assets that are common to all logs weigh in at about 70KB. On average, each item weighs in at 20 KB. Thus, a mission with 18 questions would weigh in at under half a MB.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS/TEACHERS
Q: How is DimensionU educational?
A: DimensionU games are real, robust, 3D multiplayer video games exactly like the games kids spend hours playing, with one exception: The only way to score points in the game is to answer math or literacy questions. Because the games are real (instead of animated worksheets) kids get engaged in playing, and because the only way to earn points is by answering questions correctly, they drill themselves on academic skills as they play. The more they play the better they get, and the better they get the more engaged they are.
DimensionU math and literacy question are aligned to the state standards for all 50 US states and to half a dozen of the most popular textbook series. To see these alignments, go to www.DimensionU.com and click on “Educators” and then “Curriculum Alignments” toward the bottom right.
Q: I’m a parent of five children. Is there a family rate or group rate to get World membership?
A: As of now, there is no family plan for DimensionU.
Q: I’m a teacher. Is there a school rate to get World or Universal membership?
A: Yes. Please contact our sales team for more information: 1-877-6-TABULA (1-877-682-2852).
Q: Will membership be automatically renewed?
A: No. Memberships are not automatically renewed.
Q: Can I get a refund on the membership?
A: No. Memberships are non-refundable.
Q: Are memberships transferable?
A: No. Memberships are non-transferable.
Q: How can I track my child/student’s performance when they play the game?
A: The answer depends on whether you are a parent or a teacher.
•Parents: At the end of each mission, students see a score report and have the option of saving a Q & A log for that game. If they save it, they can print or email it and parents can review the questions they answered.
•Teachers: Teachers have access to a variety of data reports in the Educator Portal that provide information on students’ performance during the game. Additionally, after each mission, the player has the option of saving the Q & A log of the game. The Q & A log will be saved in the My Documents folder and will have a record of all the questions that the student answered during the game.
Q: Can I set the game, so that my child/student is only playing certain skills?
A: A student’s account cannot be set so he/she only has access to certain skills. However, if you want your student to play a specific skill during a mission, you can create a game room with host-defined curriculum and then all players in that game room will play the curriculum that the game room host selects.
Q: Since this is a multiplayer game, can my child chat with other players?
A: There is no chat feature in DimensionU games for security reasons. If your child is playing with someone s/he knows, the players can always chat the old-fashioned way—by telephone.
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OTHER MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Q: How can I get additional support?
A: Need help with DimensionU games or other Tabula Digita products? Contact our Support Center:
Q: What is the ESRB rating of Tabula Digita’s games?
A: Tabula Digita’s Single Player Evolver game has an ESRB rating of E10+. Our other games are not yet rated (as of July 12, 2010).
Q: What is an ESRB rating?
A: This is a system designed and managed by the non-profit Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) “to provide accurate and objective information about the content in computer and video games so you can make an informed purchase decision.” For more information, go to the ESRB website at www.esrb.org.
Q: What does an E10+ rating mean?
A: According to the ESRB website: “EVERYONE 10+. Titles rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) have content that may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.” Some other games with an E10+ rating include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Ubi Soft), Pogo Island (Electronic Arts), Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam (Activision), Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (LucasArts), and many others.
Q: Do girls enjoy Tabula Digita’s games as much as boys?
A: Tabula Digita has worked hard to make sure that our games are attractive to girls and boys alike. We have created a women’s advisory board to review the games’ dialog, storylines, characters and graphics. Also, we’ve conducted focus groups with just girls, just boys and with mixed groups, to get a better sense of reactions of students in different scenarios. We have found that, consistent with the various studies done on gaming in general, girls enjoy the games’ storyline and social aspects, such as the ability to share and work in groups, while boys tend to enjoy the action and competition offered by the games. Our own studies point to the same results, though it does appear that, while boys almost always like the games and girls most often like them as well, the small percentage of girls who do not like the game have very strong feelings about it.
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