The Funware Blog @ rmbr

Last week I had the extreme pleasure of achieving 2 firsts:

1. Keynoting my first conference
2. Attending my first Gamehotel event

It was a super fun event. Not only did I get to become a smidge reacquainted with Zurich (a lovely city that’s really worth exploring) but I got the (unexpected) surprise of anchoring the event with Chris Hecker. What could be better?

The theme of the event pivoted on my keynote talk, which really focused on an overview of the Funware concept - particularly as I’ve refined my “Great Unifying Theory” of Funware in our lives. I also deconstructed the current economic crisis in the context of an MMOG - which was super amusing. I also suggested that economic policy design should include game designers with MMO economics experience - they’d know how to anticipate and counter cheating.

Separately, many interesting presenters were part of the dialogue, and we had a wrap-up panel discussion at the EOD that asked some great questions about games and the world around us. Probably the most pointed was when the topic of “self-policing” communities came up. I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no such thing - and apparently, so has Alan Greenspan. I struggle to find any community application (MMOG or otherwise) without a substantial moderation and enforcement infrastructure.

Although the notes are not included, you’ll probably enjoy the slideshow below, courtesty of SlideShare.