Click to view this email in a browser

Real Lives April 2010 Newsletter

Dear Real Lifer,

Over the years, since the first release of Real Lives in 2002, we've had many comments and suggestions that have helped shape the direction for Real Lives' development. Now we're asking you to tell us what we should do with Real Lives next.

Whither Real Lives?

Real Lives 2010 runs on Windows machines. You can't run it on a Mac or on Linux. It is a single user simulation - you can't interact with other human-controlled characters. It's a cool simulation but it would be cooler if you could run it on any machine and if you could interact with others who are playing Real Lives.

For these reasons we're looking at making the next version of Real Lives an MMO simulation. MMO means Massively Multiplayer Online. You will run Real Lives from within your browser and your character will be able to interact with other human-controlled characters. This will add an exciting new dimension to the simulation. You will be able to have your friends control your character's family members or friends, and characters will be able to help one another or harm one another. Users will be able to chat with one another through their characters or about their characters. Real Lives already has many interesting facets and angles and opportunities for learning. An MMO Real Lives will take this up another level.

There are two alternative ways that we're considering doing this right now. One would be directly through your browser - Real Lives would be a web application. Another would be through Facebook with Real Lives becoming a Facebook application. There are advantages to each of these "platforms." Facebook has the huge advantage of providing a readily available list of friends to invite into the simulation. For this reason, Facebook games, like Farmville, are growing very quickly. Even though Farmville has dubious educational or entertainment value, people get hooked because they are interacting with and "helping" their friends.

One disadvantage of a Facebook version of Real Lives is that there may be limitations or restrictions on what we can create within Facebook. Perhaps more importantly, many schools block Facebook, so schools would have a tough time using a Facebook version.

A browser based version of Real Lives, independent of Facebook, would work well for schools but would lack the built-in networking of friends that Facebook offers.

Whichever direction we choose to go, we will also continue to offer Real Lives as an installed Windows program.

What would you like to see, Real Lives for Facebook, or a browser based Real Lives independent of Facebook? Are there other features or directions you'd like to see for Real Lives? Click below to offer your thoughts.

Real Lives feedback

Thank you for your interest in Real Lives!

-- Bob Runyan, creator of Real Lives

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe

Educational Simulations
1937 Greely Dr.
Marysville, CA 95901

Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

From:	Educational Simulations
Subject:	Real Lives - April 2010 newsletter