Conceptuary, a start-up serious game company based in Salt Lake City, has just launched its first game, Glass Bead Network. The game is free for all at this point; a subscription service will be added shortly as an upgrade to the free game. The only technical requirement is a Firefox browser.
Glass Bead Network is a turn-based, strategy game. Players (up to 4) each receive a set of beads which form the players' hands. Each bead represents a concept, e.g., "Pat Metheny", or "honeymoon", or "Lithuania".
The game is played on a shared "board" that looks something like a Chinese checkers board. Each player, in turn, lays a tile on the board so that it touches one or more other tiles. For each "touch" point, the player must explain the linkage between the touching tiles, which can be accepted or rejected by the opponent(s). The object of the game is to be the first to place all one's tiles on the board.
Glass Bead Network is not just good fun, as it challenges each player's knowledge and creativity. Turns can take up to 5 minutes, giving players the chance to inform their play through on-the-fly background research. In fact, it is possible to play customized game by selecting a topic in advance, with players receiving tiles that are particular to that topic.
At this very early stage in the game's life, it is limited by a couple of things. The reservoir of beads is in early production, according to the game's website. So far, I have not seen duplicate beads; those who would like to assist in bead production are encouraged to contact Conceptuary.
At any given time, one is likely to find a couple of dozen people online, making it somewhat challenging to find a game partner. I hope you'll give this one a try, as it's a great example of how technology and games can make for an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. Plus, I'm trying to scare up a good game.
I'm serious,
Anne
