Journey (PS3) - Lesson Ideas

In preparation for the upcoming eTech Conference in Columbus, Ohio, I will be posting lesson ideas and information for various games that will be discussed at the conference.  Enjoy! 

Journey (PS3)

“An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents a unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way. Journey's innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience -- creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others”(www.ign.com).

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Argumentative/Persuasive Writing

Common Core Standard: (W.11-12.1) Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Lesson: In March 2012, the Smithsonian opened an exhibit called “The Art of Video Games.”  Journey, a game featured in this exhibit, is as beautiful as it is engaging. To focus on persuasive/argumentative writing, students can, after playing the game, debate whether or not Journey should be considered art.  Students may need work through a definition of art before considering this topic, but should be able to pull evidence from the game to support their arguments. 

Citing the game’s visuals, game play, immersion, etc., students can write/create/present their arguments answering the question: Is this game art? 

Teacher Resources: The Art of Video Games: From Pac-Man to Mass Effect by Chris Melissinos and Patrick O’Rourke

Narrative Writing

Common Core Standard: (W.11-12.3) Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

Lesson: Unlike literature and most games, dialogue in Journey is limited to short sounds emitted by the player character and the occasional symbol found in the game world.  From the point of view of your character, write a narrative that tells your character’s story in one level of the game.  Provide a voice to your character by providing dialogue between your character and another character in the story.  (You could even break your class into small groups to create stories for each level of the game then combine the story for a collaborative writing assignment.) 

Teacher Resource: Character Development and Storytelling for Games by Lee Sheldon

Informative Writing:

Common Core Standard: (W.11-12.2) Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Lesson: After playing Journey, students should play through the game again with a critical eye to create (written or digital) a strategy or walkthrough guide for other players who are seeking to make the most of their experience playing this game.  While walkthroughs are very prevalent on Youtube and other gaming sites, students can create their own guides that reflect their experiences.   Previewing some of these guides before writing is a useful strategy to help students frame their own writing. 

Teacher Resources: Playing to Learn: Video Games in the Classroom by David Hutchison