Develop recently featured an article on the UK’s Channel 4 foray into educational gaming, and includes an interview with Alice Taylor, the commissioning editor for educational content at Channel 4. Some familiar issues are discussed; such as the often “perplexing” nature of ‘educational games’ to some consumers along with the “dubious” nature of educational content (i.e. the old chocolate coated broccoli phenomenon). The article goes on to explain that its these stereotypes that Channel 4 is out to debunk. And it would appear that Alice Taylor definitely has the cred to pull it off as a previous member of the |UK’s first Quake team. It also seems that others within the broadcasting industry are also taking notice as Channel 4 has been nominated for a host of awards including a BAFTA.

It’s also interesting to see how a traditional broadcaster such as Channel 4 decided to take its budget and push it all online with TV on the web, mobile content and games. Further, Channel 4’s approach has the flow on effect of benefiting local game developers, with their focus on small, studios, not just for their cost-effectiveness, but also for the quality and innovativeness of the content they create. In the future, Channel 4 is considering porting or creating games for XLBA and the iPhone.

Link
The Education Game:
http://www.develop-online.net/features/611/The-Education-Game