I was particularly intrigued by news that Allstate is piloting a program which seeks to determine if playing video games could make better drivers out of those over the age of 50. This news caught my eye for two reasons:

1. If the study is conclusive and positive, Allstate plans to offer discounts to mature drivers who pass similar online tests, and,
2. The games in question are not driving simulators, as one might assume. They are various types of “brain-challenging” games designed to test abilities such as “visual alertness.” InSight, the developer of the games, claims that they can reduce dangerous driving maneuvers by up to 40 percent and significantly increase reaction rates.

Jewel Diver is one of five InSight games being tested by Allstate. In Jewel Diver, players must track multiple moving objects — fish marked with red gems — as they float around in an ocean with other, similar looking fish.

This article is a nice illustration of one of the arguments in Changing the Game: that games can be used to educate, screen, and market to people using abstract gameplay and virtual metaphors, not just simulations. (The marketing angle is particularly compelling, in this case. Imagine the following: “Congratulations, you scored in the top 20% of all players! Odds are, you’re a better driver than the average Joe. Allstate is pleased to offer you 10% off your insurance premium…”)

October 11th, 2008 | Category: Marketing & Advertising, Training & Education | Subscribe to comments | You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed