For those who bewail the narrow frame in which games (and what benefits/insights they might offer) are traditionally viewed, the following article about Spore — from the Science section of the NYT — might be of interest. In my view, most interesting is the reference to the dynamic, complex interchange in which gaming, math, and evolutionary biology/paleontology have been engaged for some time.
The article explains that some of “mathematicians’ most important insights” — insights that have been fundamental to transforming the study of evolution into a rigorous science — “have come from treating evolution like a giant game”. It also includes paleontologists’ remarks about what beliefs (good and bad) about evolution that Spore players might absorb as a result of playing the game.
It reminds readers that, on Tuesday, 9 September, a documentary on Spore in which Will Wright and evolutionary biologists discuss both the game and the evolution of complex life, will be broadcast on the National Geographic Channel.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/science/02spor.html?pagewanted=1&em
Thanks for posting this, definitely an interesting article.
Also, if you’re interested in Spore and some thoughts on evolution, definitely read John Brennan’s post on the matter. Great reading.