Blog 2 Yahoo Casual
Yahoo! Graffiti:
Yahoo Graffiti is more or less an online version of Pictionary, or the illustrative mode in Cranium. In the short time period I played, I really encountered a range of player types. Fortunately the game includes a group-ban function, so Killers were quickly kicked out of the game. Overall the gamers were, as intended, casual. It was obvious that although the game is a social experience, its casual nature ultimately directs the entire experience. In other words, players are mostly signed on to pass the time at work, school, etc. Because of this, social interaction outside of the context of the game-play was very limited.
Yahoo! Pool:
This game is even less social than Graffiti. Here the games are limited to two unique players; I was quickly kicked if I attempted to 'observe' an ongoing match. I suppose the most intriguing social aspect of the game is the leader board that is displayed on Yahoo! I imagine the leader board has created some online rivalries or tournaments. Otherwise, the game is geared towards one on one combat, and specifically, the individual agenda to score more points, etc.