CYBERJAYA: Computer games have the potential to be educational if they are created with the Malaysian culture in mind, said Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Dr Siti Hasmah, who is the wife of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said there was a tendency for certain sections of society to regard such games as having a bad influence on the younger generation as Malaysians did not have a strong gaming culture.
“Therefore, we see the need to produce games that are able to gain a foothold in our country as well as in other countries.
“We also need to create an awareness that games can be good educational materials and also a form of entertainment to relieve stress,” she said when launching the Hi-Rev Battery Interactive Edutainment CD at the Multimedia University (MMU) here yesterday.
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MALAYSIAN-DESIGNED: Archangel Interactive Solutions founder Goon explaining the contents of the Interactive Edutainment CD to Dr Siti Hasmah in Cyberjaya Monday. |
The CD, which is given free with the purchase of every Hi-Rev battery, contains computer games, called “Advergames,” designed by former MMU graduates.
This is the first time that computer games have been designed by locals.
“MMU is the first educational institution in the country that offers game design courses. In 1999, there were only 11 students but this has increased to 30,” said Dr Siti Hasmah, who is also chancellor of MMU.
One of the designers, Goon Y-Kong, said it took about six months to develop the games.
“We see games as more than a mere entertainment medium. It can be a channel of expression, a reflection of our identity. We believe it is through the gaming medium that Malaysia can find our niche,” he said.
A strong point in their games was that they did not only provide entertainment value but could also be used to promote educational values, he added.
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