Walden, a game

FAIN: MN-234066-16

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90089-0012)
Tracy J. Fullerton (Project Director: June 2015 to present)

Funding details:
Original grant (2016) $350,000.00
Supplement (2019) $300,000.00

Production and distribution of a first-person video game based on the writings and reflections of Henry David Thoreau during his year at Walden Pond.

Production and distribution of a video game based on the writings of the American author Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond. Directed by game designer Tracy Fullerton, Walden, a game, will simulate the experiment in living made by Thoreau at Walden Pond in 1845-47, allowing players to walk in his virtual footsteps, attend to the tasks of living a self-reliant existence, discover in the beauty of a virtual landscape the ideas and writings of this unique philosopher, and cultivate through the game play their own thoughts and responses to the concepts discovered there. The humanities content of the game will focus on an interactive translation of Thoreau's writings and will also include references to the historical context of those writings. The game takes place in the environment of 1845 New England, when new technologies such as the railroad, the telegraph were first being seen and were part of the changes to the pace of life that Thoreau so articulately resisted in critiques of society.

Associated Products

Walden, a game (Game/Simulation)
Title: Walden, a game
Author: USC Game Innovation Lab
Author: Tracy Fullerton
Abstract: Walden, a game is a six hour, exploratory narrative that begins in the summer of 1845 when Thoreau moved to the Pond and built his cabin there. Players follow in his footsteps, surviving in the woods by finding food and fuel and maintaining their shelter and clothing. At the same time as players strive to survive off the land, they are encouraged to explore the beauty of the woods and the pond, which hold a promise of a sublime life beyond their basic needs. As well, they can interact with characters from Thoreau's life including mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, sister Sophia Thoreau, editor Horace Greeley, activist A. Bronson Alcott, naturalist Louis Agassiz among others. The game follows the loose narrative of Thoreau's first year in the woods, with each season holding its own challenges for survival and possibilities for inspiration.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.waldengame.com
Primary URL Description: Project website for Walden, a game
Secondary URL: http://www.waldengame.com/educators
Secondary URL Description: Educators FAQ for Walden, a game including information on how to request a complimentary copy of the game.
Access Model: For sale (free to educators on request)
Programming Language/Platform: Unity game engine
Source Available?: No

Prizes

Game of the Year
Date: 7/31/2017
Organization: Games for Change
Abstract: Overall prize for best game of the year.

Most Significant Impact
Date: 7/31/2017
Organization: Games for Change
Abstract: Award for game that achieved the most significant cultural impact in 2017.

Developers Choice Award
Date: 10/8/2017
Organization: IndieCade
Abstract: Award for IndieCade developers favorite game of the year.

Environmental Impact Award, 2nd Place
Date: 5/18/2017
Organization: Earthgames
Abstract: Award for game with environmental themes.

IDFA Canon of 100 most important interactive documentaries
Date: 11/30/2016
Organization: IDFA
Abstract: Selection of the most influential interactive documentaries.

Most Meaningful Game
Date: 10/25/2016
Organization: Meaningful Play
Abstract: Award for most meaningful game.

Special Mention: Alternative Realities Interactive Award
Date: 6/15/2016
Organization: Sheffield Doc|Fest 2016
Abstract: Special Mention: Alternative Realities Interactive Award

Chrono Cards & Fact Fuse (Game/Simulation)
Title: Chrono Cards & Fact Fuse
Author: Tracy Fullerton
Author: Sean Bouchard
Author: Martzi Campos
Abstract: Two games about making history designed by the University of Southern California Game Innovation Lab. Chrono Scouts and Fact Fuse were created to teach middle and high school students about the causes of American Revolutionary War through practicing historical thinking. With Chrono Scouts on one side of the deck and Fact Fuse on the other, teachers and students have two ways to explore this critical moment in history.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://history.gameinnovationlab.com
Primary URL Description: ChronoCards homepage
Access Model: Open access
Programming Language/Platform: Unity game engine (digital version)
Source Available?: No

Chrono Cards American Revolution Curricular Support (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Chrono Cards American Revolution Curricular Support
Author: Game Innovation Lab
Abstract: Curricular support for the Chrono Cards American Revolution games.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://history.gameinnovationlab.com
Primary URL Description: Chrono Cards website
Audience: K - 12

Walden, A Game – Curriculum Guide (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Walden, A Game – Curriculum Guide
Author: Journeys in Film
Abstract: Five lesson plans for using Walden, a game in classrooms. Can be scaled from K-12 to university level courses. Lesson 1: Playing a Serious Game (Media Literacy) Lesson 2: Henry David Thoreau: A Life in Context (United States History, Environmental Science) Lesson 3: The Hudson River Painters (Visual Arts, Art History) Lesson 4: Modern Writing about Nature (English Language Arts) Lesson 5: A Wild Lens: Learning to Record Nature (Science, Language Arts, Art, Math)
Year: 2018
Primary URL: https://www.waldengame.com/educators
Primary URL Description: Educators page on Walden, a game website.
Secondary URL: https://journeysinfilm.org/download/walden-a-game/
Secondary URL Description: Download page on Journeys in Film website.
Audience: K - 12

Walden, a game: Reflection (Book Section)
Title: Walden, a game: Reflection
Author: Tracy Fullerton
Editor: Nina B. Huntemann
Editor: Matthew Thomas Payne
Abstract: Games as an aesthetic form are typically understood as a medium of action, characterized by interactivity and stereotyped in the types of interactivity that they generally comprise. Here, game designer Tracy Fullerton speaks to the design of experimental games that are reflective in nature, taking on subject matter that requires emotional introspection and a sophisticated interplay between player and game to achieve their design goals.
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://nyupress.org/9781479802142/how-to-play-video-games/
Primary URL Description: NYU press page for How to Play Video Games
Access Model: Purchase
Publisher: NYU Press
Book Title: How to Play Video Games
ISBN: 978-1-4798-279

GBL Luminary Guest Post: Walking with Thoreau – Uncommon Wisdom for Game Designers (Blog Post)
Title: GBL Luminary Guest Post: Walking with Thoreau – Uncommon Wisdom for Game Designers
Author: Tracy Fullerton
Abstract: A discussion of alternate modes of learning and understanding that may complement the systemic, challenge-based activity commonly found in many game designs, using Walden, a game as an example. These are modes of reflection and absorption that are often a part of the true synthesis of ideas, and the transfer of ideas into a personal and original connection to material.
Date: 9/11/2019
Primary URL Description: Filament games game-based learning guest "luminary" blog.
Blog Title: GBL Luminary Guest Post: Walking with Thoreau – Uncommon Wisdom for Game Designers
Website: https://www.filamentgames.com/blog/gbl-luminary-guest-post-walking-with-thoreau-uncommon-wisdom-for-game-designers/

A Year at Play in the Woods of Walden Pond, Art Journal, 79:2, 95-104 (Article)
Title: A Year at Play in the Woods of Walden Pond, Art Journal, 79:2, 95-104
Author: Tracy Fullerton
Abstract: A virtual "travel log" through the world of Walden, a game. Invited article as part of a special issue of Art Journal dedicated to games as art and landscape.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00043249.2020.1765564
Primary URL Description: Taylor & Francis archive
Access Model: Subscription
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Art Journal
Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Walden, a Game EDU (Web Resource)
Title: Walden, a Game EDU
Author: USC Game Innovation Lab
Abstract: Several games-based modules and lessons that adapt the award winning open world experience of “Walden, a game” into 15-30 minute learning experiences for middle and high school students. Paired with accompanying curriculum materials, these game-based learning experiences bring the core themes of Thoreau’s book alive for students.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: http://www.waldengame.com/educators
Primary URL Description: Educators page for Walden, a Game EDU modules

---