Virtual Reality Game puts the “Awe” in Awesome!
Students place in Finals with Frog Mating Game

Besides the awesome parties, school spirit, a national football championship, and proud dairy land, UW-Whitewater has one more thing to offer: leadership in the technological world.

“I am Lonely, the Solitary Frog’s Lament” placed in one of the three top spots at the 2008 Serious Games Showcase and Challenge. Students and Professors will compete for the first place prize this December in Orlando, Fl.

The object of the game is to help female Wisconsin frogs find mates. The complex video game requires the player to:

· Recognize frog mating calls
· Recognize frog habitats and physical features
· Avoid harmful predators

When I took a crack at the game I quickly realized game-makers have come a long way since “Oregon Trail”. The simulation really does employ realistic sounds and scenes. Now I have another distraction besides Facebook when I want to avoid some homework.

The University is opening doors with its proud accomplishments in the Multimedia and Digital Arts department. The major is rapidly growing and attracting more and more talented students. Students are learning how to create interactive games that are fun and educational.

College officials hope the expansion of the major into electronic video gaming will benefit Wisconsin in the years ahead. With the national recognition, there is anticipation that the program will attract a greater number of tech savvy students to the UW-Whitewater campus.

Ribbit! Ribbit!