Politics and Video Games Do Mix

September 21, 2006

DOUGLAS THOMAS, associate professor in the USC Annenberg
School for Communication, can discuss his new "redistricting"
game. The gerrymandering of political districts is a recurring topic
around election time. To educate the public on this issue, The
Redistricting Game is set to launch in beta version in early
October. The free game allows players to manipulate fictional
congressional districts, witness the consequences, and explore
options for reform. Available at http://redistrictinggame.com. For
details, contact Thomas at douglast@usc.edu or (213) 740-3937, or
game co-developer Chris Swain at cswain@cinema.usc.edu or
(310) 403-0798.

CHRISTOPHER SWAIN, co-director of the Electronic Arts Game
Innovation Lab in the USC School of Cinematic Arts, can
discuss the rise of Middle Eastern groups as nemeses for the U.S.
in high-profile conflict games (Battlefield 2, Command & Conquer
Generals) and the development of games dealing with terrorism
and world peace. Contact him at cswain@cinema.usc.edu or (310)
403-0798.