Introduction
Kotodama: The Power of Words is a prototype of a role-playing videogame that exposes the player to Japanese language and culture. The premise of Kotodama is that words are magic. For example, a player may levitate a large rock by pointing at it and commanding, in spoken Japanese, "The rock rises." Throughout the game the player collects the names of objects by pointing at them and asking "What is this?"
Connecting with Player Interests
The target demographic of Kotodama is high school students who have interest in anime and videogames. The player uses a familiar PS2 style controller to explore unique 3D worlds inspired by Japanese culture. Story and gameplay follow key conventions common to popular RPGs while visual style is influenced by Anime.
Empowering the Player
Using Japanese speech recognition software, the player's voice becomes a primary source of agency to control elements in the world.
Motivating the Player
The motivation to learn Japanese comes from the player's drive to advance the story and become more powerful in the virtual world. Language exploration and experimentation are rewarded. Following the inherent pacing of RPGs, the interest curve of the game complements the learning curve of the language acquisition.
Self-paced Learning
The player can shift between several styles of gameplay: collecting names of objects, solving puzzles, and engaging in battles. Each reflects different aspects of language learning: acquiring vocabulary, building sentences, and using concepts within a context.
Teaching through Interaction
The player can listen to what NPCs say,
see the results, and imitate them - this emulates natural language
learning. Instead of rote memorization of vocabulary lists and
grammatical structures, players learn though immersion. The game
acts as a language mentor, alternating between casual interaction
and rising challenges.
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