PlayPower
Encyclopedia
PLAYPOWER is a non-profit organization designed to create free educational computer software
for low income families in India
and other developing countries. The games are designed to run on 8-bit
systems, using a processor that is in the public domain
, which allows the games to be run on very low cost computers. For $12, families can buy a compatible computer with an 8-bit, 6502
processor
, a keyboard
, a slot
for game cartridges, a mouse
, and two game controller
s. Lacking its own monitor, the computer plugs into a TV screen for display.
At least three games were in production as of early 2010. One of them teaches players how to type, which can greatly improve their earning potential in the job market. Another is a multiple choice question game, somewhat similar to that featured in the film Slumdog Millionaire
. And finally, a different game was created to raise awareness of malaria
(which infects 1.5 million people a year in India) by allowing players to kill mosquitoes and accumulate points toward antimalarial mosquito nets.
PLAYPOWER won the MacArthur Foundation
's Digital Media and Learning Competition in 2009, for which it received $180,000 to help fund its activities. The programmers who design the games are volunteers, and more than 100 from around the world have signed up to help develop games.
The organization was founded in 2008 by Derek Lomas and Daniel Rehn (who were students at the University of California at San Diego at the time) and Jeremy Douglass (who was a post doctoral research fellow at the same school at the time).
Educational software
Educational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning.-Early History, 1940s - 1970s:The use of computer hardware and software in education and training dates to the early 1940s, when American researchers developed flight simulators which used analog...
for low income families in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and other developing countries. The games are designed to run on 8-bit
8-bit
The first widely adopted 8-bit microprocessor was the Intel 8080, being used in many hobbyist computers of the late 1970s and early 1980s, often running the CP/M operating system. The Zilog Z80 and the Motorola 6800 were also used in similar computers...
systems, using a processor that is in the public domain
Public domain
Works are in the public domain if the intellectual property rights have expired, if the intellectual property rights are forfeited, or if they are not covered by intellectual property rights at all...
, which allows the games to be run on very low cost computers. For $12, families can buy a compatible computer with an 8-bit, 6502
MOS Technology 6502
The MOS Technology 6502 is an 8-bit microprocessor that was designed by Chuck Peddle and Bill Mensch for MOS Technology in 1975. When it was introduced, it was the least expensive full-featured microprocessor on the market by a considerable margin, costing less than one-sixth the price of...
processor
Microprocessor
A microprocessor incorporates the functions of a computer's central processing unit on a single integrated circuit, or at most a few integrated circuits. It is a multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and...
, a keyboard
Keyboard (computing)
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
, a slot
Edge connector
An edge connector is the portion of a printed circuit board consisting of traces leading to the edge of the board that are intended to plug into a matching socket. The edge connector is a money-saving device because it only requires a single discrete female connector , and they also tend to be...
for game cartridges, a mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
, and two game controller
Game controller
A game controller is a device used with games or entertainment systems used to control a playable character or object, or otherwise provide input in a computer game. A controller is typically connected to a game console or computer by means of a wire, cord or nowadays, by means of wireless connection...
s. Lacking its own monitor, the computer plugs into a TV screen for display.
At least three games were in production as of early 2010. One of them teaches players how to type, which can greatly improve their earning potential in the job market. Another is a multiple choice question game, somewhat similar to that featured in the film Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British epic romantic drama adventure film directed by Danny Boyle, written by Simon Beaufoy, and co-directed in India by Loveleen Tandan. It is an adaptation of the novel Q & A by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup...
. And finally, a different game was created to raise awareness of malaria
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by eukaryotic protists of the genus Plasmodium. The disease results from the multiplication of Plasmodium parasites within red blood cells, causing symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in severe cases...
(which infects 1.5 million people a year in India) by allowing players to kill mosquitoes and accumulate points toward antimalarial mosquito nets.
PLAYPOWER won the MacArthur Foundation
MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States. Based in Chicago but supporting non-profit organizations that work in 60 countries, MacArthur has awarded more than US$4 billion since its inception in 1978...
's Digital Media and Learning Competition in 2009, for which it received $180,000 to help fund its activities. The programmers who design the games are volunteers, and more than 100 from around the world have signed up to help develop games.
The organization was founded in 2008 by Derek Lomas and Daniel Rehn (who were students at the University of California at San Diego at the time) and Jeremy Douglass (who was a post doctoral research fellow at the same school at the time).