The following is a description of one possible player narrative for the initial scenes in Zon. This provides a brief example of how a player engages with the game environment. As always, the player may also communicate with other players in that scene, allowing for social learning support as well. In the Appendix A is an example of a design document used to identify the concepts, game elements, and learning objectives for each scene, in this case, the Airport. Appendix B is an example dialogue for the Airport scene, showing how the conversation will progress, what vocabulary is used, and how the NPC will interact with the plater.

Prior to the first scene in Customs, new players must first create a login that becomes their unique identifier within the game. After creating their account, they construct their avatar by selecting their gender, skin tone, hair color and style, and clothing. At the same time, they will begin to fill out their Zon Passport, which becomes an item in their starting inventory. As they build their avatar, they are exposed to vocabulary involving gender, the human body, and colors that they will need when they fill out their passport information. For their Zon Passport, new players must select a name for their avatar, along with entering citizenship information for their character. Other information in the Zon Passport will correspond to the choices the player makes as the create their avatar, including gender and hair color.

Once they have created their avatar and Zon Passport, they can select a personal technology device from a selection of a gaming device (e.g., PSP, DS), an audio device (e.g., iPod), or a mobile phone. Each device has its own affordances: the gaming device can save earning games that players encounter throughout Zon, the iPod stores video and audio podcasts that are likewise available in-game, and the mobile phone can be used to communicate with players in other scenes.

New players also begin with traveler’s checks in a backpack that has a limited number of spaces for inventory items. The personal technology device that the players select is placed in their backpack, along with their Zon Passport. Any new items they purchase or trade appear in this inventory, and items not being used can be stored, initially, in a player’s hotel room.

< Gameplay: Overview
Scene 1: Customs >
Scene 2: Airport >
Scene 3 & 4: Hotel Lobby and Hotel Room >
Scene 5: Main Street >