The University of Minnesota is using Neverwinter Nights to teach interviewing techniques to journalism students. I've always said that being a police reporter was a lot like being in a role-playing game. You have to search around for people to talk to and then try to get all of the information.

With the help of a game designer, the school created the fictional town of Harperville and then created a train derailment and toxic spill. The idea was that the students would go in and try to interview the gawkers. If they were too rude or asked the wrong questions, they don't come away with the full store or are shunned entirely. Just like real life.

Unfortunately, the early build had some issues and whenever the reporter approached the crowd they were immediately attacked and torn to pieces. Again, just like real life.

Teaching Journalism With Neverwinter Nights [Opposable Thumbs]

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