ISketch
| Web address | iSketch.net |
|---|---|
| Commercial? | No |
| Type of site | Drawing website |
| Registration | None |
| Owner | Robert Wahlstedt |
| Created by | Robert Wahlstedt |
| Launched | June 15, 1999 |
| Alexa rank |
 121,616 (January 2014)[1] |
| Current status | Active |
iSketch is a browser-based drawing game similar to Pictionary.
Players take turns in drawing a word or words (using a mouse or tablet) while the other players try to guess. Puzzles come in over twenty languages and over two hundred themes. The difficulty level ranges from easy to expert. Players score when they solve the puzzle within a short grace period after the first correct guess. Artists accrue points for every correct guess within the grace period.[2]
Besides standard game rooms, players can create custom rooms where they tailor game settings and choose from a wider selection of word lists. Players are also presented with a private studio[3] where they can practice, and save or share drawings with others. Rooms categorized as "social"[4] include chat-only and lounge rooms.
Game Rooms
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Rules and moderation
Player voting system
iSketch users have the ability to moderate the game in order to ensure fairness and adherence to the rules.[5] However, only users who have been using iSketch for a number of weeks may vote. This is dependent on the browser being used and the information that is saved in cookies.
Administrators
When a vote is cast, Game Administrators are notified and will attempt to assist and intervene if necessary. Administrators may support the decision of the voting user, or suspend the user's ability to vote. Administrators can ban persistent offenders from the site.
User-created rooms
While pre-created rooms are moderated by Administrators, user-created rooms employ a system similar to IRC operators where the room creator has full control over rules. Controls include (but are not limited to) making the room private, assigning other moderators, and ejecting players. Due to the lack of password protection, there are unrestricted and unregulated areas of the game which may be unsuitable for young children or vulnerable people.
Chat rooms
Most Chat rooms are user-created, but iSketch pre-created rooms where the game is played has a chat box in addition to the game box. The chat box is where users can chat and send actions such as laughs, hugs, slaps, and kisses, to other users. There is also an option for private chat with each of the other users. These pre-created rooms are moderated by administrators.
Filters
A user may enable filters[6] for pre-determined words, room names, emotes, and profile icons. Players should be aware that the word filter does not currently apply to usernames, so offensive words contained therein would remain visible.
Issues
- The game allows only a limited number of players; therefore one might see this message when trying to log on: "The server is currently full. Please try again later". If a room is full you can have someone in that room invite you.
- Players may pass answers between each other via instant messaging, such as Skype, or they simply write the puzzle itself instead of drawing. These are forms of griefing. Griefing can pose problems if users are unaware/incapable of effective use of the boot mechanism or any of the other moderation features. Game administrators may act on reports of griefing and offenders may be punished with temporary blocks or permanent bans.
See also
References
- ↑ "Isketch.net Site Info". Alexa Internet. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
- ↑ iSketch Instructions
- ↑ iSketch Studio
- ↑ iSketch Rules
- ↑ Player preference settings.
Further reading
- Williams, Felicia (Dec. 2000). "Games Grown Ups Play / An Online Doodle Dandy". PC World, p. 184.
- "Ten Cool Sites". (Jan. - Feb. 2002). Exploratorium. Retrieved Jan. 2, 2007.
External links
- Play iSketch (requires Adobe Shockwave)
- Public iSketch Communities (English): iSketchforum
- iSketch Communities (other languages): Dutch, Italian, Portuguese
- Galleries: iSketchforum