Hacking games offer a safe, immersive way to learn real cybersecurity skills. The article highlights top tools like Telehack, which simulates 1980s-era networks with real command-line interaction; OverTheWire, ideal for Linux beginners learning file manipulation and vulnerability exploitation; and PicoCTF, a competitive Capture The Flag platform developed by CMU covering topics like cryptography and reverse engineering.
Read MoreOver the past five decades, the U.S. Navy has used wargaming, mostly tabletop-based, to train sailors, but widespread adoption faces challenges. Key requirements include senior leadership support, dedicated time, suitable shipboard space, and IT compatibility. While games like Harpoon and Command: Modern Operations offer depth, they are time-consuming or restricted by security protocols. Compact, simple games like Littoral Commander and Swarming Boats show promise.
Read MoreLarry Falkin, a sustainability expert and Sierra Club member, is using eco-themed board games like Power Grid to spark community conversations about environmental issues. At monthly meetups hosted by the local Sierra Club chapter, participants play games that simplify complex sustainability topics, making them easier to understand and discuss.
Read MoreA trial at Sybil Elgar School in West London is testing AI-powered, touchless computing to enhance education for autistic students. Developed by UCL Computer Science and MotionInput Games, the system uses webcams and gesture recognition to control learning games without specialized hardware.
Read MoreResearchers from Kennedy Krieger Institute and Nottingham Trent University have developed CAMI, a one-minute video game using motion-tracking to assess motor imitation in children. In a study of 183 participants aged 7–13, CAMI distinguished children with autism from neurotypical peers with 80% accuracy and from those with ADHD with 70% accuracy.
Read MoreMIT's Interaction Intelligence course showcased innovative student projects at NeurIPS 2024, blending AI with creative expression. “Be the Beat” is an AI-powered boombox that suggests music based on dance movements, enhancing artistic control.
Read MoreGamification—adding game-like elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards—has become a popular tool in education to boost student engagement, especially as attention spans shrink. It transforms learning into a more interactive and enjoyable experience, seen in institutions like IIM Kozhikode and platforms like Udemy.
Read More"The Max Schoenfeld School in the Bronx is addressing low literacy rates through an innovative after-school program that integrates video game design with literacy instruction. Serving primarily low-income, Hispanic, and English learner students, the program uses a curriculum developed with a literacy expert to teach vocabulary, storytelling, and communication skills.
Read MoreA viral video featured social science teacher Mr. Mahathey using the game Assassin’s Creed to teach history, specifically the Battle of Thermopylae, by guiding students through the game's depiction of ancient sites.
Read MoreA college student recounts a memorable night spent playing the board game Catan with friends instead of going out, highlighting the growing appeal of tabletop games among young adults. The author argues that board games foster in-person social connections and boost cognitive skills, which is increasingly valuable in a digital-focused era.
Read MoreWorking memory—the ability to hold small amounts of information briefly—is essential for daily cognitive tasks. Professor Susanne Jaeggi and her team at Northeastern University’s Brain Game Center found that targeted training can improve this function.
Read MoreThe Scenario Game, developed by the Bavarian Foresight-Institute and armasuisse, offers a simplified, interactive approach to scenario planning in response to growing uncertainty from economic instability, climate change, and rapid technological shifts.
Read MoreVideo games have evolved to offer immersive, realistic environments that reflect both creativity and technical detail. Cities in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are designed around characters and gameplay mechanics, showing originality through fantasy.
Read MoreA study published in JMIR Serious Games suggests that serious video games, when used alongside medication, may help improve certain ADHD symptoms. Researchers tested a video game called The Secret Trail of Moon (MOON) on 76 children and teens with ADHD.
Read MoreFran Warner, a narrative designer at Mighty Kingdom, shares her journey from film production in Los Angeles to game development in Adelaide. Starting as a producer, she transitioned into narrative design, overseeing storytelling for mobile games like Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Read MoreStardew Valley, created solely by Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), is a peaceful farming simulator embraced by over 41 million players for its relaxing gameplay and nostalgic charm. Inspired by Harvest Moon, Barone developed the pixel-art game during a period of unemployment, aiming to offer players a soothing, nature-based escape from modern life.
Read MoreAccessible design has become essential on gaming and learning platforms. Low-deposit casino lessons instill the lesson of reduced barriers in creating engagement, which aligns with onboarding in the learning world.
Read MoreCheng “Chris” Chen, assistant professor at Elon University, co-authored a study exploring how narrative-driven game design can influence prosocial intentions, particularly regarding school bullying. Published in Media and Communication, the research found that players who assume the role of a bully and make narrative decisions show increased empathy and prosocial intent toward victims.
Read MoreThe National University of Rosario (UNR) highlights Tëkun, an educational game publisher founded by UNR alumni. With over 15,000 games distributed nationwide, Tëkun creates tabletop games that promote face-to-face interaction and environmental education.
Read MoreMariyel Hiyas Liwanag, Assistant Professor at UPLB and Director of its Learning Resource Center, developed Isabuhay, a tabletop game promoting awareness of Philippine native languages.
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