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Q and A with the experts: How games trick you into playing – and paying

Deceptive game design uses tactics like hidden real-world costs, loot boxes, and default payment settings to manipulate players—often leading to unplanned spending and addictive behaviors. Hilda Hadan, a Ph.D. candidate in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, explains how in-game currencies, FOMO, and privacy risks affect users.

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Gaming for good: Republic Poly students create games to let you experience life in a wheelchair

Republic Polytechnic students collaborated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore to design games that raise awareness of mobility challenges faced by wheelchair users. One game, Mall Time Crunch, intentionally featured difficult navigation to mimic real-life obstacles, encouraging empathy through gameplay.

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Roll To Hit: Comparative Mathematical Probability In Tabletop Role-playing Games

The article "Roll to Hit: Comparative Mathematical Probability in Tabletop Role-Playing Games" examines how different dice mechanics influence combat outcomes in TTRPGs. By analyzing starting characters across various systems, the authors demonstrate that the underlying probability structures—such as flat distributions.

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The Asian Game of Mahjong, Which Creates Order Out of Chaos, Is Trending in the West

Mahjong, a 19th-century Chinese game, is experiencing a cultural revival among Gen Z and millennials, particularly in New York and Los Angeles. Pop-up clubs like Green Tile Social Club and East Never Loses blend traditional play with modern elements like DJs, sake, and social media. Beyond entertainment, mahjong fosters post-pandemic social connection and mental wellness. Historically rich and globally adapted, the game has persisted despite cultural bans and evolving trends. With over 40 variations worldwide, it bridges generations and cultures. Today, it’s embraced by designers, celebrities, and communities, proving mahjong’s enduring appeal as both a social and symbolic tradition.

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Getting serious about play: New training opportunities launched for the housing sector with serious games

Socialudo, a social enterprise, is revolutionizing training in the housing sector through serious, game-based workshops designed to foster strategic anda creative thinking. Founded two years ago, Socialudo uses board games to build collaboration, develop planning skills, and support professional growth.

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Digital Education Games Could Help Improve Diabetes Management in Children

A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that digital games and video animations can improve diabetes management in children with type 1 diabetes. Conducted from September 2022 to 2023 with 55 children aged 8–12, the study showed that those using interactive digital tools had better glycemic control and improved diabetes-related knowledge and behavior.

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The Role of Gamification and Adaptive Learning in Engaging 21st-Century Students

Felix Weiß, co-founder of to teach | thea GmbH, is dedicated to transforming education through AI-driven tools that support teachers and personalize student learning. Inspired during his teacher training, Felix partnered with Marius Lindenmeier in 2018, blending education and tech expertise.

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Enter hacking simulations: games that provide foundation and culture

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.

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Heave to, and Prepare to Be Board Gamed

Over 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.

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Can board games help environmental movements? One local group rolls the dice

Larry 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.

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AI-Powered touchless computing enhances learning for autistic students at Sybil Elgar School

A 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.

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