Students at Thomas Edison High School in Jamaica, Queens, are using Minecraft as part of their coursework to design creative visions for New York City. Through the citywide “Battle of the Boroughs” competition, students tackle real-world challenges, such as redesigning Pier 6 in Brooklyn with sustainability and food equity in mind.
Read MoreThe article reflects on complexity in video game design, inspired by playing Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. It distinguishes between “complexity” (the number of systems in a game) and “complicatedness” (how much players must mentally track). Good design manages this through information clarity, using familiar conventions to communicate mechanics intuitively.
Read MoreUNESCO Bangkok, in partnership with the Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, launched a permanent interactive exhibition promoting ocean literacy and sustainable marine practices. Introduced on Thailand’s National Children’s Day, the initiative is part of UNESCO’s “Sustaining Our Oceans” project, supported by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Read MoreThis article explores why simple casino games encourage repeat play, examining accessible rules, familiar mechanics, fast rounds, and reward anticipation. It compares slots, table games, and specialty formats such as Plinko and crash games, while discussing how mobile access, varied themes, and evolving features shape engagement and modern gaming preferences.
Read MoreDuring Christmas break, a mother agrees to play Monopoly with her family, despite knowing the game brings out her worst qualities. Though she hides her competitiveness in daily life, Monopoly—especially its money element—unleashes her ego and transforms her into a ruthless player.
Read MoreGamification in health—using game elements to motivate behavior change—has emerged over the past decade as a promising tool to improve outcomes, especially physical activity. Studies at Penn Medicine show that gamified fitness tracker programs significantly increase daily steps, lowering risks of death, stroke, and heart attack.
Read MoreAfter 15 years in top companies, the author observed that team failures were rarely about strategy but about trust—unspoken concerns, siloed work, and avoided conflict. Traditional workshops and assessments failed to build real trust because teams lacked safe spaces to practice difficult conversations and collaboration.
Read MoreEvery Christmas, board games spark debate in the author’s family, prompting a question: can games truly sharpen the mind? Experts say no single game boosts overall intelligence—skills gained are mostly domain-specific. Chess correlates with intelligence, but likely attracts already intelligent players.
Read MoreVideo games are increasingly recognized as valuable educational tools, but their adoption in formal education is limited by poor curricular integration, insufficient teacher training, limited resources, and a lack of focus on students’ emotional and social learning.
Read MoreThe writer reflects on becoming obsessed with earning points on Duolingo, prioritizing leaderboard rankings over meaningful learning. Philosopher C. Thi Nguyen’s book The Score explores this phenomenon, which he calls “value capture” — when metrics meant to measure progress replace the original goal.
Read MoreTasnim, a doctoral candidate at Idaho State University, specializes in serious games—purpose-driven games designed to support learning and emotional well-being. Inspired by research in human–computer interaction, AR/VR, and immersive technologies under mentor Farjana Eishita, she developed games integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques.
Read MoreSheffield’s National Videogame Museum is launching Behind the Screens, the UK’s first national archive of video game design, supported by the British Film Institute’s Screen Heritage Fund. The project will survey materials held by development studios and build a networked archive to preserve them for future generations.
Read MorePlaying games may help seniors keep their minds sharp by stimulating cognition and encouraging social interaction, though research is not yet definitive. Studies suggest activities like web-based crosswords can improve cognition and reduce brain shrinkage, while board games offer social benefits and serotonin boosts.
Read MoreA cascading crisis—wildfire, blackouts, disinformation, and cyberattacks—illustrates today’s complex security threats and the need for better training. A two-year Duke University study found immersive simulations outperform traditional methods like webinars and tests. In a national security course using the Acceleration game, students and professionals navigated evolving geopolitical scenarios...
Read MoreIBM is exploring avatar-mediated 3D environments and MMORPG-like spaces as tools for employee learning, viewing the emerging metaverse as a testing ground for future business models and leadership practices. Research suggests work is shifting toward flexible, project-based collaboration, making immersive, experiential learning increasingly valuable.
Read MoreA study in JMIR Serious Games suggests that light-hearted video games may help young adults cope with burnout. Focusing on emerging adults facing academic, financial, and social pressures, researchers examined whimsical Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros.
Read MoreSettlers of Catan is a strategy board game that has transformed modern gaming since 1995 and offers more than entertainment. By simulating social and business environments, Catan helps players develop strategic thinking, resource management, negotiation, adaptability, and resilience. Players analyse contexts, manage limited resources, differentiate strategies, and collaborate or compete to achieve goals. The game mirrors real-world uncertainty and decision-making, making it a powerful tool for game-based learning.
Read MoreSaving for emergencies is widely advised, yet many Americans lack sufficient funds: 37% can’t cover a $400 expense, and fewer than half have adequate emergency savings. Rising costs and financial stress make saving feel overwhelming, but starting small—such as $10 a week—can build momentum.
Read MoreThe author reflects on the joy of playing board games with family, using a late-night UNO match as an example of how games create laughter, connection, and lasting memories. While board games have long brought families together, the rise of video games and screen-based entertainment has reduced in-person interaction.
Read MoreAn innovative language-learning initiative at Jadiana Primary School in Chhotaudepur, Gujarat, is helping young students strengthen their vocabulary through play. The activity, “Chal Bhaibandh Shabd Bhandol Check Kariye,” encourages children to form words from given letters in a friendly, team-based competition.
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