scenario — Experience Points Podcast

Episode 147 Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games

In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews educational game designer Shaun McMillan about transforming traditional lectures into interactive, game-like experiences. Shaun shares his framework for designing lectures around a single compelling multiple-choice scenario, enabling students to engage deeply with content by making critical decisions. He discusses integrating game mechanics such as voting, uncertainty, and narrative outcomes to enhance didactic instruction. The episode also explores Shaun’s classroom megagame ALLIANCE, a geopolitical simulation for up to 100 players. Shaun emphasizes modular design, accessibility, and the power of storytelling in creating immersive, educational experiences. Learn more at BestClassEver.org.

Shaun McMillan, Gamification, Megagame, SimulationDave EngSeptember 21, 2025shaun mcmillan, gamification, megagame, simulation, education, storytelling, lecture, scenario, engagementComment

Episode 74 What is Kingmaking?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Kingmaking?” Sometimes you’ll play a competitive game where you realize that you can’t win anymore. It’s kind of depressing to think about. However, there are things that you can do and actions that you can take that will help someone else win. This scenario is called “kingmaking.”

kingmakingDave EngDecember 4, 2022kingmaking, scenario, lame-duck, politics, spite, metagaming, spoiling, spoiler, game mechanics, tournaments, collusion, table top games, player agency, player experienceComment