Interactions and experiences are things that usually go hand in hand with games. Designers look for ways to make their games more interesting. Instructors look for ways to engage their students in order to facilitate the learning process.
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Gamification is a buzz word that has made it around the world several times. It’s one of those ideas, concepts, or strategies that everyone from business leaders, academics, and the general public have either applauded or denounced. But what is gamification? What makes something “gamified?” How can gamification be used strategically? What are the pitfalls of gamification and how can we avoid them?
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Using games as a medium for learning is called games based learning. Often times these games are created from the ground up to be used for teaching and learning. These are usually simulations or serious games. However, games can also be adapted for educational purposes. These are called learning games.
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On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Games-Based Learning?” Games are pretty ubiquitous. You can find them in most places. I tend to really love my table top game collection; but there are other gamers who are as easily attached to their mobile phones; tablets; PC’s or consoles.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover “Accessibility in Games.” Accessibility is a concept that is often talked about in game design. Specifically when it comes to making games more accessible to a wider audience. But what does accessibility mean and what does it entail when designing games for entertainment, learning, or personal development?
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On today’s episode we’ll cover how to “Play Test for Success.” Play testing is one of those functions of game design that designers struggle with. It’s often as difficult a function as the design process itself. Particularly if you very close with your design and are sensitive to any changes.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover “Applying Feedback.” Applying feedback from play testing games, table top games, and educational games is incredibly important. It’s important for multiple reasons. Those reasons extend from shaping the player experience; to connecting learning outcomes; to making sure that the experience stays “fun.”
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On today’s episode we’ll cover “Game Components.” Games are often broken down into smaller elements. This is done in order to help designers create them as well as help academics study them. Of course there is debate on what exactly constitutes a game “dynamic” or “mechanic.” I realize that there is much contention over what these terms mean.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover “Engagement Curves” in games. Creating engaging games are what designers are always trying to do. Making sure that the game is challenging - but not too difficult. Making sure that the game is fun - but not too easy. Making sure that the game is impactful - but not too serious.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover “Game Mechanics.” One of the first things that designers attempt to do with a new game is outline its mechanics. Specifically, they’re trying to determine what players will be doing throughout the game and how they’ll accomplish it.
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On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Sandbagging?” Competition can be a great concept in a game. We all start out with the same setup or resources, and then, through the structure of the game; its mechanics; and dynamics we discover a victor who has rightfully defeated us all.
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On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is an Idiogame?” Most of the games that we know and play include a slew of interesting and meaningful decisions. Oftentimes those decisions lead to us winning the game and triumphing over our opponents.
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On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is an Orthogame?” Different people play different games for different reasons. Some of us play games to enjoy ourselves. I like to play games to socialize with others. Some people play games to win. Yet, some other people play games to learn and cooperate.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover socializing games. Games are powerful tools that can be used to help students achieve their learning outcomes. That is the focus of games-based learning. Many educators have relied on games, in whole or in part, to help their students grow.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover building soft skills with games. Games are capable of helping students learn any number of different skills. Likewise, simulations can be used to help students learn something more intuitively than they would from traditional classroom instruction.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover games for adult learning. Adult learning represents a substantial field of higher education. Though, in media and pop culture, they don’t often represent the quintessential college student.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover the decision space in games. One can say that decisions are the heart of many games. It’s why we play: to see the impact of our actions. As game designers; we want to empower players to live their fantasies through our games.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover core loops in games. The core loop is what most players engage with and remember when they are playing your game. The core loop is the most engaging and active element of your design. The core loop matters whether creating the next great video game; table top game; or serious game.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover abstraction in games. Abstraction is not something that we often think about deeply when we play games. Most of us play games for fun. That’s what most games are for. But abstraction is the heart of what makes games… games.
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On today’s episode we’ll cover achievements in games. Achievements in life are a way to commodify what we’ve accomplished. Some can say that achievements are the way that we commemorate a major life moment or event. But achievements in games are different. While we might recognize most of them occurring in video games; there are other ways to award achievements to players in games.
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