Experience Points — University XP

Episode 163 Raul Mora on Understanding Second Language Users as Gamers

In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Raul Alberto Mora shares insights from his book Understanding Second Language Users as Gamers: Language as Victory. He explores how gamers learn English through play, not for school, but to win, connect, and belong in gaming spaces. Mora emphasizes the value of research by gamers, highlighting how his team of undergrad researchers brought unique perspectives shaped by thousands of hours of gameplay. He also discusses the importance of mentoring young scholars and making academic work accessible beyond universities: through podcasts, libraries, and platforms like TikTok. Games, Mora argues, aren’t just entertainment, they’re immersive spaces for language learning, identity-building, and academic innovation.

Gamers, Language, Raúl Alberto MoraDave EngMay 10, 2026gamers, language, literacy, identity, community, mentorship, Raúl Alberto MoraComment

Episode 162 Jon Spike on Games as Creative Constraint

In this episode of Experience Points, Jon Spike explores how creative constraint drives innovation in game design and learning. A former K–12 English teacher now working at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Jon shares how classroom experimentation led him to design tabletop educational games through GamestormEDU. He highlights Gamestormers, which uses a five-card structure to scaffold storytelling while preserving player agency, and Doomscroll, where players step into the role of social media algorithms to unpack persuasive design. Jon emphasizes that educational games must first succeed as enjoyable experiences. Through thoughtful playtesting and adaptable design, he argues that strong constraints don’t limit creativity—they focus and elevate it.

Constraint, Agency, Playtesting, Jon SpikeDave EngApril 26, 2026constraint, storytelling, scaffolding, agency, iteration, playtestingComment

Episode 161 AP Table Talk: Race

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the race mechanic, where players compete toward a shared finish line and the first to cross it ends the game. From childhood staples like Chutes and Ladders and Candy Land to modern classics like Catan, Splendor, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, and Cosmoctopus, they unpack how race structures create tension, pacing, and dramatic finishes. Along the way, they explore design tradeoffs around luck, runaway leaders, player interaction, and why some games feel like races without truly using the mechanic at all.

AP Table Talk, Game Mechanic, Race, TensionDave EngApril 12, 2026ap table talk, game mechanic, race, tensionComment

Episode 160 Katrin Becker on Learning through Playful Experiences

In this episode of Experience Points, serious games expert Katrin Becker explores why “good enough” may be more powerful than perfection in gamified learning. She argues that focusing on defined criteria rather than comparison increases student agency and supports a wider range of learners; not just top performers.

Gamification, Agency, Trust, Katrin BeckerDave EngMarch 29, 2026gamification, agency, trust, safety, reflection, transgressionComment

Episode 159 Hostile Players

Today we’re diving into something that affects every gamer at some point: hostile players. You probably already know the type… Those people who turn a fun session into a cesspit of negativity. I’m talking about cynics, trolls, griefers... and the downright toxic folks who seem to thrive on ruining the vibe. But here’s the twist: these players aren’t just villains. They’re symptoms. Now, let’s talk about hostility in games. What does it look like? Where does it come from? And, how can designers (and communities) turn the tide against these hostile players? But, first things first, what exactly is “hostility?”

Episode 158 Meghan Gardner on Gamification for Emotional Engagement

This episode of Experience Points features transformative design expert Meghan Gardner, who shares how gamification can create emotionally engaging, healing, and educational experiences. Meghan explains how structured play and role-playing; using techniques like “alibi” and safety signals—help learners explore tough topics while feeling safe and in control. She highlights the importance of session zero and post-game debriefs in turning gameplay into meaningful, lasting transformation. Meghan also unpacks how emotional engagement boosts memory and behavior change, sharing a moving example of a game that led young adults to initiate real-life end-of-life conversations with their families. Drawing on her work with the Smithsonian, Royal Caribbean, and Harvard, Meghan offers practical strategies for educators and designers looking to use games as tools for empathy, connection, and growth.

Transformative, Emotion, Role-play, Meghan GardnerDave EngMarch 1, 2026transformative, gamification, emotion, debriefing, role-play, healingComment

Episode 157 Mary-Ellen Fimbel on Game Design Principles for Education

This episode of Experience Points features game designer and educator Mary-Ellen Fimbel, who shares how game design principles can transform classroom learning. She discusses “teaching like a game dev,” using storytelling, interactivity, and even puppets as playful avatars to deliver authentic feedback and spark curiosity. Mary-Ellen explains how honoring student questions, modeling inquiry, and scaffolding problem-solving builds confidence and creativity. She also explores project-based learning through student-created games and her classroom approach to metacognitive self-assessment. Educators, designers, and anyone interested in games-based learning will find practical strategies to make learning more engaging, dynamic, and meaningful.

Mary-Ellen Fimbel, Curiosity, Feedback, ScaffoldingDave EngFebruary 15, 2026mary-ellen fimbel, curiosity, feedback, scaffolding, interactivity, creativityComment

Episode 156 What are Role-Playing Games?

Today, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating - and frankly, most misunderstood - forms of interactive play: Role-Playing Games, or RPGs. So what are RPGs? Are they just about dice rolls and dragons? Are they all swords and stats? Or is there something deeper, and something profoundly human, about stepping into someone else’s shoes in a world that is not quite our own.

Episode 155 Amber Sewell on Games as Information Literacy

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng talks with Amber Sewell, a Teaching and Learning Librarian at UNLV, about using games to teach information literacy. Amber shares how her classroom activity Authority Argle Bargle turns debates about academic majors into playful, critical discussions on credibility and source evaluation.

Amber Sewell, Information Literacy, LibraryDave EngJanuary 18, 2026amber sewell, information literacy, library, games, authority, podcasting, educationComment

Episode 154 Victoria Banks on Dungeons, Dragons, and Discourse

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Victoria Banks, a Clemson University PhD student and video game scriptwriter, on using Dungeons & Dragons–inspired course design to engage students. She explains how mechanics like levels, boss battles, and character creation boost motivation and agency, while linking game rhetoric to classroom design. Sharing stories of students tickling dragons or exploiting overpowered abilities, Victoria reflects on balancing play and structure. The episode shows how games transform classrooms into spaces of creativity, choice, and discovery.

Victoria Banks, Gamification, PedagogyDave EngJanuary 4, 2026victoria banks, gamification, pedagogy, rhetoric, ludology, agency, motivationComment

Episode 153 AP Table Talk: Variable Player Powers

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave explore Variable Player Powers, where players get unique abilities (or flaws!) that shape strategy and spark replayability. From the classic HeroQuest and Battlestar Galactica to asymmetric gems like Root, Sky Team, and Star Wars: Rebellion, they break down how this mechanic fuels dynamic gameplay, negotiation, and storytelling.

Episode 152 Richard Durham on Learning through Engaging Gameplay

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng speaks with Richard Durham, a prolific game designer, creative director, and educator at Wondertree Studios. Richard shares insights from designing over 30 games across mediums—from street festivals and museum activations to tabletop and secret events—driven by curiosity and a focus on player experience.

Richard Durham, Gameplay, Incoherence, PerspectiveDave EngDecember 7, 2025richard durham, gameplay, fidelity, values, debriefing, incoherence, perspectiveComment

Episode 151 Game Design Constraints and Scope Creep

Today, we’re diving into two little words that have the power to either catapult your project forward… or completely derail it. Those words? Constraints and scope creep. Maybe you’ve heard them thrown around in design meetings. Maybe you’ve bumped into them the hard way on your own projects.

Constraints, Scope CreepDave EngNovember 23, 2025game design, constraints, scope creep, mechanics, playtesting, minimalismComment

Episode 150 Designing the Core Dynamics

Today, we’re diving deep into a concept that sits right at the heart of game design: core dynamics. What makes a game engaging? Why do some games pull us in and keep us coming back? It’s not just the artwork or the theme. It's not even the mechanics alone.

core dynamicsDave EngNovember 9, 2025mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics, engagement, design, interaction, learningComment

Episode 149 Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health

In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Josefine Schwarzer, a German occupational therapist exploring how tabletop RPGs and LARPs support mental health. Josefine shares how role-play creates safe, expressive spaces that boost self-esteem and break from anxiety. She recounts clients using fantasy roles to assert themselves and even physical rehab sessions transformed into Minecraft sword battles. Together, they discuss “bleed,” storytelling’s power to build empathy, and how shared narratives deepen therapeutic bonds. Josefine highlights the inclusive LARP community and encourages playful approaches in therapy. The episode reveals games’ unique ability to connect, heal, and inspire personal growth.

Episode 148 Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing Instruction

In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng welcomes Michael Low—educator, game designer, and creator of Stories RPG. Michael shares the powerful story behind Luna Uni, a tabletop role-playing curriculum that transforms writing instruction through collaborative storytelling. From 100% student writing gains to building emotionally resonant classrooms, Michael explains how play, character-driven narratives, and East Asian story structures can supercharge literacy and connection. Whether you're an educator, gamer, or curious learner, this episode unpacks the magic of fusing RPGs with pedagogy to build a joyful, self-sustaining learning culture.

Michael Low, RPG, Literacy, StorytellingDave EngOctober 12, 2025michael low, rpg, literacy, storytelling, education, gamification, curriculumComment

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 28, 2025shaun mcmillan, gamification, megagame, simulation, education, storytelling, lecture, scenario, engagementComment

Episode 146 AP Table Talk: Take That

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the “Take That” game mechanic. From classics like UNO, Sorry!, and Risk to modern favorites like Munchkin, Blood Rage, and King of Tokyo: Duel, they explore how denial, betrayal, and revenge fuel tension, drama, and unforgettable tabletop stories.

Episode 145 Types of Games

Today, we’re diving into something that might seem simple on the surface, but as it turns out, it's anything but. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about game types, and not just your usual categories like board games or video games. We’re digging deeper: into the psychology, the structure, and the social impact of how we play. So let’s get ready to explore the worlds of competitive, cooperative, and hybrid games—and why defining different game types isn’t nearly as straightforward as it sounds.

classification, types, GamesDave EngAugust 31, 2025classification, types, competitive, cooperative, hybrid, interaction, engagementComment

Episode 144 Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY Framework

In this episode, Dave Eng interviews Ercan Altuğ Yilmaz, a leading gamification expert and creator of the TOY Framework—an evolution of existing models like Werbach’s D6 and Octalysis. Drawing from over a decade of experience and 100+ projects, Yilmaz explains how TOY’s ten-step structure blends theory with practical business needs, emphasizing behavior change beyond badges and rewards. He discusses the importance of human- and company-centric objectives, his use of 118 gamification cards, and the role of nudges in organizational settings. The episode also explores balancing academic theory with real-world application in gamified learning.

Video