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Posts tagged games
Episode 103 What are Tactics?

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What are Tactics?” Tactics are one of those concepts often discussed by gamers and designers alike. Especially when it comes to addressing playstyles, design, and competition. Tactics are often compared to strategy in this regard. But what exactly are tactics and how do they compare against strategy and strategic decisions?

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Episode 79 How do players create meaning in games?

On today’s episode we’ll cover how players create meaning in games. Creating and making meaning is something that everyone does at every point of their day. Creating meaning is one of the hallmarks of sentience. We think, therefore we are. But what exactly is meaning? How does meaning making occur? How does meaning making relate to games-based learning?

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Episode 73 How many players should a game include?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “How many players should a game include?” Playing games often means playing with other people. That means that we often take into account how many players a game accommodates before we begin. But what kind of impact does the player count have in games? How many players should a game include?

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Episode 71 What is Grokking?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Grokking?” You may have heard the word “Grok” before but may not have known what it meant. Grokking is used by different people and in different contexts. Usually, people use the term to convey thoroughly understanding and interaction with a game or system. But, the origins of the word; how it’s used; and its application to games and games-based learning is diverse and fascinating

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Episode 69 What is Self-Determination Theory?

This episode will provide an overview of self-determination theory and how the three needs of autonomy, competency, and relatedness influence player motivation. Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation will be discussed in addition to how feedback loops affect the player experience. Self-determination theory in its application to both games and games-based learning will be shared. Self-determination theory’s applications outside of games and teaching will also be discussed.

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Episode 59 What is the “Magic Circle?”

We may play games for various reasons. One of the reasons why we play games is to escape. We escape to a faraway place that is different and distinct from the place that we call reality. That type of escape is into the “magic circle” of games. The magic circle is a place where different rules that govern our existence, actions, and consequences apply

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Episode 38 Achievements

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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Episode 34 Weaknesses of Games Based Learning

On today’s episode we’ll cover Weaknesses of Games Based Learning. Games-based learning is a serious method for us to meet the needs of our students in way that is both engaging and impactful. However, there are still some limitations to games-based learning that need to be considered before educators can use it in practice.

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Episode 32 Flow State

On today’s episode we’ll cover the “flow state” we experience when playing games. Engaging in a state of “flow” is one of the most mesmerizing things that your players can do. They are engaged with your game. They are performing at the top of their ability. They are so engrossed that they begin to lose track of time.

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Episode 29 Player Interaction

On today’s episode we’ll cover Player Interaction. Player interaction is an important characteristic to consider when designing games. The designer has to answer the questions “How is the player going to interact with the game? How will the player interact with other players? What kind of decisions can the player make?” All of these questions should be answered when designing for player interaction.

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