Experience Points

Who are Casual Players? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “Who are Casual Players?” Casual players are often one of the most sought-after demographics for many in the games industry. They are players that often represent various backgrounds and have a vast array of experiences with games. But who exactly are casual players and what exactly defines them? If you liked this episode please...

Stefan McNinch from UnBoxEd In this episode, Dave Eng speaks with Stefan McNinch, a former elementary education teacher turned game designer who founded UnBoxEd , a nonprofit program using board games to engage low-income students in social-emotional learning , history, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Stefan shares his experience using games-based learning , including RPGs, to empower students to take...

The Ideal Board Game Player Part 2 On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules . Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions.  Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thin...

The Ideal Board Game Player Part 1 On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules . Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions.  Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thin...

What are Game Goals and Objectives? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What are Game Goals and Objectives?” Games provide players, users, and learners with opportunities and aspects for interaction for them to engage and pursue a specific outcome . Sometimes those outcomes are set by the players themselves. Especially, if they want something from their experience.  If you liked this epi...

What is Analysis Paralysis? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Analysis Paralysis?” Virtually all games have decisions that need to be made. Some of those decisions are dependent on player goals; motivations ; or otherwise incentives for them to accomplish. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures...

What is Strategy in Gameplay? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Strategy in Gameplay?” In-depth strategy is one of the hallmarks of intense video games, war games, simulations , and other forms of games that persist through popular culture. The term “strategy” is one that exists beyond games and can be found in everything from military planning ; to business ; to personal devel...

What is Yomi? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Yomi?” There are many reasons why people play games. One of the most engaging reasons that some play is to compete against other players . There is a visceral thrill to competing; outmaneuvering; outthinking; and eventually winning against other competitive players. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, an...

Naomi Pariseault and HerStory In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, Dave Eng and Naomi Pariseault discuss the educational value of the board game " HerStory ." They explore its gameplay mechanics , the connection to learning design, and its potential as a tool for teaching and learning. The game allows players to become authors, writing a book about remarkabl...

AP Table Talk: Pick-up and Deliver In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave discuss pick-up and deliver games. They start by reminiscing about their experiences with such games, including their favorite titles like Bus and Flash Point: Fire Rescue . They also mention other notable games like Clank! and Earth Reborn . They share their likes and dislikes about the pick-up and deliver mechani...

Ray Kimball 42 Ed Games & Military Background In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ray Kimball, the founder of 42 Educational Games Coaching and Design. Kimball discusses his experience teaching at West Point and how he incorporated games into his curriculum. He also talks about his decision to retire from the army and start 42Ed Games to help hig...

How do I Adapt Games for Learning? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “How do I Adapt Games for Learning?” Most people know games as vehicles for fun , entertainment and socialization . Elements of games – through gamification – can also be used to augment, change, and influence individuals behaviors. Those behaviors can affect the way that they interact , shop, and travel. If you liked...

AP Table Talk: Mancala In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss board games that utilize the Mancala mechanic , which involves moving pieces along a board with hollows or pockets. They start by reminiscing about Dave’s childhood memories of playing Mancala with his mom's old board. They then explore modern board games that have popularized this mechanic, such as Five Tribe...

How do you Design Games for Flow State? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “How do you Design Games for Flow State?” Flow is a very sought after experience in game design. It’s really engaging and enthralling because players lose a sense of time and space when they are in the flow state . They become lost and completely enveloped in the game world. But designing a game to engage players’...

AP Table Talk: Grid Coverage  In the first episode of AP Table Talk, a podcast that explores board games, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the Grid Coverage mechanic. They define the mechanic as players covering a grid or filling a space using various shapes such as polyominoes . Some of the games that they discuss which use this mechanic include Patchwork , Blokus , Copenhagen , Cultivate , Silver and...

What is Player Relevance? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Relevance?” Players play games for multiple different reasons. Many of those reasons have to do with their sense of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation .  No matter the reason, all players play games because they find them relevant. For themselves, as well as for their player character , and through their journey...

What is Player Scaffolding? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Scaffolding?”Many people can just jump right into games. They take one look at it and they already “get it” and know how to play.  Whereas other people need a little bit of help. Sometimes this comes in the form of instruction; teaching; or learning from other players. When learning anything new, people most l...

Introducing AP Table Talk In this podcast episode, Dave Eng and his cousin Brian discuss their new podcast called AP Table Talk. They explain that the show will explore different board game mechanics such as area control and deck building, and they will discuss the history and design variations of each mechanic. They also share their early memories of playing board games separately and together, i...

What is Game Balance? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Game Balance?” Many gamers often don’t think about “balance” when playing a game. But they should. That’s because balance creates and shapes what should be a positive experience. But what exactly is “game balance?” How is it created and designed in games; games-based learning ; and gamification ? If you liked this episode...

What is Player Reflection? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Reflection?” Games-based learning is a form of experiential learning . Through games-based learning players experience something concrete such as game play.  Instructors, educators, and moderators then lead learners through debriefings in order help them best make sense of that experience. That debriefing also...

Debriefing Games-Based Learning On today’s episode we’ll answer how to Debrief Games-Based Learning. Using games for teaching and learning is the basis for games-based learning . But, educators and instructors don’t just play games with students or ask their students to play games.  Instead, games serve as a critical and fundamental part of the curriculum for helping learners grow. That’s accompli...

What is Expectancy Theory? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Expectancy Theory?” Thinking about why we do something is often a central part of all of our activities. Those include why we work, play , or form relationships with one another. This is the central aspect of motivation : knowing what will happen or occur as a result of our own actions. These are central elements of...

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 ? If...

Applied Games-Based Learning On today’s episode we’ll cover Applied Games-Based Learning. Games-based learning can be a powerful tool for educators. That’s because it allows them to use established games for teaching, learning, training, and education. But how exactly do you apply games-based learning ? What specific learning outcomes can you target? What games are specifically available to meet t...

Playing Serious Games On today’s episode we’ll cover Playing Serious Games. Serious games are games created from the ground up for teaching and learning. These also include games created for a social purpose outside of the more tradition paths of games for entertainment.  If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that...