Experience Points

Making games visually accessible On today’s episode we’ll cover how to make games more visually accessibleMost people think games are just for play and entertainment. But you can also use games for teaching and learning through games-based learning , gamification , serious games , and simulations . But one of the most important things to consider when using something for teaching and learning is a...

Game Mechanics for Learning     On today’s episode we’ll cover how to use game mechanics for learning. Game mechanics are the rules and procedures that guide players through the game. These mechanics also provide the structure for how the game reacts to players’ actions.  This definition is great for game designers and developers, but what about for educators, instructors, professors, and teachers...

What are Megagames? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What are Megagames?”Most people have played games at some point in their lives. They can be table top games, card games, board games, playground games, video games, console games, or computer games. Most people have likely played hard games, easy games, social games, or abstract games. Mostly we’ve played fun games. But we’ve proba...

What makes a good rule book? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What makes a good rule book?” Rulebooks are one of the first things that players turn to after they’ve decided to play your game.  Players turn to this as the guide; the rules; and the structure that will shape their experience. Often designers think about rulebooks at the very end of their design process. However, the abi...

What is Intrinsic Motivation? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is a Intrinsic Motivation?” We don’t need to be reminded to play games. We play games because we want to. We’re motivated to play because we’re attracted to them. We want to play games for the experience, the escape, and for the fun. So what is that drive that makes us play games? What is that motivation? The best ga...

What is a Simulation? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is a Simulation?” Simulations and games are mediums that players, designers, academics, and professionals often talk about. Some simulations are games like The Sims and Sim City . Whereas other simulations are more serious . Simulations find their way into our daily lives in several ways. But, we can also use them for teachi...

What is Player Agency? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Player Agency?” Player agency is about giving our players the time, space, and resources needed in order to make decisions in games. But is that is the only thing that agency provides to players?  Is agency even a good thing? If so, then what amount of agency is the right amount to give to players? How should players nav...

What is the Lusory Attitude? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is the Lusory Attitude?” We all play games for multiple reasons. No matter what the reason, we agree to a certain set of rules and expectations of play. Some of this involves us entering the “magic circle” of games.  We have to suspend our disbelief in order to become fully enveloped in the game world. If you liked th...

What is the “Magic Circle?” On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free...

What is player behavior? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is player behavior?” Trying to understand what players do and why players do it will perhaps be one of the biggest mysteries of gaming. Sure, it can be easy to find out why players play games. But what does it mean for the players themselves? What parts of that player experience make it engaging and fun for them? If you l...

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What are Interactive Experiences?” 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. Often games are called interactive simulations the same way that simulations co...

What is Gamification? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Gamification?” 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 gamifica...

What is a learning game? On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is a Learning Game?” 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 educa...

What is Games-Based Learning? 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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscr...

Accessibility in Games 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? If you liked this episode please consid...

Playtesting for Success 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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Sub...

Applying Feedback 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.” If you liked this episode please consider comme...

Game Components 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. If you liked this episode please consid...

Engagement Curves 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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subsc...

Game Mechanics 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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensure...

What is Sandbagging? 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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subs...

What is an Idiogame? 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.  If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures...

What is an Orthogame? 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. That is often why games are not always included when discussing applic...

Socializing in Games 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. That is often why games are not always included when discussing applications for adult learning and devel...

Building Soft Skills with Games 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.  That is often why games are not always included when discussing applications for adult...