Experience Points

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. Either way, by the end of this episode, you’ll see why understandin...

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. It’s something deeper. It’s the dynamic that drives player action, interaction, and emotion. Today’s episode i...

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 e...

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 emoti...

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...

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. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, a...

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...

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, emp...

Games as Mediums for Interactions In today’s episode, we’re diving into how games function as mediums for interaction: as art, as social spaces, and as powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore everything from virtual worlds to tabletop classics and even some of the more unexpected ways games impact real life.  If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscr...

Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes In this episode, we’ll explore how learning objectives and game goals overlap, how serious games are designed for impact, and how we measure success beyond just ‘winning.’ So, buckle up—because today, we’re unlocking the next level of game-based learning!  If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free...

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors In this episode of AP Table Talk , Brian and Dave dive deep into the timeless “ rock-paper-scissors ” ( RPS ) game mechanic. They explore its origins, its non-transitive nature, and how it shows up in everything from Magic: The Gathering to StarCraft and Skull King . From nostalgic toys like Battle Beasts to modern strategy in X-Wing Miniatures , the duo reflects...

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng welcomes game designer, artist, and educator Randy O’Connor to explore the crucial role of constraints in game design and learning. From limited resources to time pressure, constraints shape player experiences and enhance engagement . Randy shares insights on how friction creates meaningful challeng...

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management Systems In this episode of Experience Points , Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-shot games in high school English classes to designing fully game-based courses at UMass Boston . She discusses her book Up Your Teaching Game and how educators can design story-driven curricular games. Janna explains how she transforms Lear...

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy In this episode of Experience Points , host Dave Eng interviews interactive artist and game designer Elena Rabkina on the power of gamification in media literacy. Elena shares her journey from intellectual gaming in Belarus to designing impactful games like Media Mayhem , which teaches players how news is created, manipulated, and consumed. She discusses ho...

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game In this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending , where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending , where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending , where a mini game determines the winner....

Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning In this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners.  Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’l...

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning In this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. He explor...

What are Educational Games? In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning? If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points...

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars Edition , Dune: Imperium , and Bohnanza , they unp...

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game , shares his journey into gamification , emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to specific audiences. They discuss key principles for...

What is a Game? In this episode, we’ll tackle that question head-on. We’ll explore the philosophies, definitions, and key characteristics that make games so unique. Whether you’re a designer, a player, or just someone curious about the deeper meaning of games, this episode is for you. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing. Subscribing is absolutely free and...

Christopher Stuart on Applied TTPRGs In this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Christopher Stuart , Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at UNC Wilmington , delves into the transformative role of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in education and facilitation. Christopher shares insights from his research on game dynamics , player engagement , and the collaborative art of facilitation....

Scott Nicholson on EscapeIF In this episode of Experience Points , host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Scott Nicholson, professor and director of the Game Design and Development Program at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Nicholson discusses EscapeIF , a system designed for low-resource classrooms to integrate storytelling and interactive fiction into education. He explains how EscapeIF emphasizes engagin...

Thorsten Kodalle on Strategic Wargaming In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng speaks with Thorsten Kodalle , head of Innovation Laboratory at the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College and an expert in Strategic Wargaming, Gamification , and Serious Games . Thorsten shares insights into integrating Gamification into Strategic Thinking, using board games like Scythe as...

AP Table Talk: Follow In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of the follow mechanic in board games. They begin by relating the concept to platformer games and how follow mechanics let players perform or adjust actions chosen by others. They review games like Tiny Towns and Puerto Rico , recalling their experiences with these games. They also cover Tiny Epic Galaxi...