Experience Points

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...

Chris Carbone on Board Game Academics In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Christopher Carbone , an accomplished career services leader and co-founder of Board Game Academics . They discuss the intersection of academia and tabletop gaming, emphasizing experiential learning and personal development. Carbone shares insights on career development, the missio...

What is the Player Journey? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the player journey? When we play games, we often get caught up in the excitement of the moment—exploring vast worlds, connecting with others, completing quests, and simply enjoying ourselves. But have you ever stopped to consider the journey you take as a player? This journey is not just about playing the game; it&a...

AP Table Talk: Deck, Bag, and Pool Building In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the concept of deck, bag, and pool building in board games . They explain that deck building specifically involves players starting with a basic deck of cards, which they enhance throughout the game to achieve specific goals. The episode highlights " Dominion " as a pioneering deck-bu...

Travis Windleharth on foundry10 In this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng chats with Travis Windleharth from foundry10 about games-based learning . Travis, with a background in science education, museology , and information science, focuses on how games shape youth's understanding of STEM concepts. F oundry10 , co-founded by Gabe Newell , is explored, emphasizing its pillars—programs, ph...

What are Progression Systems in Games? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What are progression systems in games? One of the most becoming aspects of games is our ability to interact, change, and progress with them. We can progress as individual players; progress against opponents; and progress against the game itself. The formal elements of games in concert with game designers make up...

Michele Haiken on Gamify Literacy In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Michele Haiken , an experienced literacy educator, and middle school English teacher, discusses her journey into gamification for teaching literacy. She shares how an educational conference sparked her interest and how students, especially gamers, played a crucial role...

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: Hidden Information In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the “mega topic” of hidden information in games. They explore hidden role games and games with hidden information, discussing examples like Battlestar Galactica and Scotland Yard . They touch on games such as Inside Job , Werewords , Dune , and HeroQuest , exploring their unique gam...

Sarah Le-Fevre on Play and Impactful Learning In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Sarah Le-Fevre , a games-based learning professional with expertise in addressing complex organizational challenges and fostering ethical innovation. Le-Fevre uses tools like Lego Serious Play to create immersive learning experiences. The discussion covers Le-Fe...

What is the Game State? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is the Game State? Determining the “game state” is often one of the questions that designers and developers will ask themselves when determining how to take a design or iterate on the development of a game. The game’s state is important to understand from a design perspective. But what role does understanding the “game sta...