Experience Points

Zack Hartzman on Teaching with Video Games In this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng chats with Zack Hartzman, a licensed secondary school teacher from New York City and the creator of Hey Listen Games . Zack shares his journey of integrating video games into the classroom and discusses the motivation behind Hey Listen Games . They explore the evolution of game-based lea...

AP Table Talk: Trick-Taking Ladder Climbing In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the enduring appeal of trick-taking and ladder climbing games. They reminisce about classic games like Hearts and Euchre , delving into lesser-known variants such as Nine Five Two , where players aim for different trick objectives. The conversation touches on modern games like SCOUT a...

What is Player Engagement? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Player Engagement? Games require that players interact with them. They require individuals to contribute; to change; and to augment the game according to their own will and agency . This encompasses player engagement and how they come to interact with games as well as what keeps them coming back to play. If you liked...

Jenny Varrichio on Applied Games for Corporate L&D In this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Jenny Varrichio, an associate director of training at United Healthcare with expertise in instructional design, particularly gamification for adult learners. Jenny shares her 15 years of experience, focusing on integrating gamified elements into corpora...

What is Game Literacy? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Game Literacy? We don’t often think about when we first started playing games. Or really the “first” game that we ever played. Most players are preoccupied with the game that they are playing “now” or the game that they will play next. Yet, we don’t stop to think about what we already know about games and how we’ve appli...

Dan White on RoboCo and GBL at Filament Games In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Dan White, founder of Filament Games , discussing the intersection of education and gaming. Dan's journey from teaching to game development is explored, emphasizing the challenges of creating engaging learning experiences. The concept of "pleasing frustration" is covered, where games stri...

AP Table Talk: Tech Trees and Tech Tracks In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on " tech tree " and “ tech track ” games. They emphasize how tech trees are a central component of many video games and board games, offering players various strategic paths and upgrades. They mention games like " Tapestry " and " Space Station Phoenix " that us...

Andrew Harris and the Guild Chronicles In this episode of "Experience Points" Dave Eng interviews Andrew Harris, a game designer, therapist, and educator behind The Guild Chronicles program. Andrew discusses the origins of The Guild Chronicles, a transformative game-based learning program he developed, which combines tabletop RPG elements with therapeutic and educational objectives. The...

What is Choice Architecture? On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question: What is Choice Architecture? Both life and games are full of choices. Some of us approach those choices head on. Others take their time to come to rational conclusions about what choices are best for them. Yet others don’t put that much stake into the outcome of their choices. If you liked this episode please consider comm...

Sue Baechler on Developing Serious Games In this episode, Dave Eng and Sue Baechler discuss the impact of learning games. Sue Baechler shares her journey from creating a sales game that broke records to starting her own learning game business. They delve into the Bottom Line Game at CVS , an educational board game that aimed to enhance profitability understanding. The game's mechanics involve...

AP Table Talk: Rondel In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces " Patchwork " as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like " Sabika ," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention thematic considerations, pla...

Silviana Falcon on Lectures at Play In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng discusses educational games and their integration into traditional lectures with guest Silviana Falcon . Silviana shares her experience of using educational games as fundamental components of her lectures over eight years. She emphasizes the value of creating a welcoming learning environment through interactive games that f...

Liminality, Transition, and Games On today’s episode, we’ll discuss the concepts of Liminality, Transition, and Games. The term “liminal space” may not be familiar to you. But if you’ve ever made a transition from a physical place; a mental space; or experience anything that you would ever consider “life changing” or “transformative” then you may have already experienced “ liminality .” But what e...

Clayton Whittle on Environmentalism and Games In this podcast episode, host Dave Eng interviews Clayton Whittle , a researcher, educator, and environmentalist. Clayton's work centers around using game design to educate and motivate action in the realm of environmental education. He discusses his role as a past resident fellow at Pennsylvania State University , focusing on developing game desi...

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? If you li...

Terry Pearce on Untold Play and Applied Games In this episode of the Experience Points podcast, host Dave Eng interviews Terry Pearce , founder of Untold Play , a games-based learning expert. Pearce discusses how he helps trainers, educators, and designers incorporate gamification into learning programs. He highlights his work with organizations like HSBC and the NHS , adapting complex topics like...

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...