Experience Points

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...

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...