Winning is Overrated (in Educational Games)
Winning is Overrated (in Educational Games)
Winning is Overrated (in Educational Games)
January 12, 2022
By Ray Kimball
Summary
If you're reading Ludogogy, you probably don't need a tutorial on the benefits and utility of educational games, but you may feel strongly about the need for a clear set of winning outcomes.
The first challenge that winning in educational games presents is the strong possibility of creating unhealthy in- and out-group dynamics in the classroom.
Many educational games, such as tabletop games, require playing in groups due to classroom sizes.
The researchers found that reasons for continuing to play a game can differ greatly from reasons for beginning to play a game, with a "Negative affect" correlating closely with player disengagement with a game over time.
Game design is a major part of this, with cooperative and collaborative games becoming more and more popular.
An analysis of both academic and commercial game reviews of collaborative/cooperative games found that interest in these games is steadily rising in recent years.
Rather than putting the focus solely on the game's outcome, student assignments and work should provide reflective opportunities throughout the game.
Reference
Kimball, R. (2022, January 12). Winning is overrated (in educational games) - winning issue. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://ludogogy.co.uk/article/winning-is-overrated-in-educational-games/