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Games are the secret to learning math and statistics, says new research

New research suggests that integrating games into teaching can significantly enhance learning outcomes in subjects like economics and statistics. Led by Assistant Professor Joshua Fullard from Warwick Business School, the study compared traditional lecturing with game-based learning among university students. Those who used games showed a remarkable 7% increase in exam scores, with significantly fewer failing—only 7% compared to nearly a fifth in the traditional group.

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Video games at work? It sounds fun, but there are ethical risks

Recent developments in the video game industry challenge the notion of gaming as merely a recreational pastime, highlighting its potential to tackle real-world issues through "gamification." This approach integrates game mechanics into non-game contexts to engage users in solving problems like energy conservation and climate change, exemplified by the UN's Mission 1.5.

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Call for Session Proposals:  Games-Based Learning Virtual Conference 2025

The Games-Based Learning Virtual Conference (GBLVC) 2025 invites session proposals for its annual three-day virtual event from June 6-8, 2025. Hosted by the Games-Based Learning Alliance and University XP, GBLVC fosters discussions among educators, designers, and professionals on using games for teaching and training. Sessions can be pre-recorded or live, with diverse topics including gamification, professional development, and culturally relevant games. Proposals are due by December 8, 2024, with notifications sent by January 13, 2025. Presenters receive complimentary conference access. GBLVC promotes diversity and encourages participation from varied backgrounds.

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Game on: ASU, Endless announce partnership to scale personalized learning solutions

Arizona State University (ASU) and Endless Network have unveiled plans for the Endless Games and Learning Lab, announced during a discussion at the ASU+GSV Summit. President Michael Crow and Endless founder Matt Dalio highlighted the lab's significance in merging advanced technology with immersive game environments to revolutionize education globally.

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In a new ‘Minecraft’ game, kids battle extreme heat—by slaying a fire-breathing dragon

In Talib Visram's article, a new educational game within Minecraft, Heat Wave Survival, transforms the abstract threat of extreme heat into a tangible challenge—a fire-breathing dragon. Developed by the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, the game aims to educate children about the dangers of heat and teach mitigation strategies such as hydration and urban planning.

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Visiting scholar takes gaming to the next level

Gaming, whether digital or traditional, carries significant real-world implications, as highlighted by Arizona State University alum Kishonna L. Gray's research on marginalized communities. As the 2024 Lincoln Center Visiting Scholar, Gray discussed the intersection of games, identity, and social norms, urging a reevaluation of game interactions' effects on historically marginalized groups.

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Robot Trading: How Automation is Gamifying Financial Markets for New Investors

Robot trading is revolutionizing financial markets by making investing more accessible for new investors. Automated platforms simplify the process, using algorithms to reduce human error and emotional decision-making. These systems offer a gamified experience, with leaderboards and interactive features that engage users. While risks remain, automation lowers barriers to entry.

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The Impact of Technology on Toy and Game Design

The article discusses the profound impact of technology on toy and game design, highlighting its role in enhancing play experiences, fostering creativity, and facilitating education. It explores how technology has transformed traditional toys into interactive and immersive experiences, citing examples such as electronic toys, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) games.

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Boosting heart health with rewards and fun: How incentives and games encourage exercise

The study in the Circulation journal examined the impact of gamification and financial incentives on physical activity in individuals at risk of cardiovascular events. By employing behavioral economic concepts, shorter-term analyses demonstrated increased physical activity in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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Using abstraction to create learning games: Taking away what distracts learners to leave them with the core experience

The article discusses the use of abstraction in creating learning games, focusing on distilling complex real-world scenarios into manageable gaming experiences. It explores the balance between detail and simplification, highlighting the importance of maintaining the essence of the learning objectives.

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