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Climate Change Has Infiltrated Game Night—and That’s a Good Thing, Experts Say

In April, Minecraft introduced "Heat Wave Survival," a minigame challenging players to defeat a fire-breathing Heat Dragon symbolizing extreme heat's threat amid rising global temperatures. This exemplifies a trend where game developers incorporate climate change themes into entertainment. Initiatives like the nonprofit-led development of games promoting renewable energy and heat-resilient infrastructure aim to educate youth on climate issues.

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Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!

The article discusses the growing challenge of discerning truth from fiction in an era dominated by digital manipulation and misinformation. It highlights a study on the effectiveness of the video game 'Bad News' in teaching media literacy. Designed to simulate the role of a fake news producer, the game educates players on recognizing and resisting deceptive tactics.

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Building a Learning Game Around a Model or Framework: How Models and Frameworks Can Inspire Learning Games

In his article, Terry Pearce discusses how models and frameworks can serve as inspiration for learning games, emphasizing their potential to simulate complex concepts and processes. Pearce illustrates this with a game he developed around the 'Nine Box Grid' for Talent Management, where players utilize character cards representing team members to navigate challenges and opportunities based on the grid's categorizations.

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Why workplace reward programs don’t actually motivate employees

In the discussion on workplace motivation, traditional reward programs are scrutinized for their unintended consequences despite their initial appeal. While promising short-term productivity boosts, extensive research, including insights from Deloitte, suggests that these programs often erode company culture and fail to sustain long-term engagement.

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Game On: Teachers Implement Video Games To Improve Learning Outcomes

In recent years, video games have become pervasive in American childhoods, with over 90% of children engaging in gaming regularly. Despite concerns about their impact on education, research from Brunel University London indicates that incorporating video game elements into learning environments can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

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New interactive game educates children on heat safety  

"Beat the Heat," the latest interactive game from ASU's Ask A Biologist program, aims to educate K–12 students on essential heat safety practices just in time for summer. Developed by experts in heat safety, the bilingual game immerses players in scenarios where they must make decisions crucial for staying safe in hot climates.

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A Psychologist Reveals 6 Issues Every ‘Gamified Workplace’ Faces  

In response to the "Great Resignation" post-Covid-19, organizations turned to workplace gamification to inject purpose, engagement, and excitement into work environments. This trend has surged in recent years, particularly in tech sectors in the US, as a means to motivate employees through game-like elements such as points, badges, and challenges.

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Serious Games: Building Teams for a Positive Workplace Culture

Alaska Escape Rooms in downtown Anchorage offers immersive experiences like Raven’s Eye and Conjured Kingdoms, where participants engage in puzzles and decisions, from imprisoning villains to rescuing damsels. Founded in 2017, it has become a popular venue for diverse events, including date nights and team-building exercises for businesses.

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Board and Card Game Resource for Libraries

Scott Nicholson from Wilfrid Laurier University is collaborating with the mEducation Alliance to create a resource for libraries in low-resource settings, focusing on board and card games. The initiative aims to compile games that are easy to explain, engaging, and robust enough for long-term use. Key criteria for selection include robustness, explainability, table presence, engagement, and overhead. Community members are invited to suggest suitable games via a Google Document. This project seeks to empower youth to teach games in libraries, fostering community connections and learning. For more information, contact Scott Nicholson at scott@scottnicholson.com 

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The Evolution of Casino Games: From Traditional to Digital

The evolution of casino games has transformed from traditional venues like Casino di Venezia, where high-stakes games drew affluent players, to a digital landscape accessible to all. The mid-1990s saw the rise of online casinos, allowing users to gamble from home, albeit with less social interaction. Live dealer games then emerged to recreate the authentic casino experience, fostering community through real-time interactions. Mobile casinos further revolutionized the industry, enabling gambling on-the-go with optimized games and enticing bonuses. As technology advances, including virtual reality, the casino gaming experience continues to evolve, reaching broader audiences and adapting to modern lifestyles.

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How Fantasy Sports Enhance Critical Thinking and Strategic Planning

Fantasy sports have transformed into sophisticated platforms that enhance critical thinking and strategic planning skills. Participants analyze player statistics, historical performance, and matchup projections to make informed decisions. Roster management requires balancing player potential and injury risks, while trading involves assessing team needs and negotiating effectively. Developing a long-term strategy emphasizes adaptability and foresight. Additionally, real-time updates from sports news influence decision-making. Understanding opponents' strategies is vital, as is managing the psychological aspects of losses and expectations. Overall, fantasy sports cultivate valuable skills like analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making, which extend into real-life scenarios.

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