simulations — Experience Points Podcast

Episode 95 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 development. But what is “strategy;” and what role does it play in game play, game design, game, development, and applied games?

decisions, game, strategyDave EngSeptember 24, 2023strategy, game structure, decisions, abstract, war games, simulations, game theory, motivationComment

Episode 77 Playing Serious Games

On today’s episode we’ll cover Playing Serious Games. Serious games are games created from the ground up for teaching and learning. These also include games created for a social purpose outside of the more tradition paths of games for entertainment.

Episode 62 What is a Simulation?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is a Simulation?” Simulations and games are mediums that players, designers, academics, and professionals often talk about. Some simulations are games like The Sims and Sim City. Whereas other simulations are more serious. Simulations find their way into our daily lives in several ways. But, we can also use them for teaching, training, learning, and development.

simulationsDave EngJune 26, 2022simulations, fidelity, abstraction, teaching, learningComment

Episode 16 Simulations vs Games

On today’s episode we’ll cover simulations vs games. Games and simulations are two things that seem talked about in the same circles. Sometimes they even get misinterpreted for one another. They do share some of the same characteristics. But, games and simulations are different from one another. Before we jump into what those differences are, let’s first define what we mean by games.

games, simulationsDave EngSeptember 3, 2020games, simulations, serious gamesComment

Episode 10 Moral Choices

There are many types of games available for people to play and enjoy. One of the most familiar and heartwarming ones are narrative driven games. These are games where the player often plays the protagonist. Here, you play as a single avatar. You explore the world and different paths in the story. If you’ve ever read the “Choose your own adventure” type of books then you know what I’m talking about. As the character, you interact with and make decisions as you move through the world. When reading the book your turn to page –whatever- in order to see what happens. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.

moral chociesDave EngJune 5, 2020games, games-based learning, ludology, serious games, simulations, games for learningComment

Episode 9 Lessons Learned Simulations and Training with Matthew Stevens

In this episode I connected with Matthew Stevens of Lessons Learned Simulations and Training. In this interview we discussed the meaning and purpose of humanitarian work; Matt’s career working n the field; as well as how he uses serious games and simulations for teaching and training others.

Episode 7 War Games with James Sterett, U.S. Army University/Command & General Staff College

I connected with my colleague James Sterrett the US Army Deputy Chief, CGSC Simulations & Exercises Division. In this interview we discussed Dr. Sterett’s work with simulations, war games, and his philosophy on incorporating gaming into teaching and learning.

interview, war gamesDave EngMay 12, 2020games, games-based learning, ludology, serious games, simulations, war gamesComment

Episode 6 Serious Games

Many people already know what games are and how to define them. But do you know anything about “serious” games? Serious games are games. But they’ve been designed with an educational purpose. Serious games were not created to be played for amusement or entertainment.