Experience Points
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 exactly is liminality? Why is it important? How does it relate to games, learning, and games-based learning?
Read MoreIn 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 design frameworks for environmental education. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond designing for behavior and towards empowering informed and motivated action. Clayton highlights the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in environmental education. VR can create visceral experiences for policymakers, while AR can engage players in real-world based play that drives awareness and action. The episode underscores the value of technology in fostering environmental consciousness and activism.
Read MoreOn 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?
Read MoreIn 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 project management into interactive games. Pearce shares his process of tailoring existing materials using gamification principles, mentioning frameworks like Octalysis and Lazzaro's Four Keys to Fun. Listeners can connect with Terry Pearce through his website www.UntoldPlay.com or on LinkedIn for more insights into games-based learning and gamification.
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “Who are Casual Players?” Casual players are often one of the most sought-after demographics for many in the games industry. They are players that often represent various backgrounds and have a vast array of experiences with games. But who exactly are casual players and what exactly defines them?
Read MoreIn this episode, Dave Eng speaks with Stefan McNinch, a former elementary education teacher turned game designer who founded UnBoxEd, a nonprofit program using board games to engage low-income students in social-emotional learning, history, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Stefan shares his experience using games-based learning, including RPGs, to empower students to take ownership of their education and explore their identities through character development. He discusses the challenges of dealing with diverse student personalities and the importance of understanding individual experiences to create effective learning experiences. The episode emphasizes the value of personalized learning and using player types to enhance classroom management and behavioral learning.
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.
Read MoreOn today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What are Game Goals and Objectives?” Games provide players, users, and learners with opportunities and aspects for interaction for them to engage and pursue a specific outcome. Sometimes those outcomes are set by the players themselves. Especially, if they want something from their experience.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Analysis Paralysis?” Virtually all games have decisions that need to be made. Some of those decisions are dependent on player goals; motivations; or otherwise incentives for them to accomplish. Most orthogames and competitive games require decisions from players to advance their own strategies and win the game.
Read MoreOn 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?
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Yomi?” There are many reasons why people play games. One of the most engaging reasons that some play is to compete against other players. There is a visceral thrill to competing; outmaneuvering; outthinking; and eventually winning against other competitive players.
Read MoreIn this episode of "Experience Points" by University XP, Dave Eng and Naomi Pariseault discuss the educational value of the board game "HerStory." They explore its gameplay mechanics, the connection to learning design, and its potential as a tool for teaching and learning. The game allows players to become authors, writing a book about remarkable women in history. They delve into the game's abstraction of research and its tight connection to the goal of publishing. Both Dave and Naomi also discuss the game's accessibility, its potential for serious games in education, and how it inspires players to tell women's stories.
Read MoreIn this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave discuss pick-up and deliver games. They start by reminiscing about their experiences with such games, including their favorite titles like Bus and Flash Point: Fire Rescue. They also mention other notable games like Clank! and Earth Reborn. They share their likes and dislikes about the pick-up and deliver mechanic, highlighting the importance of clear objectives and significant gameplay. They discuss variations within the genre, such as hidden movement combined with pick-up and deliver mechanics. The episode concludes with a discussion on the efficiency of pick-up and deliver mechanics.
Read MoreIn this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ray Kimball, the founder of 42 Educational Games Coaching and Design. Kimball discusses his experience teaching at West Point and how he incorporated games into his curriculum. He also talks about his decision to retire from the army and start 42Ed Games to help higher education faculty integrate games into their teaching. Ray explains how he assesses classroom and institutional contexts to find the best game for a particular faculty member and how he helps faculty members design educational games. Kimball emphasizes the importance of understanding institutional context when selecting games for a faculty member and shares examples of how different institutions may require different types of games. Ray’s approach offers faculty members an easy way to integrate games into their teaching while ensuring that the games are a good fit for their institution.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “How do I Adapt Games for Learning?” Most people know games as vehicles for fun, entertainment and socialization. Elements of games – through gamification – can also be used to augment, change, and influence individuals behaviors. Those behaviors can affect the way that they interact, shop, and travel.
Read MoreIn this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss board games that utilize the Mancala mechanic, which involves moving pieces along a board with hollows or pockets. They start by reminiscing about Dave’s childhood memories of playing Mancala with his mom's old board. They then explore modern board games that have popularized this mechanic, such as Five Tribes and Trajan. They also discuss other games like Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done and Fruit Picking, which offer variations of the Mancala mechanic.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “How do you Design Games for Flow State?” Flow is a very sought after experience in game design. It’s really engaging and enthralling because players lose a sense of time and space when they are in the flow state. They become lost and completely enveloped in the game world. But designing a game to engage players’ flow states is not an easy feat to accomplish. So, just how do you design games to that take advantage of this flow state?
Read MoreIn the first episode of AP Table Talk, a podcast that explores board games, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the Grid Coverage mechanic. They define the mechanic as players covering a grid or filling a space using various shapes such as polyominoes. Some of the games that they discuss which use this mechanic include Patchwork, Blokus, Copenhagen, Cultivate, Silver and Gold, and Tiny Towns. Brian and Dave also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the mechanic, such as the strong core loop and the potential for it to be luck-dependent. They mention twists on the mechanic, such as enforced fill order and the extension of Grid Coverage upwards.
Read MoreOn today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Relevance?” Players play games for multiple different reasons. Many of those reasons have to do with their sense of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. No matter the reason, all players play games because they find them relevant. For themselves, as well as for their player character, and through their journey throughout the game.
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