Experience Points — University XP

Episode 66 Game Mechanics for Learning

Episode 66 Game Mechanics for Learning

On today’s episode we’ll cover how to use game mechanics for learning. Game mechanics are the rules and procedures that guide players through the game. These mechanics also provide the structure for how the game reacts to players’ actions. This definition is great for game designers and developers, but what about for educators, instructors, professors, and teachers? How do they use game mechanics for teaching and learning? How can students benefit from game mechanics through games-based learning?

game mechanicsDave EngAugust 28, 2022game mechanics, learning, structure, core loop, feedbackComment

Episode 65 What are Megagames?

Episode 65 What are Megagames?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What are Megagames?” Most people have played games at some point in their lives. They can be table top games, card games, board games, playground games, video games, console games, or computer games. Most people have likely played hard games, easy games, social games, or abstract games. Mostly we’ve played fun games. But we’ve probably also played lousy games.

megagamesDave EngAugust 14, 2022megagames, structure, role-playing, engagement, players, player experience, game designComment

Episode 64 What makes a good rule book?

Episode 64 What makes a good rule book?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What makes a good rule book?” Rulebooks are one of the first things that players turn to after they’ve decided to play your game. Players turn to this as the guide; the rules; and the structure that will shape their experience. Often designers think about rulebooks at the very end of their design process. However, the ability to write clear, concise, and actionable rules is more challenging that you may think.

rulebookDave EngJuly 31, 2022rulebook, board games, playtesting, structure, theme, core loopComment

Episode 63 What is Intrinsic Motivation?

Episode 63 What is Intrinsic Motivation?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is a Intrinsic Motivation?” We don’t need to be reminded to play games. We play games because we want to. We’re motivated to play because we’re attracted to them. We want to play games for the experience, the escape, and for the fun. So what is that drive that makes us play games? What is that motivation? The best games are driven by intrinsic motivation. This means that we play games for the fun of it. We don’t play games to earn money. We play games because deep down we’re internally motivated to do so.

MotivationDave EngJuly 17, 2022intrinsic motivation, intrinsic, extrinsic motivation, extrinsic, social, workplace, education, games based learning, designingComment

Episode 62 What is a Simulation?

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 EngJuly 3, 2022simulations, fidelity, abstraction, teaching, learningComment

Episode 61 What is Player Agency?

Episode 61 What is Player Agency?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Player Agency?” Player agency is about giving our players the time, space, and resources needed in order to make decisions in games. But is that is the only thing that agency provides to players? Is agency even a good thing? If so, then what amount of agency is the right amount to give to players? How should players navigate this agency? And how should they go about making decisions in the game?

agencyDave EngJune 19, 2022player, agency, meaningful decisions, magic circle, narratives, game designComment

Episode 60 What is the Lusory Attitude?

Episode 60 What is the Lusory Attitude?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is the Lusory Attitude?” We all play games for multiple reasons. No matter what the reason, we agree to a certain set of rules and expectations of play. Some of this involves us entering the “magic circle” of games. We have to suspend our disbelief in order to become fully enveloped in the game world.

lusory attitudeDave EngJune 5, 2022lusory, lusory attitude, lusory agreement, play, rules, attitude, mindset, social agreement, social constructComment

Episode 59 What is the “Magic Circle?”

Episode 59 What is the “Magic Circle?”

We may play games for various reasons. One of the reasons why we play games is to escape. We escape to a faraway place that is different and distinct from the place that we call reality. That type of escape is into the “magic circle” of games. The magic circle is a place where different rules that govern our existence, actions, and consequences apply

Magic CircleDave EngMay 22, 2022magic circle, games, ludology, player experience, rulesComment

Episode 58 What is player behavior?

Episode 58 What is player behavior?

Trying to understand what players do and why players do it will perhaps be one of the biggest mysteries of gaming. Sure, it can be easy to find out why players play games. But what does it mean for the players themselves? What parts of that player experience make it engaging and fun for them?

player behaviorDave EngMay 8, 2022player, behavior, game designComment

Episode 57 What are interactive experiences?

Episode 57 What are interactive experiences?

Interactions and experiences are things that usually go hand in hand with games. Designers look for ways to make their games more interesting. Instructors look for ways to engage their students in order to facilitate the learning process.

interactive experiencesDave EngApril 24, 2022interactive experiences, users, players, students, connection, control, costello's pleasure framework, curated, experience, immersion, integrationComment

Episode 56 What is Gamification?

Episode 56 What is Gamification?

Gamification is a buzz word that has made it around the world several times. It’s one of those ideas, concepts, or strategies that everyone from business leaders, academics, and the general public have either applauded or denounced. But what is gamification? What makes something “gamified?” How can gamification be used strategically? What are the pitfalls of gamification and how can we avoid them?

gamificationDave EngApril 10, 2022gamificationComment

Episode 55 What is a learning game?

Episode 55 What is a learning game?

Using games as a medium for learning is called games based learning. Often times these games are created from the ground up to be used for teaching and learning. These are usually simulations or serious games. However, games can also be adapted for educational purposes. These are called learning games.

games-based learningDave EngMarch 27, 2022games, learning games, gamification, games-based learningComment

Episode 54 What is Games-Based Learning?

Episode 54 What is Games-Based Learning?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What is Games-Based Learning?” Games are pretty ubiquitous. You can find them in most places. I tend to really love my table top game collection; but there are other gamers who are as easily attached to their mobile phones; tablets; PC’s or consoles.

games-based learning, GBLDave EngMarch 13, 2022games, learning, games-based learning, GBL, gamificationComment

Episode 53 Accessibility in Games

Episode 53 Accessibility in Games

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Accessibility in Games.” Accessibility is a concept that is often talked about in game design. Specifically when it comes to making games more accessible to a wider audience. But what does accessibility mean and what does it entail when designing games for entertainment, learning, or personal development?

accessibility, difficultyDave EngFebruary 27, 2022accessibility, difficulty, audience, diversity, changes, playtesting, movement, visionComment

Episode 52 Playtesting for Success

Episode 52 Playtesting for Success

On today’s episode we’ll cover how to “Play Test for Success.” Play testing is one of those functions of game design that designers struggle with. It’s often as difficult a function as the design process itself. Particularly if you very close with your design and are sensitive to any changes.

game design, play testDave EngFebruary 13, 2022play test, designer bias, game design, objectives, stages, accessibilityComment

Episode 51 Applying Feedback

Episode 51 Applying Feedback

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Applying Feedback.” Applying feedback from play testing games, table top games, and educational games is incredibly important. It’s important for multiple reasons. Those reasons extend from shaping the player experience; to connecting learning outcomes; to making sure that the experience stays “fun.”

applying feedbackDave EngJanuary 30, 2022feedback, playtesting, feedback questions, applying feedbackComment

Episode 50 Game Components

Episode 50 Game Components

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Game Components.” Games are often broken down into smaller elements. This is done in order to help designers create them as well as help academics study them. Of course there is debate on what exactly constitutes a game “dynamic” or “mechanic.” I realize that there is much contention over what these terms mean.

game componentsDave EngJanuary 16, 2022game components, components, board games, ludologyComment

Episode 49 Engagement Curves

Episode 49 Engagement Curves

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Engagement Curves” in games. Creating engaging games are what designers are always trying to do. Making sure that the game is challenging - but not too difficult. Making sure that the game is fun - but not too easy. Making sure that the game is impactful - but not too serious.

engagement curveDave EngJanuary 2, 2022engagement, curve, engagement curve, game design, tension, relaxationComment

Episode 48 Game Mechanics

Episode 48 Game Mechanics

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Game Mechanics.” One of the first things that designers attempt to do with a new game is outline its mechanics. Specifically, they’re trying to determine what players will be doing throughout the game and how they’ll accomplish it.

game mechanicsDave EngDecember 19, 2021game mechanics, players, game designComment

Episode 47 What is Sandbagging?

Episode 47 What is Sandbagging?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Sandbagging?” Competition can be a great concept in a game. We all start out with the same setup or resources, and then, through the structure of the game; its mechanics; and dynamics we discover a victor who has rightfully defeated us all.

sandbaggingDave EngDecember 5, 2021sandbagging, games, balance, playersComment