Toward Understanding the Potential of Games for Learning: Learning Theory, Game Design Characteristics, and Situating Video Games in Classrooms

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 2-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selen Turkay ◽  
Daniel Hoffman ◽  
Charles K. Kinzer ◽  
Pantiphar Chantes ◽  
Christopher Vicari
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Games For Learning ◽  
Design Characteristics

Motivation, Learning, and Game Design

2011 ◽  
pp. 528-543
Author(s):  
Mahboubeh Asgari ◽  
David Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Incidental Learning ◽  
Educational Games ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Learning Materials ◽  
Games For Learning ◽  
Educational Computer ◽  
Specific Learning

While there are thousands of educational computer and video games in the market today, few are as engaging and compelling as entertainment games. Some entertainment games have also been used in classrooms and have proven to produce incidental learning (e.g., Civilization III, SimCity). This has demonstrated that learning can occur through playing computer and video games, although it does not address the question of how to design engaging games for learning that incorporate specific learning objectives. As educators, we generally design instruction by specifying our learning objectives and then developing our learning materials to address these objectives. The authors of this chapter argue that there are a number of elements used in entertainment games that motivate players, and using these elements in the design process for educational games based on learning objectives would create motivational and engaging educational games. This chapter outlines the elements needed to develop such games.

Motivation, Learning, and Game Design

2009 ◽  
pp. 1166-1182
Author(s):  
Mahboubeh Asgari ◽  
David Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Incidental Learning ◽  
Educational Games ◽  
Learning Objectives ◽  
Learning Materials ◽  
Games For Learning ◽  
Educational Computer ◽  
Specific Learning

While there are thousands of educational computer and video games in the market today, few are as engaging and compelling as entertainment games. Some entertainment games have also been used in classrooms and have proven to produce incidental learning (e.g., Civilization III, SimCity). This has demonstrated that learning can occur through playing computer and video games, although it does not address the question of how to design engaging games for learning that incorporate specific learning objectives. As educators, we generally design instruction by specifying our learning objectives and then developing our learning materials to address these objectives. The authors of this chapter argue that there are a number of elements used in entertainment games that motivate players, and using these elements in the design process for educational games based on learning objectives would create motivational and engaging educational games. This chapter outlines the elements needed to develop such games.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Sara Freed ◽  
Briana Sprague ◽  
Lesley Ross
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Xbox Kinect ◽  
Game Developers

Abstract Interventions using exercise video games, or exergames, have shown short-term cognitive and physical benefits to older adults, though long-term effects are less promising. Enjoyment of exergames may promote exergame use after the intervention period, though little work has examined older adults’ views of exergames before and after gameplay experience. We invited 20 older adults between 65 and 84 years of age (M=73.30, SD=5.95) to play two Xbox Kinect games, Just Dance and Kinect Sports Rivals, for twenty minutes. In our presentation, we will present qualitative and quantitative findings of this pilot study, including findings that older adults reported that they were not likely to play similar exergames in the future and that they did not find the exergames to be more fun compared to other ways of exercising. We will discuss implications for game design and research relevant to game developers, manufacturers, and researchers. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

Gaming the gamer? – The ethics of exploiting psychological research in video games

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Hartz Søraker
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ethical implications of video game companies employing psychologists and using psychological research in game design. Design/methodology/approach The author first argues that exploiting psychology in video games may be more ethically problematic than familiar application domains like advertising, gambling and political rhetoric. Then an overview of the effects particular types of game design may have on user behavior is provided, taking into account various findings and phenomena from behavioral psychology and behavioral economics. Findings Finally, the author concludes that the corresponding ethical problems cannot – and should not – be addressed by means of regulation or rating systems. The author argues instead that a more promising countermeasure lies in using the same psychological research to educate gamers (children in particular) and thereby increase their capacity for meta-cognition. Originality/value The importance of this lies in the tremendous effect these behavior-modifying technologies may have upon our self-determination, well-being and social relations, as well as corresponding implications for the society.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Video Game to Assess Problem-Solving Competence in Chemistry Education

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amany Annaggar ◽  
Rüdiger Tiemann
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Scientific Content ◽  
3D Game ◽  
Problem Solving Model

<p>The aim of this study is to present how to implement the constructive learning theory and self-determination theory into a video game. This video game is designed as a new kind of teaching tool for chemistry concepts and as an assessment tool for domain-specific problem-solving competence, by applying a problem-solving model and the factors of self-determination theory through game elements. These types of video games are designed not only to have fun and motivate students, but also to help the teachers and educators to assess their students according to their weaknesses and strengths in each particular phase of the competence. Thus, educators could improve their teaching strategy or use the tools to improve weak areas. Based on this idea, we developed ALCHEMIST. ALCHEMIST targeted the 9th-grade students in the German chemistry curriculum. The scientific content is about acids, bases, and indicators, and is designed and based on the problem-solving model to access this competence of the students. The 3D game framework was chosen for this game since it makes the game efficient, interactive and drives it into more virtual reality. The designing process was complicated, as it includes multidisciplinary work across psychology, design, scientific content, development and programming, which makes it challenging. To cover these points, we followed a game design model, adding some steps to cover the educational needs and the aim of the game.</p><p>In order to make the game more effective and interactive, and to drive it into a more virtual world, the 3D game framework was chosen for this game since for this age group a 3D educational game is expected to be more effective (Gunter et al, 2008; Terzidou et al, 2012) . Moreover, the use of avatars in the 3D virtual environment establishes non-verbal communication (NVC) features, which can foster collaboration interactions, and enhance the student’s ability to apply abstract knowledge later in reality (Dede, 1992; Tsiatsos and Terzidou, 2010). The log file provided shows the player points and gameplay path which indicates the performance levels for each problem set. Also, it can help teachers to evaluate each particular phase of problem-solving competence. After the success of the development of our game-based theoretical background, it will be tested and validated by experts in chemistry education. This validation process should examine if the problem-solving model is correctly applied and test the significance of the game design, scientific content and the game’s objective.</p><p>It may also be of interest to develop such video games with scientific content and educational background in other fields. It also would be a success for the scientist to apply the scientific content through a fantasy 3D video game to the students at different ages to have fun, to learn, and to assess their competencies.</p>

scholarly journals Analisis Visual Warna pada Game Post Apocalyptic (Studi Game The Last Of Us, Metro Exodus, dan Horizon Zero Dawn)

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-31
Author(s):  
Daniel Kurniawan Salamoon ◽  
Cindy Muljosumarto
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Visual Media ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Visual Elements ◽  
Screen Capture ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Semiotic Theory

AbstrakVideo game sebagai bentuk media visual di era modern memiliki peranan dalam masyarakat sebagai salah satu bentuk hiburan yang bersifat interaktif. Video game terus berkembang dalam tata visual sebagai bentuk evolusi dari teknologi video game tersebut. Evolusi dalam video game membuat genre dalam video game juga mengalami perkembangan. Salah satu genre yang menjadi tren adalah genre post apocalyptic. Penelitian ini mencoba melihat narasi yang hendak disampaikan lewat tata visual beberapa video game dengan genre post apocalyptic. Metode yang dilakukan adalah dengan mengumpulkan data screen capture dari beberapa judul video game dengan rating yang baik. Dari metode ini, teori yang digunakan untuk melakukan analisa adalah teori semiotika khususnya yang berkaitan dengan tata visual pada video game khususnya elemen warna yang menjadi kunci genre ini dengan menggunakan software Image. Setelah itu data dianalisis lebih lanjut dengan metode AEIOU (Action, Environment, Interaction, Object, User). Studi ini memberi gambaran bagaimana tata visual yang menjadi ciri khas genre game post apocalyptic dan nilai estetis yang bisa dipelajari dari genre tersebut. Pada akhirnya studi ini dapat menjadi pondasi dalam melakukan riset warna khususnya dalam pengembangan sebuah video game Kata kunci : desain game, post apocalyptic, video game, warna AbstractVideo games as a form of visual media in the modern era has a role play in society as one of interactive entertainment form. Video games continue to grow in visual elements as evolution forms from video game technology itself. The evolution of video games also makes the genre of video games experience development. This research attempts to observe the narrative is to be conveyed through the visual elements of several video games with the Post-apocalyptic genre. The method used was to collect screen capture data from several video game titles with good ratings. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements of the video game, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre. The theory that used to conduct the analysis is a semiotic theory relate to visual elements of the video game, especially the colors element that is the key to this genre using image software. Afterward, data analyzed subsequently with AEIOU's (Action, Environment, Interaction, Object, User) method. This study gives a description of how the visual elements become a characteristic of the Post-apocalyptic genre and the aesthetic value that can be learned from the genre. So eventually these studies can be the foundation in conducting color research especially in the development of a video game. Keywords: color, game design, post apocalyptic, video game

scholarly journals Regulating Loot Boxes as Gambling? Towards a Combined Legal and Self-Regulatory Consumer Protection Approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Y. Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Consumer Protection ◽  
Real World ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Regulatory Approach ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
A Current

Loot boxes represent a popular and prevalent contemporary monetisation innovation in video games that offers the purchasing player-consumer, who always pays a set amount of money for each attempt, the opportunity to obtain randomised virtual rewards of uncertain in-game and real-world value. Loot boxes have been and continue to be scrutinised by regulators and policymakers because their randomised nature is akin to gambling. The regulation of loot boxes is a current and challenging international public policy and consumer protection issue. This paper reviews the psychology literature on the potential harms of loot boxes and applies the behavioural economics literature in order to identify the potentially abusive nature and harmful effects of loot boxes, which justify their regulation. This paper calls on the industry to publish loot box spending data and cooperate with independent empirical research to avoid overregulation. By examining existing regulation, this paper identifies the flaws of the ‘regulate loot boxes as gambling’ approach and critiques the alternative consumer protection approach of adopting ethical game design, such as disclosing the probabilities of obtaining randomised rewards and setting maximum spending limits. This paper recommends a combined legal and self-regulatory approach: the law should set out minimal acceptable standards of consumer protection and industry self-regulation should thrive to achieve an even higher standard.

scholarly journals Semi-automatic construction of video game design prototypes with MaruGen

2020 ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Italo Felipe Capasso-Ballesteros ◽  
Fernando De la Rosa-Rosero
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Video Game Design ◽  
L Systems ◽  
Role Based ◽  
Game Designer ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Game Developers ◽  
Expression Mechanism

Machinations Ruleset Generator (MaruGen) is a semi-automatic system for the generation of mechanics, rules, spaces (environments), and missions for video games. The objective of this system is to offer an expression mechanism for the video game designer role based on the definition of rules, and the ability to explore the concepts of progression and emergence in video games by using a formal, usable, and defined tool to design games with innovative and complex elements, and behaviors defined from combinations of basic elements. Based on the expressed designs and with the participation of programmers and video game artists, MaruGen allows the generation of agile video game prototypes in the Unity game engine. These prototypes can be analyzed by the entire workgroup to look for games with diverse complexities that make them attractive to their users. MaruGen is based on the expression of rules on elements of interest in video games and the rewriting mechanism using L-Systems for the generation of procedural content. MaruGen was evaluated in the construction of the Cubic Explorer video game and tested by gamers and video game developers during the Game Jam Ludum Dare 38.

Assessing Video Game Satisfaction of Gamers with Disabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 822-826
Author(s):  
Carmen Van Ommen ◽  
Barbara S. Chaparro
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Video Games ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
The United States ◽  
Satisfaction Scale ◽  
Motor Disabilities ◽  
Assessment Scales

According to a survey conducted by the CDC, it is estimated that 26% of Americans are living with a disability. Of those with disabilities in the United States, it is estimated that 33 million play video games. People with disabilities face many barriers in gaming, which is likely to impact game satisfaction. Measuring game satisfaction among this population can be problematic if the scale is not adapted to their needs, which can vary significantly based on the disability. To understand how best to assess game satisfaction among these populations, we discuss the issues people with cognitive, sensory, and/or motor disabilities may face when completing assessment scales and then use the validated Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS) as a framework for understanding the game design issues that may impact satisfaction.

Does Game Quality Reflect Heuristic Evaluation?

Gamification ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 1991-2004
Author(s):  
Björn Strååt ◽  
Fredrik Rutz ◽  
Magnus Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
Design Issues ◽  
Evaluation Tools ◽  
Video Game Design

Usability evaluation tools in the form of heuristic lists can be very helpful in software development. In the field of video game design, researchers are continuously developing new heuristic tools aimed specifically at video game productions. However, through previous studies, the authors have found that even though these tools are frequent and common, design issues regularly appear in video games. This study examines whether video game heuristics are able to capture and evaluate softer values of video game interaction, based on the challenges, flow and immersion of gameplay. By conducting a heuristic evaluation on low scoring and high scoring games the authors manage to show which kind of design issues are most frequent in both high and low scoring games. As a further result of the study, two new heuristics are presented.

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