Approximate Reading Time: 3 minutesAPA Says Video Games Make You Violent, but Critics Cry Bias. It’s disappointing, but really not surprising to see the APA come out with a pronouncement like this. It is pretty clear that the approach was (as it often … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesStudies on the use of reinforcement have shown that unpredictable reinforcement schedules lead to behavior changes that persist the longest. Since games are driven by cycles of player actions and corresponding feedback, is it possible to provide unpredictable reinforcement in … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesPut simply, the Proteus Effect happens when an avatar behaves in line with the stereotype suggested by the appearance of that avatar. In other words players behave in the ways the appearance of their avatar suggests they should. How realistic does an avatar … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesI don’t like fighting. As a result, there are a whole pile of video games that I don’t really like playing. I’ve always thought of shooters and fighting games as the low-hanging fruit of game design. It’s fairly easy to … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteNo. Too much choice often interferes with learning; just like creating a simulated environment that is too real becomes counter-productive, especially with novices. Giving the learner too many things to think about too soon makes it much harder for them … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesOne of the great things about games is their potential for delivering just-in-time instruction. Most games require some sort of user assistance, whether it be instructions, in-game tutorials, or a help system. Many games integrate help and tutorial information into the gameplay … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: 2 minutesFar too many educational games out there are nothing more than template games skinned with educational content. I wonder why people make these kinds of games. Is it because they are easy to design, or do they really not understand what … Continue reading
Approximate Reading Time: < 1 minuteMany people in Education seem to believe that fun and education are at odds with each other. Some years ago I did a survey with public school teachers to see if they were using games in school, and if not, … Continue reading