Campgrounds - Freakonomics

Forget fake profile pics on dating apps—AI is now doing the talking, and we can’t tell the difference

Games are truly a powerful medium. They engage us and shape us. We play them, and in turn, they help inform how we interpret our own experiences. Games-based learning seeks to utilize all of these things. Game mechanics can engage users and help them solve problems.  Although in games, those problems are contrived challenges.

The article examines core dynamics in game design, emphasizing their impact on player experiences. Using the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework, it defines mechanics as gameplay's foundation and dynamics as behaviors emerging from interactions. Core dynamics, such as racing, collection, and exploration, unify mechanics with aesthetics to engage players and achieve goals.

Discover the Games-Based Learning Digital Library: research, resources, and tools on gamification, serious games, and learning through play.

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.

What is “Gamification?”

This post will go into greater depth as to HOW learning in a games-based learning environment happens.  It all starts with constructivism.

This article defines intrinsic motivation with some examples. This is contrasted with extrinsic motivation: our desire to participate for some sort of external benefit. Both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation are compared. Intrinsic motivation in games is highly influenced by social pressures. These social pressures also manifest themselves in the workplace and throughout education.

Learn how affordances in game design create intuitive, engaging gameplay. This guide explains visual cues, controls, feedback, and signifiers that help players understand interactions naturally. Discover practical design strategies to improve usability, accessibility, immersion, and player experience across video games, board games, and mobile games.

Billboards - Freakonomics

Commuter trains are renowned for potentially being cramped and crowded, but they don’t have to be that way. Tiny adjustments to a commuter train’s design – f...

In human history, fear kept us safe when running from predators and anxiety kept us from going back to that lion-infested area. But what happens when these feelings get out of hand in humans today? And why do some of us crave that feeling from scary movies or haunted houses? For answers, we turn to Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist from Wayne State University. He likes studying fear so much, he wrote a whole book called Afraid. This episode, he gets into the difference between fear and anxiety, many of the reasons people feel afraid and why things like scary movies could even be therapeutic. Want to know more about the science behind what keeps you up at night? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we might cover it on a future episode!

You -- yes, you -- are already a leader.

Thorsten Kodalle on Strategic WargamingIn this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng speaks with Thorsten Kodalle, head of Innovation ...

Discover the Games-Based Learning Digital Library: research, resources, and tools on gamification, serious games, and learning through play.

One of the hardest and most difficult questions that can be asked about games is what they are and how they are defined. The answers, responses, and philosophies regarding these big questions are as diverse and varied as those who have sought to define them. Therefore, this article will attempt another take on defining games and discussing their meaning and interaction for the people...

What is “Gamification?”

Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/haiGet a Half as Interesting t-shirt: https://standard.tv/collections/half-...

Nevada is home to over 600 ghost towns, many of which are the remnants of the gold rush era of the 1800s and 1900s. Some of these ghost towns are well-known,...

A new global study to mark Asmodee’s 30th anniversary has revealed that tabletop games are the breakout star of leisure time, rivalling video games and podcasts. Asmodee has uncovered new research revealing the rising popularity of board games among the general public. The findings, released to cele

We're teaming up with Exploding Kittens to make a board game. It needs to be fun and also about economics. This is hard. You can help. Sign up to be notified when it goes on sale, about pre-sale discounts and other updates, like invitations to play along with PM hosts. Download and playtest the print-at-home prototype and tell us how we can make it better.

Discover the Games-Based Learning Digital Library: research, resources, and tools on gamification, serious games, and learning through play.

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management SystemsIn this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-...

What is “Gamification?”

Go to https://defunctland.com/store and use coupon code "DefunctTV" to get 15% off your order!In this episode of DefunctTV, Kevin explores the history of the...

You've heard of the "Freshman 15"... how about the "DOGE 15"? This is how members of the FedNews subreddit — a "vital, independent hub for U.S. federal employees" — have referred to the stress of working for the government amid the Department of Government Efficiency's "restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force." We hear the stories of three of its members.

Maria Branyas Morera was the oldest person in the world when she died. Scientists analysed her genes, metabolism, and more

YouTube video by Experience Points

What is Player Relevance?On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is Player Relevance?” Players play games for multiple different reasons. Many of ...

Students in the Spring 2026 Introduction to Game Design class designed games to be played at the UnCommon Corner's Day of Play.

Discover the Games-Based Learning Digital Library: research, resources, and tools on gamification, serious games, and learning through play.

What is “Gamification?”

What is an Idiogame?On today’s episode we’ll answer the question “What is an Idiogame?” Most of the games that we know and play include a slew of interesting...