This course will explore the intersections of game, play, and learning through processes of collaborative, research-informed game design and production. The course will proceed through readings, research, writing, media, discussion, critical analysis, design exercises and, of course, games.

A diverse assortment of games and their constitutive elements will be examined in their capacity as texts, simulations, learning artifacts, instructional environments, and as designed and manufactured products. We will look at their pedagogical potential for games in both formal and informal learning environments, while regularly considering corresponding assessment strategies.

The course will identify instructional and learning alignments with game systems, rulesets, mechanics, narrative, goals, role-play, feedback loops, self-assessment, win-condition and motivation (a la Brian Upton). Throughout, games will be interrogated for issues of equity, representation, and mental, social, and emotional health.

The culminating project will involve the creation of a learning game which will be carried out through a design process that will provide a framework for guidance and reflection during game development.