The article presents an interesting perspective on the potential of games as a medium for experiential learning. The author argues that all games are, in a sense, learning devices, but that many games simply teach players how to play the game itself rather than communicating information that is useful in the real world. The key, then, is to design game mechanics that align with the values and messages that the designer wants to convey, in order to facilitate experiential learning. The article suggests that the term “mechanic” is central to understanding how games can be used as a medium for learning. Game mechanics, according to the author, refer both to the actions that a player takes while interacting with the game, as well as the response of the game system to those actions. By designing game mechanics that align with the values and messages that the designer wants to convey, the player can learn those values and messages through experiential learning, which the author suggests is a powerful and natural way for humans to learn. The author also notes that designing game mechanics that communicate learning objectives is easier said than done. To this end, the article offers six best practices for achieving success, which are supported by case study examples from leading designers in the field. These best practices include things like focusing on the player experience, designing mechanics that encourage exploration and experimentation, and using feedback loops to reinforce learning. Overall, I think the article raises some interesting points about the potential of games as a medium for experiential learning. As the author notes, serious games are still in their infancy, but they have the potential to provide great benefits to society as learning devices in the future. If game designers can overcome the challenge of crafting mechanics that effectively communicate learning objectives, games could become a powerful tool for teaching and learning.
