What is a game? Although there are different opinions about the definition of a game, here is one which Jonathan Cassie presents in his book Level Up Your Classroom (p. 11):

All games are a combination of the four “mother mechanics: Agon, Alea, Mimicry, and Ilinx. The notion of four mother mechanics comes from Roger Caillois, a French philosopher.

• Agon is Greek for a struggle or a contest. In games, the players compete based on skill. Examples of skills-based games are chess and checkers.
• Alea is Latin for dice. Chance or luck defines this type of game. These games are unpredictable. The players are passive. Chutes and Ladders is an example of this type of game.
• Mimicry games require players to take on different identities. These games give players a chance to see themselves in a different role in a different setting. Dungeons and Dragons is a mimicry game.
• Ilinx comes from the Greek word for Whirlpool. This game mechanic is added on to the other three. Ilinx is designed to surprise or shock the players. Jenga, a dexterity game, includes a collapsing tower, which surprises the players. Ilinx makes the game experience unpredictable and ensures novelty.

In addition to the four “mother mechanics, games must have these elements:

• Games have strict rules that all players must follow.
• Game-winning conditions are clearly defined.
• There are many ways a game can end.
• Players try hard to win because winning is desirable.
• Games can be played repeatedly with different outcomes.

How does gamification work in a learning setting?

The design must be based on the learning objectives. The whole learning experience doesn’t need to be gamified.

What is the difference between game-based and gamified?

Game-based learning integrates specific games into the learning plan. These games are utilized to support specific skill acquisition.  For example, Dragonbox is a popular game app that teaches Algebraic equations. Teachers might have students play Dragonbox to reinforce the skills needed to master equations.

Gamified learning incorporates game mechanics into the learning setting to support student engagement.

Reflection

• Do you use games in your teaching or parenting practice?
• Do you enjoy games? If so, which games appeal to you?
• How might you introduce game mechanics into your instructional plans?

References

Cassie, J. (2016). Level Up Your Classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Gamification. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamification

Juul, J. (2003). The Game, the Player, the World: Looking for a Heart of Gameness. Level Up: Digital Games Research Conference Proceedings, edited by Marinka Copier and Joost Raessens (pp. 30-45). Utrecht: Utrecht University. Retrieved from Jesperjuul.net: https://www.jesperjuul.net/text/gameplayerworld/