Seduction Secrets of Video Game Designers

In the article, "The Seduction Secrets of Video Game Designers," by Keith Stuart, the popularity and draw of video games has a lot to do with our intrinsic desires and motivation. Video games teach through systems and puzzles, which are things we enjoy. If this logic could be translated into the classroom and learning, these desires and motivations could transform the way students learn. There are several aspects of gaming that make games appealing. One is the acquire, test, master model. In gaming, there is an evolving challenge, but also room to experiment and figure things out without being judged when failures occur. Students need freedom to experiment and try things without fear of failure and how others react to it. Another aspect of video games that make them appealing is the sense of autonomy the players have. The gamer is in control of what happens most of the time. Many times, in the classroom, the student has no control over what has to be done or how it is done. When possible, students need to have a voice and a choice. The standards are set, but the manner in which those standards are met could be varied. Also,whatever the player does in a game, the game notices. In life, sometimes no one notices when good things happen or when a success occurs. In the classroom, successes should be celebrated, no matter how small. Sometimes the feedback in video games is disproportionate to the task. This large reward for a simple task triggers pleasure in the brain. Many times, we tend to celebrate significant accomplishments while small successes go unnoticed. Those successes need to be celebrated as well. In the classroom, we need to tap into the things that will motivate and drive our students to be lovers of learning.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/may/15/video-game-design-psychology