About Jesse Schell
Jesse Schell wrote, The Art of Game Design, the number one book on the subject in the industry. He was a founding member of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University and a former Disney Imagineer. He's also the founder of Schell Games, which has launched countless games including, I Expect You to Die and Domino World. Jesse is an amazing game designer and a fantastic teacher.
Show Notes:
Educational Game Design (00:00 - 04:12):
In this segment, Jesse Schell and Justin Gary discuss the challenges and rewards of educational game design. They highlight the difficulty of creating effective educational games but emphasize the tremendous potential they hold when done right.
The Intersection of Fun and Learning (04:13 - 06:28):
Schell and Gary explore the delicate balance between fun and learning in educational games. They stress that successful educational games not only educate but also engage and entertain players, making the learning experience enjoyable.
Examples of Successful Educational Games (06:29 - 09:58):
The conversation shifts to specific examples of successful educational games. Schell mentions "Happy Atoms," a game that combines physical and digital components to teach chemistry concepts in an engaging way. He highlights how the game sparks interest in science among young players.
Teaching Entrepreneurship through Games (10:00 - 12:54):
Schell shares his experience working on "The Startup Game" with the Wharton School of Business. He explains how the game immerses students in the roles of founders, venture capitalists, and talent, teaching them valuable entrepreneurial lessons through gameplay.
The Unique Power of Games for Teaching (12:55 - 15:30):
The discussion focuses on the unique ability of games to effectively teach certain concepts. Schell and Gary agree that games, as a form of experiential learning, excel in teaching skills like entrepreneurship and decision-making in uncertain environments.
Recommendations for Aspiring Educational Game Designers (15:31 - 18:07):
Schell offers advice to those interested in entering the field of educational game design. He highlights the need for a clever hook or innovative approach to stand out in the market. Schell also emphasizes the importance of considering both entertainment and education when designing games.
Bringing Games into the Classroom (18:08 - 21:38):
The conversation shifts to educators looking to incorporate games into their teaching. Schell recommends books like "Gamify Your Classroom" by Matt Farber, which provides insights into implementing game-based techniques in educational settings. He also suggests starting with hands-on board and card games for classroom activities.
Gamification in Life and Trends (21:40 - 25:19):
Schell and Gary touch on the concept of gamification in various aspects of life. They acknowledge that while gamification has been hyped, it's not always straightforward to apply game techniques effectively. Schell advises against blindly adding game elements and stresses the importance of thoughtful design.
The Impact of Games on Society (25:20 - 27:04):
In the closing thoughts, Schell reflects on the positive impact of games on society. He believes that as long as people gather to play games, the world will be a better place. Schell encourages everyone to continue playing games, emphasizing their potential to foster connections and bring joy to people's lives.
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