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PODCAST

Experience Points

Welcome to Experience Points by University XP hosted by Dr. Dave Eng. On Experience Points we explore different ways we can learn from games. Find out more at www.universityxp.com I hope you find this show useful. If you’d like to learn more about games-based learning then a great place to start is my blog at universityxp.com/blog. University XP is also on Twitter @University_XP and on Facebook as University XP. Feel free to email me anytime at dave@universityxp.com Game on!

education video games

All Episodes

9:20

Designing the Core Dynamics

Experience Points ·

2025/11/02

Designing the Core DynamicsToday, we’re diving deep into a concept that sits right at the heart of game design: core dynamics. What makes a game engaging? Why do some games pull us in and keep us coming back? It’s not just the artwork or the theme. It's not even the mechanics alone. It’s something deeper. It’s the dynamic that drives player action, interaction, and emotion. Today’s episode is all about identifying, designing, and testing core dynamics. Whether you're a designer, educator,

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24:02

Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental Health

Experience Points ·

2025/10/19

Josefine Schwarzer Applied Games and Mental HealthIn this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng interviews Josefine Schwarzer, a German occupational therapist exploring how tabletop RPGs and LARPs support mental health. Josefine shares how role-play creates safe, expressive spaces that boost self-esteem and break from anxiety. She recounts clients using fantasy roles to assert themselves and even physical rehab sessions transformed into Minecraft sword battles. Together, they discuss “bleed,”

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28:24

Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing...

Experience Points ·

2025/10/05

Michael Low and Luna Uni: A New World of RPG Writing InstructionIn this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng welcomes Michael Low—educator, game designer, and creator of Stories RPG. Michael shares the powerful story behind Luna Uni, a tabletop role-playing curriculum that transforms writing instruction through collaborative storytelling. From 100% student writing gains to building emotionally resonant classrooms, Michael explains how play, character-driven narratives, and East Asian story

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30:13

Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into Games

Experience Points ·

2025/09/21

Shaun McMillan on Turning Lectures into GamesIn this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews educational game designer Shaun McMillan about transforming traditional lectures into interactive, game-like experiences. Shaun shares his framework for designing lectures around a single compelling multiple-choice scenario, enabling students to engage deeply with content by making critical decisions. He discusses integrating game mechanics such as voting, uncertainty, and narrative outcomes

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57:58

AP Table Talk: Take That

Experience Points ·

2025/09/07

AP Table Talk: Take ThatIn this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dig into the “Take That” game mechanic. From classics like UNO, Sorry!, and Risk to modern favorites like Munchkin, Blood Rage, and King of Tokyo: Duel, they explore how denial, betrayal, and revenge fuel tension, drama, and unforgettable tabletop stories.If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode delivered directly

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6:27

Types of Games

Experience Points ·

2025/08/24

Types of GamesToday, we’re diving into something that might seem simple on the surface, but as it turns out, it's anything but. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about game types, and not just your usual categories like board games or video games. We’re digging deeper: into the psychology, the structure, and the social impact of how we play. So let’s get ready to explore the worlds of competitive, cooperative, and hybrid games—and why defining different game types isn’t nearly as

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21:02

Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY...

Experience Points ·

2025/08/10

Ercan Altug Yilmaz Gamification in Action The TOY FrameworkIn this episode, Dave Eng interviews Ercan Altuğ Yilmaz, a leading gamification expert and creator of the TOY Framework—an evolution of existing models like Werbach’s D6 and Octalysis. Drawing from over a decade of experience and 100+ projects, Yilmaz explains how TOY’s ten-step structure blends theory with practical business needs, emphasizing behavior change beyond badges and rewards. He discusses the importance of human- and

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8:53

Games as Mediums for Interactions

Experience Points ·

2025/07/27

Games as Mediums for InteractionsIn today’s episode, we’re diving into how games function as mediums for interaction: as art, as social spaces, and as powerful tools for learning. We’ll explore everything from virtual worlds to tabletop classics and even some of the more unexpected ways games impact real life. If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered

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7:23

Game Goals vs Learning Outcomes

Experience Points ·

2025/07/13

Game Goals vs Learning OutcomesIn this episode, we’ll explore how learning objectives and game goals overlap, how serious games are designed for impact, and how we measure success beyond just ‘winning.’ So, buckle up—because today, we’re unlocking the next level of game-based learning! If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.I’d also love

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68:03

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-Scissors

Experience Points ·

2025/06/29

AP Table Talk: Rock-Paper-ScissorsIn this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave dive deep into the timeless “rock-paper-scissors” (RPS) game mechanic. They explore its origins, its non-transitive nature, and how it shows up in everything from Magic: The Gathering to StarCraft and Skull King. From nostalgic toys like Battle Beasts to modern strategy in X-Wing Miniatures, the duo reflects on how RPS mechanics fuel tension, balance, and bluffing. Wrapping things up with a spirited pro/con debate,

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22:24

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through Constraints

Experience Points ·

2025/06/15

Randy O'Connor on Designing Through ConstraintsIn this episode of Experience Points, Dave Eng welcomes game designer, artist, and educator Randy O’Connor to explore the crucial role of constraints in game design and learning. From limited resources to time pressure, constraints shape player experiences and enhance engagement. Randy shares insights on how friction creates meaningful challenges, how platform limitations influence design choices, and why designing for “not doing” can be just as

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24:03

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning...

Experience Points ·

2025/06/01

Janna Kellinger on Designing Games in Learning Management SystemsIn this episode of Experience Points, Dr. Janna Kellinger shares her journey from using one-shot games in high school English classes to designing fully game-based courses at UMass Boston. She discusses her book Up Your Teaching Game and how educators can design story-driven curricular games. Janna explains how she transforms Learning Management Systems (LMS) into game engines, embedding narratives and feedback loops to drive

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16:16

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media Literacy

Experience Points ·

2025/05/18

Elena Rabkina on Gamified Media LiteracyIn this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews interactive artist and game designer Elena Rabkina on the power of gamification in media literacy. Elena shares her journey from intellectual gaming in Belarus to designing impactful games like Media Mayhem, which teaches players how news is created, manipulated, and consumed. She discusses how game-based education fosters critical thinking, especially in an era of misinformation and AI-generated

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90:08

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End Game

Experience Points ·

2025/05/04

AP Table Talk: Mega Topic: End GameIn this special End Game Mega Episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng break down six key mechanics that define how board games conclude. They explore Elapsed Real-Time Ending, where a timer dictates the game's duration; Sudden Death Ending, where a triggering event abruptly ends play; and Finale Ending, where a mini game determines the winner. They also cover End Game Bonuses, where players earn additional points based on specific conditions, Hidden

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9:35

Outcomes Focused Games-Based Learning

Experience Points ·

2025/04/20

Outcomes Focused Games-Based LearningIn this episode, we’ll explore the practical applications of GBL, key design principles, and strategies for motivating learners. Now, let’s explore the potential of games to create dynamic, outcome-focused learning experiences.If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.I’d also love it if you took some

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29:25

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based Learning

Experience Points ·

2025/04/06

Ryan Schaaf on Digital Games-Based LearningIn this episode of Experience Points, host Dave Eng interviews Dr. Ryan Schaaf, an award-winning professor and author, about the transformative role of digital games-based learning in education. Dr. Schaaf shares his journey as a gamer and educator, highlighting how games foster skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. He explores the unique needs of the "always-on generation" and discusses barriers to adoption, such as

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6:27

What are Educational Games?

Experience Points ·

2025/03/23

What are Educational Games?In this episode, we’re unpacking the concept of educational games. What are they? How do they differ from other types of games? And how can they be leveraged effectively in games-based learning?If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.I’d also love it if you took some time to rate the show!I live to lift others

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62:47

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use Cards

Experience Points ·

2025/03/09

AP Table Talk: Multi-Use CardsIn this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian Eng and Dave Eng explore the versatile world of Multi-Use Cards in board games. They dive into defining the mechanic, discussing how it forces players to make meaningful trade-offs by using cards for one of several possible actions. Highlighting games like Risk: Star Wars Edition, Dune: Imperium, and Bohnanza, they unpack how Multi-Use Cards create strategic depth, add replayability, and integrate into various game themes

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28:21

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in Gamification

Experience Points ·

2025/02/23

Rob Alvarez on Get Started in GamificationIn this episode of Experience Points by University XP, host Dave Eng welcomes gamification expert Rob Alvarez to discuss gamification and games-based solutions. Rob, known as Professor Game, shares his journey into gamification, emphasizing the importance of meaningful learning experiences tailored to specific audiences. They discuss key principles for creating engaging learning experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges like scope creep and

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6:14

What is a Game?

Experience Points ·

2025/02/09

What is a Game?In this episode, we’ll tackle that question head-on. We’ll explore the philosophies, definitions, and key characteristics that make games so unique. Whether you’re a designer, a player, or just someone curious about the deeper meaning of games, this episode is for you.If you liked this episode please consider commenting, sharing, and subscribing.Subscribing is absolutely free and ensures that you’ll get the next episode of Experience Points delivered directly to you.I’d also love it

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