Games as Learning Tools
- szczytko9
- Sep 4, 2025
- 2 min read
When was the last time you played a game?
For me, this was a couple of weeks ago. Some family was visiting from out-of-town. On a lazy Sunday, we ended up playing the board game, Sorry!.
Games have a way of suspending reality: in this new environment of Sorry!, we were all competitors. Trashing-talking was involved. Alliances were made. But, after the game ended, and we stepped back into the real-world as loved ones.
Games are universal. Whether physical, mental, or a combination of both, games have been played around the world for thousands of years. Dice have been around for at least 5,000 years.
Games involve imagination. Imagination not only helps us to understand rules and plan ahead, but it also helps players suspend the real world for a moment. This power of games to create a new, shared reality for a of time is part of their power. In this other-world, players can explore, learn, and grow in a contained environment.
Because of their universal appeal and imagination-generation, games are ideal for transformative learning.
Serious games, or games designed for a purpose beside fun, can be especially effective learning tools. By design, serious games create low-risk, interactive environments for participants to explore complex problems, test ideas, and reflect on decisions.
Research shows that serious games support important aspects of learning, including empathy, collaboration, and pro-social behavior, as well as core learning outcomes such as knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to act.
What actually are serious games though? Are they all math card-games you may have played as a kid?
Think again! Here are some examples you've probably heard of, but didn't realize were a serious game:
This piloting simulation began in the 1970s and builds real-life flight training skills. You can still play today! The latest release was in 2024.
Wii Sports gets people up and moving in simulations of various sports, from boxing to bowling. Research shows it builds cardiovascular fitness and supports cognitive rehabilitation.
A version of the popular Minecraft game, Minecraft Education puts players in a simulated world. Players engage in different tasks, from building a rocket to exploring museums, that build creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking.
Ok, this may be lesser known, but this is the most recent serious game. Mobility was developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists to simulate real-life transportation decisions based on your personal budget, preferences, and lifestyle. It builds knowledge, skills, and attitudes about transportation, finances, and the environment.
In the Gaming for Change project, I’ve partnered with the U.S. EPA to evaluate the Mobility game. We’re looking at how games can impact how young people think about personal finances, community, and the environment. We are currently seeking U.S.-based instructors to play an interactive game with college-aged students in at least one semester in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
Click here to learn more about the game or below if you want to support the evaluation.
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