Resources for Teachers - Video Games

Meaning and action in games

At its core, a game is constructed from several essential components: a defined Goal (the end state players are trying to reach), Rules (the formal structure establishing what can and cannot be done), Obstacles (elements preventing easy goal achievement) and a Core Dynamic, "the main action of a game, what the player does most of the time in order to reach their goal(s)."[1]

Games - Introduction

Unlike movies or books, games are unique because they focus on agency and interactivity, meaning player do things rather than just watching or listening.

Representing Ourselves Online

In this lesson, students talk about dressing up and taking on identities that are similar to or different from them. They are then introduced to the idea of avatars as a kind of “dressing up” inside video games and consider the ways in which the technical, generic and aesthetic limitations on avatar creation and customization affect their choices and their ability to represent themselves online.

Click If You Agree

When you sign up for a service on a website or use an application for the first time, do you read the privacy policy and terms of use thoroughly? Or, like most of us, do you click “I Agree” as fast as you can?

Dynamics of the game industry

The video game industry has evolved from a niche entertainment market into a dominant global force, surpassing the combined revenue of the film and music industries. This evolution has been marked by radical shifts in how games are published, monetized and consumed, creating both unprecedented opportunities for creators and significant challenges for players.