Computer and video games have emerged as one of the most powerful mediums of the 21st Century, generating billions of hours of highly engaging entertainment.
A growing body of research is also highlighting the enormous potential of games to help address some of the biggest social, cultural, scientific and economic challenges of the 21st Century. This course will use a game-infused methodology to support students building a relationship to an impact game publishing methodology, covering the full lifecycle and key considerations associated with using games for impact.
Unlike many other classes that university students take, this course will be experienced as an adventure. Specifically, students will take on the role of an Impact Entrepreneur with the goal of building out a convincing vision for the creation of a games and impact lean startup. This games and impact startup will have as its mission to leverage game-infused products and services to achieve a personally meaningful and socially significant real-world goal.
By the end, students will have completed five Quests that draw on lessons and tools from the learning sciences, social impact, tech-enabled services, and, of course, the digital gaming sectors, enabling you to identify a current social problem, review existing interventions, and develop a game-infused solution. Throughout the adventure you will develop your understanding of games, their design, and potential for impact.
About Sasha A. Barab PhD
Sasha Barab is a Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, where he co-founded and serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Games and Impact.
Dr. Barab is an internationally recognized Learning Scientist who holds the Pinnacle West Chair of Education, and who has researched, designed, and published extensively on the challenges and opportunities of using games for impact.
