Applying Learning Principles to Video Game Design

Empowering Learners Through Agency 
Players need to feel like active agents in the game, not just passive observers. The decisions players make should have a clear impact, shaping the game’s trajectory. Seeing immediate feedback shows that their choices matter. For example, a family scene in the game begins with the father initially sitting passively. When the player makes an informed decision, the father is then shown standing supportively next to the mother. Player agency leads to investment and motivation. 
 

Integrating Player Knowledge with Game Mechanics 
Games incorporate “distributed knowledge” into their design: the player knows things the character doesn’t, forcing integration of real-world knowledge into virtual gameplay. Leaning on their own expertise, players weigh when and how to deploy the character’s skills and tools. For example, a player may recognize when a character should use calming techniques to help an autistic child in a stressful moment but doesn’t know how to demonstrate those techniques herself. This merged knowledge space drives immersive engagement. 
 

Scaffolding Challenges to Master Incremental Skills
Games teach step-by-step, starting simple and adding complexity. Each new skill then stacks atop the last, enabling players to scaffold their capabilities. For example, in a part of the game addressing challenges faced by an autistic child, the player is first asked to soothe a crying child in a supermarket. After developing solutions there, the player advances to try advising other complex social situations stemming from autism spectrum disorders.
 

Extrinsic Motivation Through Reward Systems 
Well-designed reward systems keep players motivated through positive reinforcement. Simple extrinsic rewards like unlocking gameplay content, earning points, and upgrading abilities give players a sense of progression and achievement. For example, in the Autism game, each correct choice adds color to the game visuals while also unlocking new artwork and gallery content. 
 

Building Expertise Through Repeated Skill Cycles 
The cyclical nature of gameplay allows for mastery of skills through repetition. By practicing the same abilities across multiple game levels, the skills become increasingly automatic, and the player builds fluency. For example, a part of the game promoting early autism screening relays this key message repeatedly. At each stage the user gains expertise in recognizing symptoms, appreciating child challenges, and identifying supportive resources.
 

Just-in-Time Information for Contextual Learning 
For learning to stick, information should be delivered just-in-time, when it’s needed to solve the current game challenge. This avoids overloading working memory and supports contextual application. For instance, in our Autism game, a specialized Doctor called Dr. Stem explains concepts right as the player is deciding how to advise characters in a tricky real-world scenario.
 

Balancing Skill Levels via Pleasantly Frustrating Challenges 
The most engaging game challenges feel hard but doable. This sweet spot of “pleasantly frustrating” gameplay keeps player motivation high without excessive anxiety. In our example, features like hints from an expert (Dr. Stem), visual progress indicators, and positive feedback rewards help maintain an appropriate challenge level for extended learner engagement.
 

Tutorial Levels as Simplified Fish Tanks 
Before jumping into complex gameplay, well-designed tutorials act as “fish tanks” that strip away variables so players can first nail core skills. Reducing cognitive load allows for an initial cognitive win, building confidence to then handle greater challenges. For example, early game levels focus solely on recognizing symptoms of autism, before assessing needed accommodations.
 

Sandbox Environments with Low Stakes 
Sandbox gameplay spaces allow for experimentation without real consequences. Players can try out solutions and experience realistic scenarios without anxiety over failure. For instance, if a player chooses poor advice for an autistic child’s meltdown, the family forgives mistakes rather than booting the player from the game in frustration. This fosters creative risk-taking.
 

Tapping Into Lived Experience for Perspective-Taking 
As we each draw from our own backgrounds when solving problems, gameplay is most insightful when it connects to players’ lived experiences. By activating personal memories as reference points even for new situations, games can build empathy and self-reflection. For example, players are encouraged to consider times they've seen friends or family face challenges similar to those depicted in the game scenarios.