Teaching players how to learn | Micheal Baron | NZGDC 2025

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable insights into the intersection of game design and education, using a concrete case study to illustrate principles. The argumentation is solid, grounded in established theories like flow and supported by practical examples from the development process. The speaker effectively demonstrates how to apply game design concepts to educational contexts, and the discussion of player-driven emergent behavior is particularly insightful. The talk is well-structured and persuasive, making a compelling case for the importance of collaboration and adaptability in serious game development.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk demonstrates scientific rigor through its reference to established theories (e.g., flow theory) and its emphasis on clinically accurate content vetted by doctors. The sources cited are primarily the games mentioned (e.g., Zelda, Subnautica, Papers, Please) and the partner organization SWA, which are appropriate for the context. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on how to teach players to learn. The talk is based on a real project, adding credibility. However, specific academic sources are not cited, and the talk is more of a practitioner’s perspective than a formal academic presentation.

The title accurately reflects the core theme of the talk, which focuses on how game design can facilitate learning, illustrated through a case study.

8/10

The talk is based on a real collaborative project with a reputable health organization, and the speaker demonstrates a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to game design and education. The content is well-structured and grounded in established theories (e.g., flow), and the speaker is transparent about design decisions and limitations.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 01:00Introduction and content warning
• 02:00Background of the project and collaboration with Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
• 04:00Discussion on how games teach, using tutorial zones as examples
• 06:00Introduction to flow theory and its application to learning
• 08:00The challenge of defining 'winning' in a pregnancy game
• 10:00Building shared vocabulary with the client through game examples and spectrum exercise
• 12:00Presentation of the game 'Wheel of Fertility' and its mechanics
• 15:00Explicit and implicit lessons in the game design
• 18:00STI mini-game and player-driven emergent behavior
• 22:00Transference of ownership and collaboration with the client
• 25:00Conclusion and key takeaways

• Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa — Partner organization providing sexual health information and services in New Zealand.
• Wheel of Fertility — The game developed in collaboration with Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa.

• Flow (psychology) — The concept of flow is central to the talk's argument about learning and engagement.
• Serious game — The talk is about a serious game, and this source provides context on the genre.