What are patterns?
Educational game design patterns are semiformal interdependent descriptions of commonly reoccurring parts of the design of an educational game that concern and optimize gameplay from an educational perspective focusing on the integration of engagement and learning objectives.
Kiili, K. (2010). Call for learning-game design patterns. A chapter in the book: Educational Games: Design, Learning, and Applications. Nova Publishers.
The elements of patterns |
- Name of the pattern
- Core definition
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- General description
- Example game (optional)
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- Using the pattern
- Consequences
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Pattern categories
Integration Patterns
Describe solutions that harmoniously integrate game elements and learning objectives.
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Cognition Patterns
Describe solutions that trigger reflective and metacognitive processes in players.
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Presentation Patterns
Describe solutions that decrease the extraneous cognitive load.
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Engagement Patterns
Describe solutions that motivate players to perform better in a game, facilitate reciprocal learning, and increase playing time.
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Social Patterns
Describe solutions that facilitate learning or teaching through social activities and socially constructed game elements.
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Teaching Patterns
Describe solutions that facilitate teacher's work by providing observation, assesment and participation possibilities.
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The aim of patterns
One of the biggest problems of educational games has been the inadequate integration of educational and game design principles: the challenge is to find a balance between gameplay and learning objectives. Pattern approach tries to align these compelling perspective. A shared vocabulary and an understanding of how the instructional designers' and the game designers' work aligns and synergizes facilitates the development of high quality educational games.
