In my perspective, learning serves as the cornerstone of video game gameplay, involving interactions and decision-making. Game developers create gaming experiences that enable players to develop various knowledge, interests, and skills. In this way, novices eventually evolve into experts as they come to understand and master the game space (Selen Turkay).
In games like Minecraft and Don’t Starve Together, the primary objective is to learn how to survive, encompassing collaborating with friends, acquiring food, and utilizing materials to construct. Players accumulate experience through failures, progressively refining their survival skills. The gameplay hinges on mastering the materials within the game world, allowing players to unleash their creativity. Especially in the case of Minecraft, is acclaimed for highly free-form gameplay. Learning to combine materials and memorizing the rules of the world is fundamental to achieving this freedom. Additionally, the inclusion of mods introduces new elements to learn, breathing fresh life into these games.
When discussing freedom of choice in gaming, Baldur’s Gate comes to my mind. This game demands an investment of time to grasp its intricate system and rich world. However, it becomes significantly more captivating as players gain knowledge about the world—be it in combat strategies or unraveling the narrative. The thrill of discovering something new in the game instills excitement, fostering a strong desire to experiment and test newfound knowledge. Undoubtedly, learning significantly contributes to the overall gameplay experience.
Work Cited:
Turkay, S., Hoffman, D., Kinzer, C. K., Chantes, P., & Vicari, C. (2014). Toward understanding the potential of games for Learning: Learning theory, game design characteristics, and situating video games in classrooms. Computers in the Schools, 31(1–2), 2–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2014.890879