The Creative Gamer: Creativity and Creative Problem Solving in Video Games

Presenter Information

Csaba Osvath
Erica Newport

Presentation Type

Panel

Abstract

Video games are powerful mediums to cultivate critical problem-solving skills. They facilitate the development of these skills (without a teacher) through game design and gameplay.

Description

This presentation reveals the potentials of video games in the context of creativity and critical problem-solving. Games, especially MMORPGs,Simulation Games, and Puzzle Platformers require complex creative and critical problem-solving skills. However, game designers through level design and game mechanics scaffold the players learning and progression, thus creating a learning environment where the gamer learns problem-solving skills through play and without the need of a teacher or instructor. I believe video games and gaming platforms, such as STEAM offer a more engaging blueprint for online and virtual education and student engagement compared to popular learning management systems, such as Blackboard and Canvas.Through this presentation, I share how video games and genres approach creative problem-solving and how game designers inspire gamers to progress through levels and complete each challenge in order to reach the end of the game. I also share a curated collection of games I have been engaged within the past years to reveal my own experiences of becoming a better critical thinker and problem-solver through gaming and also game-design. Games like EVE Online and No Man’s Sky connects thousands of players in a game universe where gamers engage through complex environments, establishing and managing settlements, trades, economic activities requiring collaborative problem solving and creative thinking. These open-ended, sandbox -games also provide a life-long learning opportunity and many gamers will play these games throughout their lifetimes. Learning from these games and their gameplay mechanics educators can design better learning platforms and experiences to promote lifelong learning.

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The Creative Gamer: Creativity and Creative Problem Solving in Video Games

Video games are powerful mediums to cultivate critical problem-solving skills. They facilitate the development of these skills (without a teacher) through game design and gameplay.