June 23, 2025
Why Games and Education are a Perfect Match
You might think that games are simply a way for humans to entertain themselves.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Games provide powerful
opportunities to learn, to prepare for life, and to develop essential social
skills. Physically, mentally, and socially.
Yes, even animals play
Games and play are not just a human phenomenon. Animals play too, and they do it
for many of the same reasons that humans do.
- Kittens seem hell-bent on eradicating their siblings as quickly and brutally as possible. This play fighting (usually) stops before anyone gets seriously hurt.
- Dolphins have been seen blowing air rings under water which they will chase, hold down or seek out using their sonar abilities, possibly to enhance their hunting skills.
- Young female chimps in Uganda have been observed playing with dolls. Yes, these are rather rudimentary dolls that look like sticks to the rest of us, but the chimps care for them exactly as their mothers would have done. Practicing for parenthood.
- Young ravens play with virtually any new kind of object they encounter: leaves, twigs, pebbles, bottle caps, seashells, glass fragments, and inedible berries.
- Mice practice their locomotor skills with leaps, jumps, twists, shakes, and similar physical actions. They start playing at about 15 days of age, and their locomotor play activities peak at days 19 to 25.
Most animals have been observed playing, and play does seem to make them happy.
But research has also shown that play is a serious business, and many
researchers argue that it has evolutionary significance, essential for
developing a host of social, physical, and psychological skills.
Play in itself is improvised behavior and can help animals prepare for the
unexpected, it allows for flexibility of cognitive abilities and problem
solving. In this way play moves beyond "instinct" and fixed action patterns into
a realm of creativity. New rules can be established and broken, new behaviors
integrated, new skills learned...its not just an innate set of behaviors
established at birth. Its a complex integration of what is already known
(innate) and what is learned through interactions with other members of the
group be their peers of a similar age or older individuals like adults.
Play is instinct, it serves an evolutionary advantage. Animals play for the same
reason that children do; to practice for life. And that is exactly what
education does: preparing kids for life.
The Role of Play in Human Learning
Play, in short, prepares the brain to handle the unexpected.
One theory "play as preparation" was inspired by the observation that play often
mimics adult themes of survival.
Neurological research has also hinted that play may contribute to healthy brain
development. It provides a means for an individual to strengthen their cognitive
abilities...like problem solving, tool use, and development of spatial
awareness.
It is engrained in our DNA, it is a fundamental part of the learning process.
From Play to Games: Structure and Purpose
Play is an open-ended territory in which make-believe and world-building are
crucial factors. Games are confined areas that challenge the interpretation and
optimizing of rules and tactics, not to mention time and space.
The main driver of playing games is entertainment or fun. But as seen before, it
has roots in learning to prepare for future life.
Games as Tools for Learning Throughout History
Across cultures and centuries, games have served as powerful tools for learning
and development. Ancient board games like Senet in Egypt and the Royal Game of
Ur in Mesopotamia were not only sources of entertainment but also taught players
about strategy, chance, and social roles. In India, games such as Chaturanga
(the ancestor of chess) and Gyan chauper (Snakes and Ladders) were designed to
teach military tactics, moral lessons, and spiritual values.
Games often reflected the values and knowledge of their societies. For example,
the Mesoamerican ballgame had religious and social significance, teaching
teamwork and ritual. In medieval Europe, chess was used to illustrate social
hierarchy and strategic thinking, while in East Asia, Go and Xiangqi were
considered essential for cultivating intellect and discipline.
Through play, people practiced decision-making, learned to follow rules,
developed social skills, and explored complex ideas in a safe environment.
Whether used for teaching ethics, strategy, or practical skills, games have
always been more than mere pastimes, they are a fundamental part of how humans
learn and grow.
Why Video Games Are Uniquely Powerful for Education
Engagement and Motivation
Computer and video games have perfected the art of keeping players engaged. They
are designed to be immersive, interactive, and rewarding. By leveraging
psychological principles such as variable rewards, instant feedback, and a sense
of progression, games can motivate learners in ways that traditional methods
often cannot.
See our gamification article for more on this
topic.
Safe Spaces for Experimentation
Video games provide safe, simulated environments where students can experiment,
fail, and try again without real-world consequences. This encourages
risk-taking, creativity, and resilience. These are key skills for lifelong
learning.
Personalized Learning
Modern educational games can adapt to the learner’s pace and style, offering
personalized challenges and support. This flexibility helps address individual
strengths and weaknesses, making learning more effective.
Collaboration and Social Skills
Many games encourage teamwork, communication, and leadership. Multiplayer and
cooperative games foster collaboration and help students develop essential
social skills in a digital context.
Real-World Skills and Transfer
Research shows that playing video games can improve skills strongly related to
academic success, such as time management, attention, executive control, memory,
and spatial abilities, when playing occurs in moderation.
Making the Case: Why Schools Should Embrace Video Games
- Relevance: Video games are already a major part of students’ lives. Meeting them where they are can make learning more relatable and engaging.
- Skill Development: Games can teach not only academic content but also critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy.
- Assessment: Games can provide real-time data on student progress, allowing for more responsive and formative assessment.
- Equity: Well-designed educational games can help bridge gaps for students who struggle with traditional methods, offering alternative pathways to understanding.
Conclusion
Games, especially video games, are not just entertainment. They are powerful
tools for learning, engagement, and personal growth. By thoughtfully integrating
games into education, we can harness their unique strengths to prepare students
for the challenges of the modern world.
They foster the basic needs of humans: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
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