Raph Koster: What Are the Benefits of Playing Games?

Raph Koster: What Are the Benefits of Playing Games?

What are the benefits of playing games? Can games teach you skills for the modern day? Despite the fact that many people think games (especially video games) are a negative influence and distract you from the real world, Raph Koster asserts that games are actually beneficial in many ways. Koster says that games can teach you a number of skills including teamwork, lateral thinking, and can even teach you self-insight. Below are the benefits of playing games according to A Theory of Fun for Game Design author Raph Koster.

What Is the Meaning of Fun? Game Design Advice

What Is the Meaning of Fun? Game Design Advice

What is the meaning of fun in terms of game design? How can understanding the psychology of fun help you design a better game? Psychologically, fun is the release of dopamine you get when you learn something or complete a task. This is why Raph Koster asserts that games must include an element of learning, comprehension, and mastery to be enjoyable. If you’re designing a game, here are some things to consider.

How Science Works: The 3 Basic Aspects of Science

How Science Works: The 3 Basic Aspects of Science

Do you understand how science works? Does it operate on proof or consensus? How does it handle uncertainty? Science impacts all of us, so we would do well to understand how science works. It’s helpful to know the basics of the peer review process, how the scientific community deals with uncertainty, and what scientists mean when they use the word “cause.” Read more to learn the basics of how science works.

A Theory of Fun for Game Design: Book Overview

A Theory of Fun for Game Design: Book Overview

What is A Theory of Fun for Game Design about? Can games be more than just a distraction from reality? In his book A Theory of Fun for Game Design, Raph Koster discusses the theories behind games such as what makes a game fun, what games can teach, and how games can provide us with insight into ourselves. These are essential concepts to consider whether you’re making a board game or a video game. Here is a brief overview of A Theory of Fun for Game Design.

Understand Investing: The Key to Financial Security

Understand Investing: The Key to Financial Security

Do you know what passive income and socially responsible investing are? What about dividends? Would you like to understand investing better? If you want to make sure you have enough money for the rest of your life, you’ll benefit from understanding investing terminology and basic principles. Knowing the ins and outs of risk tolerance, investment fees, and the like will give you—and your money—an advantage. Read on to understand investing better.

The Chimp Paradox: Worksheets for Your Inner Chimp

The Chimp Paradox: Worksheets for Your Inner Chimp

Are you looking for The Chimp Paradox worksheets to help you better understand the book? How can you use these exercises to recognize and control your inner Chimp?  In The Chimp Paradox, Steve Peters offers advice for finding success, confidence, and happiness. This includes how to communicate effectively, how to manage stress, and what to do when your emotional Chimp is taking over.  Keep reading for The Chimp Paradox worksheets, inspired by Steve Peters’ book. 

The Ultimate Guide to Reading History Books

The Ultimate Guide to Reading History Books

Why does reading history books have such an impact on people’s actions? What are the different types of historical works? According to Mortimer Adler in How to Read a Book, reading history books is so impactful because rather than reading about some fantasy world or dystopia, you’re learning from actual events and people who lived. It’s important to learn how people act in different times and places. Here’s how Mortimer Adler says you should read history books and why you should read them.

How to Read Imaginative Literature: Adler’s Advice

How to Read Imaginative Literature: Adler’s Advice

How is reading imaginative literature different than reading expository writing? What four questions should you ask about the book? In How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler says that reading imaginative literature such as novels, plays, and poetry should be approached differently than informational books. The main difference is that imaginative literature is trying to convey emotions and experiences. Here’s how you can read imaginative literature like a pro.

How to Critique a Book the Mortimer Adler Way

How to Critique a Book the Mortimer Adler Way

Want to know how to critique a book the right way? Why is it important to critique the books you read? According to Mortimer Adler, the author of How to Read a Book, your job as a reader is to determine which of her problems the author has solved, which she has not, and decide if the author knew she had failed to solve them— because there is no book that is free of fault. This is how you properly critique a book according to Adler.