Each year I am excited when I receive my invitation to be a judge for the GEE! Learning Game Awards run by the Play Make Learn conference at the University of Wisconsin. The award recognizes the significant impact of the learning theories used by good games described by James Paul Gee.
My team played a series of games, each time evaluating to what extent they matched or diverged from Gee’s framework. The game which stood out from the pack is Star Stuff. Below is a piece I prepared for the Gee! Awards blog, describing the game and why it won. I created the blog post by interviewing the three judges, transcribing it through Otter.ai, editing it down to focus on the topic, posted the raw data into chatGPT, then asked the AI to combine into a blog post which I then edited.
I hope this piece both introduces you to a fun game while also exploring how Gee’s ideas are a powerful framework that game designs can use to create games with impact.
Exploring the Cosmic Puzzles of Star Stuff: A Fun and Engaging Adventure
Game analysis by Akiva Joseph, Paolo Gambardella, and Monica Fan; Editing by Barry Joseph; writing by chatGPT
Star Stuff is an exciting game that offers players a “cosmic puzzle automation adventure that mixes bot programming with real-time shenanigans.” Its designers set out to extract the essence of big ideas and make them accessible. With Star Stuff, their coding mechanics and bot interactions immerse the player in procedural logic & systems thinking while keeping the programming mechanic simple & fun. This opens up a world where you’re able to focus on planning rather than getting caught up in the code itself. As players move through the game, they gain confidence by having the agency to easily experiment with new mechanics and practice breaking down big problems one step at a time.
Star Stuff is a Sokoban-style game – in which a player has to solve puzzles requiring the movement of objects – combined with a programming mechanic – as the player has to code robots to assist with the movement activity. The game requires the player to become fluent in the use of a pseudocode to control the movement of the robots, time their player’s movement to collaborate with the robots, and tackle one challenge at a time in a sequence as the levels get harder and new tools are introduced for tackling each one.
In this post, we’ll delve into the mechanics and features of Star Stuff and how it exemplifies many of James Paul Gee’s 13 Principles of Good Learning Games. From Agency and Customization to Sequencing and Situated Meaning, Star Stuff offers players a captivating space to learn and have fun.
1. Agency: Feeling the Impact of Your Actions
Star Stuff provides players with a sense of agency by allowing them to experiment with different combinations and learn through trial and error. Each action in the game has a consequence, reinforcing the idea that players’ choices matter. The game offers direct feedback on mistakes, empowering players to make informed decisions.
2. Customization: Solving Problems Your Way
Star Stuff embraces customization by offering multiple solutions to puzzles. Players can devise their own strategies and find alternative ways to complete levels, providing a tailored learning experience. It encourages players to think creatively and adapt their approach to suit their learning needs and preferences.
3. Identity: Clear Goals and Sense of Purpose
The game establishes a clear goal and sense of purpose for players, enhancing their sense of identity within the game world. By creating stars through solving puzzles, players have a long-term objective that drives their engagement. Star Stuff’s world-building and unique twist on star creation further reinforce the player’s sense of purpose.
4. Manipulation: Discovering New Mechanics
Manipulation plays a significant role in Star Stuff. With each new level, players encounter fresh mechanics that they must discover and learn through experimentation. The absence of a tutorial encourages players to test and manipulate elements within the game to understand how these new mechanics function.
5. Sequencing: Gradual Complexity and Skill Progression
Star Stuff employs a sequencing principle that gradually introduces more challenging puzzles as players progress. Foundational skills are built upon, ensuring players have a solid understanding of the game mechanics. Each new challenge allows players to apply previously learned skills in new and innovative ways.
6. The Pleasantly Frustrating Principle: Rewarding Challenges
Star Stuff incorporates the principle of pleasantly frustrating gameplay. Overcoming challenges yields rewards, such as obtaining star fragments, which contribute to a sense of progress. Unlocking new puzzles introduces new mechanics, maintaining player engagement even when faced with initial frustration.
7. Cycle of Expertise: Applying Skills in New Contexts
The cycle of expertise is a fundamental aspect of Star Stuff. Players acquire skills to overcome specific challenges and then practice those skills until they become second nature. However, the game continually challenges players to apply their expertise in new contexts, encouraging them to think critically and find innovative solutions.
8. Just-in-Time Information: Contextual Guidance
Star Stuff provides information and explanations at the right time, avoiding overwhelming players with excessive tutorials. New functions are introduced as they become relevant to the gameplay, ensuring that players receive necessary information when needed, enhancing their understanding and retention.
9. Fish Tank: Learning Through Experimentation
Star Stuff excels at creating a fish tank environment, allowing players to explore and experiment within contained levels. Each puzzle is self-contained within one screen, enabling players to try different approaches without disrupting the overall game progress. This promotes hands-on learning and discovery.
10. Skills Under Strategies: Motivating Skill Acquisition
Star Stuff motivates players to learn essential skills by embedding them within a larger problem-solving context. By connecting skills to a broader strategy and narrative, the game ensures that players are motivated to acquire and apply these skills effectively.
11. System and Model: Grasping Complex Concepts
Star Stuff effectively communicates complexity by presenting various interconnected systems within the game. Players must analyze these systems, including their character, items, and programmable robots, to create mental models and develop strategies for puzzle-solving. The game encourages critical thinking and exploration.
12. Situated Meaning: Contextualized Learning
Star Stuff embraces the principle of situated meaning through the use of pseudocode. Players must understand and utilize pseudocode within the game’s context to direct robot actions effectively. The game demonstrates that meaning is not inherent in words or symbols alone but depends on the situation in which they are used.
Ultimately, Star Stuff offers a captivating and enjoyable gaming experience that embodies numerous learning principles. From empowering agency and customization to the gradual progression of challenges and the contextualized learning of situated meaning, the game effectively integrates educational elements within a fun and engaging space.
Embark on a cosmic adventure, challenge your problem-solving skills, and explore the wonders of Star Stuff!
