“How Does The Story End?”

Formative research suggests that there is great potential for using incomplete games as a tool for extending learning in the regular school classroom, in after-school clubs, and in field trip experiences. By placing deliberately unfinished games in front of pre-teen and early teen players and inviting them to offer constructive suggestions for the game’s completion, students have structured opportunities to reflect on and deepen their understanding of relevant academic content and game mechanics. The paper cites specific examples from recent practice and offers suggestions as to the attributes needed by effective program leaders to make the best use of these games.