Playing the Game - The Multiplayer Classroom: Designing Coursework as a Game - page 252

Figure 15.1
Pressing the Power On button.

n Metagame: Even though this class has been designed as a game, to win
it, they must acquire knowledge. And the extent of their learning will be
reflected in their final level.
n Metagame: Explain the rules. And change them only at your peril. More
on this in a moment.
n Game: Introduce them to the lore.

Lore
The game you

ve designed does not need extensive lore. It may be enough to
explain what you mean by killing mobs, questing, and crafting. But we have only
touched the surface of the power of narrative in creating immersion in the
multiplayer classroom. As you saw on Levels 9 and 10, my current class, unlike
earlier classes, is set in the fictional land of Valeria. The players are on a quest
within that world directly tied to coursework. The jury is still out on whether the
extra game elements, and how they are connected to student performance, will
be additional motivators or distractions. But so far, so good.

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