DeMaria delves deeply into the realities of the gaming world, analyzing both the business forces driving game development and the unique qualities that distinguish video games from all other popular media. Drawing on the latest research on play and learning, he explains that it is precisely these qualities—a combination DeMaria calls the "magic edge"—that make video games such potentially powerful tools. He shows how games can be designed to integrate content that educates, inspires, motivates, and empowers players—even as they lure them in with their drama and thrill them with special effects—and offers numerous examples of popular games that do just that.
 
Key Features

DeMaria presents video games in a new light and details many of the ways they can facilitate learning.

As Rusel DeMaria shows, video games may represent one of the most powerful learning technologies ever invented.

Delves deeply into the realities of the gaming world, analyzing both the business forces driving game development and the unique qualities that distinguish video games from all other popular media.

Drawing on the latest research on play and learning, he explains that it is precisely these qualities—a combination DeMaria calls the "magic edge"—that make video games such potentially powerful tools.