Get in the game! The research is clear: human beings are born to play. In Game On? Brain On!, Lindsay Portnoy unpacks the games and playful experiences that invite engagement and deep learning. Using cognitive science to explore the ways in which play helps students acquire and maintain critical skills, Portnoy shows how inviting creativity and excitement into the classroom results in big gains for everyone. She also shares how, by being intentional, educators can create equitable access to playful learning experiences for all children. Through relatable vignettes, ready-to-use examples, and informative "Level Up" toolboxes, Portnoy empowers educators to teach a better way--through play! "Whether you're a n00b or a pro, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for what happens in the mind when engaged in play." --Amber Coleman-Mortley, director of social engagement, iCivics "Lindsay Portnoy brilliantly shows us why and how to bring play's power into classrooms through games." --Peter Gray, research professor of psychology at Boston College "Lindsay Portnoy does a wonderful job emphasizing the importance of play in learning and how we need to ensure that we are addressing equity in terms of play." --Steve Isaacs, teacher, game design and development, Bernards Township Public Schools "Game On? Brain On! is guaranteed to make you feel good while learning about play--just like a great, fun game!"--Dr. Kat (Karen) Schrier, author of Knowledge Games

Making a successful video game is hard. Even games that are successful at launch may fail to engage and retain players in the long term due to issues with the user experience (UX) that they are delivering. The game user experience accounts for the whole experience players have with a video game, from first hearing about it to navigating menus and progressing in the game. UX as a discipline offers guidelines to assist developers in creating the experience they want to deliver, shipping higher quality games (whether it is an indie game, AAA game, or "serious game"), and meeting their business goals while staying true to their design and artistic intent. In a nutshell, UX is about understanding the gamer’s brain: understanding human capabilities and limitations to anticipate how a game will be perceived, the emotions it will elicit, how players will interact with it, and how engaging the experience will be. This book is designed to equip readers of all levels, from student to professional, with neuroscience knowledge and user experience guidelines and methodologies. These insights will help readers identify the ingredients for successful and engaging video games, empowering them to develop their own unique game recipe more efficiently, while providing a better experience for their audience. Key Features Provides an overview of how the brain learns and processes information by distilling research findings from cognitive science and psychology research in a very accessible way. Topics covered include: "neuromyths", perception, memory, attention, motivation, emotion, and learning. Includes numerous examples from released games of how scientific knowledge translates into game design, and how to use a UX framework in game development. Describes how UX can guide developers to improve the usability and the level of engagement a game provides to its target audience by using cognitive psychology knowledge, implementing human-computer interaction principles, and applying the scientific method (user research). Provides a practical definition of UX specifically applied to games, with a unique framework. Defines the most relevant pillars for good usability (ease of use) and good "engage-ability" (the ability of the game to be fun and engaging), translated into a practical checklist. Covers design thinking, game user research, game analytics, and UX strategy at both a project and studio level. Offers unique insights from a UX expert and PhD in psychology who has been working in the entertainment industry for over 10 years. This book is a practical tool that any professional game developer or student can use right away and includes the most complete overview of UX in games existing today.

Looking for a way to challenge young children and feed their creativity. This collection will keep kids focused, thinking, and entertained all at the same time. Inside, find more than 100 brightly designed pages offering a range of boredom-busters for home or on the go.

An activity book that acts as a companion to the TV series Brain games.

Grab a pencil and get ready to become a problem-solving superstar with activities, puzzles, and games that will give your brain a serious boost. Master mystifying mazes, crack coded messages, and uncover the secrets behind optical illusions, all while learning about your own amazing mind.

Give your brain a healthy workout—Anytime, Anywhere. Not just any book of games, this collection by the bestselling author of 399 Games, Puzzles & TriviaChallenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Youngis expertly created to keep your brain in tip-top shape—even while you’re on the go. With its shorter puzzles and portable size, it’s perfect for getting your cognitive exercise in while waiting at the dentist’s office, traveling, or whenever you have a few spare minutes to challenge yourself. Arranged in difficulty from “Easy Does It!” to “Finish Strong!,” these 299 surprisingly fun puzzles target six key cognitive functions: Long-term memory Working memory Executive functioning Attention to detail Multitasking Processing speed