Game on, Think Deep, Level up: Engaging Higher Education Students in a Digital Game Analysis and Critique Curricular Unit

André Carita

ABSTRACT:
This paper explores the importance and challenges of teaching a digital game analysis and critique curricular unit to students on a digital game course. The central research question guiding this study is: How can educators effectively teach students to critically analyse digital games as cultural artifacts and forms of media expression? Digital games, as a medium of cultural significance, require an in-depth approach to teaching their analysis. The paper begins with an introduction to the importance of digital game analysis in contemporary education, discussing the role of digital games as a medium for expression and the need for critical perspectives in their study. It also highlights the existing approaches and research gaps that still need to be addressed. The methodology section outlines strategies for teaching while the results and findings sections discuss the outcomes of implementing these strategies in educational settings and considers the practical exercises used as case studies throughout the semester in the past five years (from 2019/2020 to 2023/2024). Finally, the paper concludes with insights on the effectiveness of discussing digital games in the classroom and recommendations for future research and practice.

KEY WORDS:
active learning, creative writing, critical thinking, critique, digital games, hands-on activities, peer learning, student engagement.

DOI:
10.34135/actaludologica.2025-8-1.32-49

HOW TO CITE:
Carita, A. (2025). Game on, think deep, level up: Engaging higher education students in a digital game analysis and critique curricular unit. Acta Ludologica, 8(1), 32–49. https://doi.org/10.34135/actaludologica.2025-8-1.32-49

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