Thomas Ellsworth
MFA Digital Animation and Interactive Media, 2024

Project Description:
An endogenous informational game is an educational game in which learning is not driven by learning outcomes but is instead embedded in the narrative, mechanics, and theme of the game. Thomas is applying iterative design to an interdisciplinary design process where the game designers are not specialists in land management practices. Instead, he is applies playtesting and participatory methods to engage with stakeholders, faculty and professionals in the field of land management. The primary outcome of the project will be an analog game (board game) about land management practices, situated in northern Ohio & the western Lake Erie basin. This game will seek to inform a general audience about sustainability issues in current systems of agriculture and water management.

Committee Members:
Scott Swearingen (Advisor), Kyoung Swearingen, Maria Palazzi, Ruth Smith

Keywords:
Endogenous Game Design, Participatory Game Design, Educational Game Design