Teaching and learning game design with the concept of gameplay loops

The field of games education builds on several established educational approaches, combining game analysis and game design, theory and practice. However, most approaches do not offer a primary focus on the dynamic aspect of gameplay, one of the most salient features of digital games. Therefore, the present article suggests the gameplay loop methodology as a teaching and learning tool for games education. This methodology provides a formalized yet accessible, flexible and creative way to analyse and design gameplay, the essence of digital games. In addition to an introduction of the methodology as a tool for games education, the article delivers evidence from a case study investigating the outcomes of a game design/game analysis course and subsequent collaborative project work. Our data demonstrate the approach’s potential to enhance students’ understanding of the methodology, in particular, and gameplay, in general, as well as their motivation and capacity to independently apply it in a game development project.