Aesthetics and Design for Game-based Learning
provides learning designers with insight into how the different elements that comprise game aesthetics can inform the design of game-based learning. Regardless of the cognitive complexities involved, games are essentially entertainment media, and aesthetics play a large role in how they are experienced. Yet too often the role of aesthetics in the research about game-based learning has been relegated to a surface discussion of graphics or neglected altogether.
begins by addressing the broad context of game aesthetics, then addresses specific elements with chapters focusing on:
player positioning
game mechanics
narrative design
environment design
character design.
Each chapter includes research and guidelines for design, and a conclusion addresses aesthetics in the research of game-based learning.