[choffstein]

My sister just released a game early access on Steam[1] called "The Counting Kingdom"[2]. It targets the U.S. core math curriculum for 6-8 year olds.

The idea is that by embedding mathematics into the core mechanics of the gameplay – instead of having it simply be a hurdle players have to get by before they get to further gaming (e.g. a popup quiz) – will allow players to consistently reinforce, grow, and retain their learning without necessarily consciously thinking about learning. It's learning through play.

I think the notion has legs, but I think it will really take a strong effort between game developers and educators alike.

[1] http://store.steampowered.com/app/302750/ [2] http://www.countingkingdomgame.com/

[viviantan]

Hi choffstein, I'm also one of the Mathbreakers founders.

Counting Kingdom looks awesome -- thanks for sharing! We definitely share the same philosophy about learning through games. Popup worksheets != gameplay!

We'd love to chat and nerd out with you and your sister. How do we reach you?

Cheers! Vivian

[choffstein]

You can grab her by e-mail: [e-mail] or twitter: @LittleWorldsInt

[viviantan]

Sweet. Thanks!

[ppog]

I passed the "The Counting Kingdom" and "Mathbreakers" links on to a friend for her children (aged 7 and 9). Not only were they enthusiastic about what they saw, but they decided then and there to create their own "monster maths game" for show and tell. There is no better way to learn than to teach, and if this new breed of educational games not only motivates children to exercise skills, but also engages their creativity to create their own learning tools, that would be an astounding success.

[cheald]

Thanks for the link! It looks really well done - I just bought it and can't wait to see how my son likes it tomorrow. :)

To the Mathbreakers folks: Having a Steam presence is a really good way to facilitate impulse purchases, I'm just sayin'...