A Formal Approach to Distinguishing Games, Toys, and Serious Games

In this episode, Zaynab and Yassin explore a fascinating research paper that dissects the subtle differences between games, toys, and serious games. The paper presents a formal taxonomy for understanding how these artifacts differ in purpose, structure, and functionality. From defining intrinsic goals in games to repurposing toys for serious applications, this deep dive uncovers how serious games are being used in fields like healthcare, education, and beyond. The hosts also discuss how games are used for cognitive training, data sharing, and even medical rehabilitation. Whether you're a gamer or just curious about the expanding role of play in problem-solving, this episode will leave you rethinking the power of serious fun.

:ink to the publication: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9809837