Combinatorics is a learning game about pathways and choices. Players place road tiles to build maps and explore how many routes exist. The game has three modes. Puzzle Mode lets players solve fixed challenges. Multiplayer Mode lets them set their own goals and negotiate strategies. The Level Editor lets them design and share puzzles.
The game was part of my research on learning through play. It showed how games can support autonomy, social interaction and different learning styles. Results were presented at DiGRA 2011.
Follow-up research won a Top Paper Award at Meaningful Play 2014: The Differences Between Problem-Based and Drill & Practice Games on Motivations to Learn (Menno Deen and Ben A.M. Schouten).
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