Purposeful Gameplay Report

Digital Adventure 1.

QUANDARY “At the dawn of a new society, how will you decide?”

1. Game Title and Platform
   Quandary is a free, browser-based digital game developed by the nonprofit Learning Games Network, available at quandarygame.org. It runs directly online without installation, making it easily accessible across devices.
2. Playability
   In the game, players take the role of captain of a space colony on the fictional Planet Braxos. Each scenario presents ethical dilemmas, such as how to divide scarce resources or resolve conflicting perspectives among colonists. The interface is intuitive: players select dialogue options, weigh colonists’ arguments, and guide community decisions. Gameplay is point-and-click with branching choices rather than fast reflexes, which keeps the focus on reasoning and problem-solving instead of physical coordination.
3. Potential Promoted Learning Outcomes by Subject Area
   Quandary emphasizes critical thinking, perspective taking, and ethical reasoning, all of which span multiple disciplines:
   • Social Studies / Civics: practicing democratic dialogue and decision-making.
   • Language Arts: constructing arguments, analyzing viewpoints, and engaging in structured debate.
   • STEM/Science: exploring problem-solving in a fictional yet systems-oriented context.
4. Compatibility for Classroom Use
   Because it is web-based, free, and requires no login, Quandary fits well into classroom environments. A single session can be completed in 20–30 minutes, aligning with standard class periods. Teachers can use it for individual play, small-group work, or as a springboard for class discussions.
5. Alignment with Curriculum or Standards
   The game supports educational frameworks that promote 21st-century skills:
   • Collaboration & Communication: students consider diverse voices and viewpoints.
   • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: decisions require weighing evidence and consequences.
   It also connects to Common Core English Language Arts standards, particularly those involving evaluating arguments and supporting claims with evidence.
6. Connections to Assigned Readings
   Quandary reflects ideas from our readings on “Games and Learning.” Scholars emphasize that effective educational games balance engagement with meaningful learning outcomes, avoiding shallow “edutainment.” By embedding authentic moral dilemmas in an interactive story world, the game fosters reflection and discussion. It moves beyond rote learning toward deeper understanding and critical engagement.

September 11, 2025