Operation ΜΗΝΙΣ

In this worked example, we examine the UConn game/course Operation ΜΗΝΙΣ/CAMS1101 “Greek Civilization” as an illustration of the problem of ruleset-mapping in learning games. Through an example of a crucial humanities learning objective, textual analysis, we explore the idea that key affordances of game-based learning come from rules and not from content, whether that content is 3D graphics or physics facts. The format of Operation ΜΗΝΙΣ, in which an alternate-reality game encloses a role-playing game, permits a ruleset that fosters culturally-sensitive textual analysis as an essential element of the course’s gameplay. We suggest that the importance of achieving learning outcomes in skills like textual analysis may make low-tech text-based games just as successful as (if not more successful than) video games at producing favorable student outcomes.