Understand the Origins of Play and Games
Welcome to Module 23: Origins of Play and Games, where you’ll explore how human beings have used play as a tool for learning, connection, and culture across time.
In this course, you’ll dive deep into the biological, cultural, and historical roots of play and games—and discover why this knowledge is essential for any aspiring game designer or developer.
You’ll earn 1 Credit and gain new insight into how to build more engaging and meaningful play experiences.
Included in:
IVGC+ Membership
What You'll Achieve with this Module
By the end of this module, you’ll understand the deep psychological and social foundations of play, as well as the cultural evolution of games themselves.
You'll come away with a framework for designing gameplay that taps into core human behaviors and motivations—a powerful tool for anyone working in game or interaction design.
This module is designed to change the way you think about games, starting from the very first building blocks of human interaction.
Complete Course Overview
This intermediate-level course consists of two video lectures and a comprehensive 40-question quiz assignment. Here’s what you’ll learn:
Part 1 – Origins of Play
We begin by examining the biological and developmental roots of play itself.
- Understand the meaning and purpose of play in early human life
- Explore how play develops during childhood, forming the foundation for learning and social interaction
- Examine the social and cultural structures that influence play today
- Learn how modern games create virtual social systems that mirror real-world dynamics
This knowledge helps you design games that feel more immersive, relevant, and emotionally impactful.
Part 2 – Origins of Games
Now that we understand play, we move on to the historical development of games.
- Trace the origins of board games, sports, skill games, and games of chance
- Learn how different cultures used games to teach, unite, and entertain
- Identify the key play drivers that have endured over centuries
- Understand how to use these timeless principles to galvanize an audience today
This section will help you create games that feel both fresh and familiar, tapping into deep-rooted cultural patterns.
Skills You'll Develop
This module enhances your understanding of:
- Core psychology of play
- Cultural anthropology of games
- Audience motivation and engagement
- Design empathy and historical awareness
These are powerful assets whether you're designing digital games, tabletop experiences, or interactive learning tools.
Example Curriculum
How You’ll Complete the Course
The IVGC Course offers the flexibility to study at your own pace, with all lessons available online via Teachable. Here’s how you’ll progress:
1. Follow the Video Lectures: Access and stream professionally taught video lectures, with subtitles provided for an enhanced learning experience.
2. Complete the Quiz Assignment:
After watching, take a 40-question quiz to test your understanding of the history, psychology, and function of play and games.
3. Assessment and Credits:
Once you pass the quiz, you’ll receive 1 Credit and move one step further in your journey as a game designer or creative thinker.
Technical Requirements
To complete this course effectively, you will need:
- A stable internet connection
- A device capable of playing video (PC, Mac, tablet, etc.)
Recognized Credits and Certificate
Completing this course earns you 1 Credit. You'll be eligible to request a Certificate of Studies upon completion. These credits can be part of your degree studies or serve as valuable evidence of your skills and interest when applying to European universities.
Rediscover Why We Play
This course is brought to you in partnership with XAMK South-Eastern University of Applied Sciences, Cambridge Gamechanger Ltd (Cambridge Academy of Gaming and Innovation), and Cypherdelic Ltd.
Take a step back and explore how play became one of humanity’s most powerful tools. And then, learn how to use that knowledge in your own creative work!