The Iceberg Model of Games and Education: Deep Learning Beyond the Surface

This video is a recording of my recent talk with Jonathan deHaan at DiGRA Japan 2025 (Summer Meet-up). The presentation is in Japanese, but there is an AI-dubbed version in English available (→ ⚙️)

🎯 What’s it about?

The talk introduces the Iceberg Model of Games and Education—a framework that moves beyond surface-level gamification (badges, points, leaderboards) to show how games can foster deeper learning. We outline seven layers of educational engagement with games:

• Gamification
• Gameplay
• Discussion about games
• Critical game analysis
• Pedagogical integration
• Game creation
• Transformative experiences

At the deepest levels, when guided by intentional educational design, games become more than tools—they act as cultural texts that promote critical thinking, creativity, and social participation.

📌 Why watch?

If you’re a teacher, researcher, or policymaker, this talk is meant to spark conversation about where we are now and what’s possible in the future of game-based learning.

[Related content]

• 🖼️ Slides
• 📜 Pre-print (Japanese version)

An English version of this paper is in review. I’ll update the related content when (if) it is published.