In groups or alone, with a board or on our phones, we all play games. You may debate this. Ludologists, who study games and play in great earnestness, debate it all the time.

But if you believe well-respected game designer Jesse Schell that “A game is a problem-solving activity, approached with a playful attitude,” then you’ll agree that just about anything can be a game.

Work, school, life, laundry, all of it, open to play.

Fortunately, we learn by playing games, and learning is what it’s all about. That’s why from our earliest days parents and teachers have been encouraging us to play.

It’s well established that games offer us unparalleled opportunities to practice creative problem solving, strategizing, and systems thinking. They’ve even been shown to aid in the cultivation of emotional intelligence and compassion.

From a learning perspective, games can be truly transformative.

At Madison College Libraries, we’re serious about games.

We’ve collected hundreds of books on game design and development.

We provide access to thousands of videos and tutorials to learn the art and science of game making.  We link to tens of thousands of full-text academic articles where you can research the social, political, and economic impacts of games and gaming.

Of course, if you just want to play, we have plenty of computers to explore online learning games, as well as a pile of board games available in our Blue Zone.

Come and checkout games at Madison College Libraries.