Grow-A-Game: A Tool for Values Conscious Design and Analysis of Digital Games

Abstract

This paper discusses a tool developed by the Values at Play (VAP) project to facilitate values-conscious design and analysis of digital games. Our tool, called the Grow-A- Game cards, has been implemented and assessed in numerous advanced and beginner game design courses. Here, we report five case studies of Grow-A-Game exercises, each demonstrating how the cards can be used to produce innovative and interesting values- focused designs and/or guide meaningful exploration of the relationship between values and games.