Video Games and Creativity

Video games have become an increasingly ubiquitous part of society due to the proliferation and use of mobile devices.  Video Games and Creativity explores research on the relationship between video games and creativity with regard to play, learning, and game design.  It answers such questions as:

• Can video games be used to develop or enhance creativity?
• Is there a place for video games in the classroom?
• What types of creativity are needed to develop video games?

While video games can be sources of entertainment, the role of video games in the classroom has emerged as an important component of improving the education system.  The research and development of game-based learning has revealed the power of using games to teach and promote learning.  In parallel, the role and importance of creativity in everyday life has been identified as a requisite skill for success.

• Summarizes research relating to creativity and video games
• Incorporates creativity research on both game design and game play
• Discusses physical design, game mechanics, coding, and more
• Investigates how video games may encourage creative problem solving
• Highlights applications of video games for educational purposes

James C. Kaufman, PhD, is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. He is the author/editor of more than 30 books and 250 papers. Dr. Kaufman co-founded two APA journals (Psychology of Popular Media Culture and Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts) and is a Past President of APA’s Division 10. He was won numerous awards, including the Torrance Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, the Berlyne and Farnsworth Awards from APA, and Mensa’s research award.