A game world is a fantasy universe based on a story and a theme.
In learning contexts, such as in schools or professional continuing education, game worlds permit us to teach complex subjects in an engaging way by rehearsing competencies and roles in a fictional narrative.
But games also invite game users into contemplation. In the work of some researchers, contemplative learning is learning that enables deeper engagement by including elements from the learner’s world that enhance the educational context. In a game world, this could mean enabling an understanding of other cultures, reviewing histories of ideas or reflecting on personal reactions to learning while inhabiting new roles and worlds.
