The Importance of Playing Together

It struck me that the benefits of playing Minecraft together (in school and out) mirrors much of what is desirable about living and working together in society. As I was combing through numerous sites on gaming, the ethos that is emerging in many companies demands the tolerant attitudes, 'new' literacy skills of  the creative and collaborative "affinity spaces" Gee (2007) referred to in his works.

One such company GLS Studios invites involvement from the public, especially teachers -

our space is a place where educators are encouraged to ask what is possible for the future of learning rather than get too bogged down in the system that is


This is empowering. The social relationships that are possible when businesses encourage this dynamic, the fluid agency when all stakeholder have a role to play - together- is a changed dynamic. If our students can become stronger together by playing together, building together - in Minecraft, then is it idealistic to think they may transfer more to their 'real' lived experiences?

Perhaps Minecraft is a stepping stone for new designers and programmers who will expand video games even further than they are currently.  Pattie Umali, a guest blogger with ASCD, envisions in her post "Gaming For Global Education The New Medium?" -

"In today’s global society, we need games that introduce young people to their international peers and their peers’ lives all around the world. We should have games that fully represent the current scope of humanity around the globe". I concur and believe developing insights into historical, sociological, political and the anthropological - the stories and the studies of people" can be the next step. But first we need to start playing together. 

Image from here