Bret Wardle
Understanding the contextual use of game mechanics and applying them to the experiences we use daily.
A digital alchemist based in Salt Lake City, Bret transforms gaming wisdom into groundbreaking user experiences. For over 15 years, he's been decoding the DNA of successful games and weaving that joy into tomorrow's product innovations. Whether he's analyzing the shared psychology between esports champions and software power users, or revealing how arcade-era high scores can revolutionize modern SaaS products, Bret sees connections others miss. His popular TEDx Talk "Can a 90s Video Game be a Standard for Experience Design?" exemplifies his talent for uncovering profound design insights in unexpected places. Part historian, part futurist, and perpetual game evangelist, Bret bridges the worlds of play and productivity to craft experiences that don't just engage users—they transform them. When he's not designing the future of digital interaction, you'll find him exploring the classic games that shaped our digital landscape, always searching for that next breakthrough insight where pixels meet purpose.
Less Talk, More Play: 5 Games Every Interactive Designer Should Experience
Ever caught yourself or a fellow learning designer admitting, "I've never played that game"? There is a critical gap in our field: while we craft gamified experiences, many of us aren't immersing ourselves in the very medium we're adapting.
In this hands-on, interactive session, we'll dive into five revolutionary games that shaped not just gaming history, but also the fundamental principles of engagement we use today. More than just talk - we'll play them together!
Journey through:
- Mancala: At roughly 8000 years old, this is often cited as the first organized “game”... But what is a game vs play? And how complicated do games really need to be?
- Dungeons & Dragons: Experience firsthand how the grandfather of table-top role-playing games (TTRPG) masterfully weaves character development, storytelling, and chance into an enduring social experience
- Space Invaders: Discover how this arcade phenomenon birthed competitive gaming and the addictive 'one more try' loop
- Pokémon: Discover how a game created an omni-channel experience, and had the whole world thinking they “Gotta Catch 'em All"
- Minecraft: Unlock the secrets behind the world's most successful sandbox experience and its brilliant balance of systems versus content
No complex setups or gaming experience required (But there may be some downloads if you want to fully immerse yourself).
Come prepared to play, laugh, and discover how these gaming landmarks can transform your approach to learning design. Leave with practical insights, new perspectives, and maybe even some prizes!
