This book describes the pedagogical benefits of using games and simulations as an educational tool and provides step-by-step scaffolding for educators in political science seeking guidance for developing or adapting games to use in their classroom. The book will focus on every stage of the process, from preplanning (locating an existing game or making your own; aligning your game with course objectives) to implementation (playing the game in your classroom) to the postgame (conducting postmortems with students and assessing the game’s effectiveness). These techniques are illustrated in the book with examples of short and long games as well as testimonials from educators who use games in their classrooms.
The editorial team consists of Edmond Hally, Petra Hendrickson, Alex Smith, and ALPS’s Jen Ostojski and James “Pigeon” Fielder.
Plugging this proposed edited volume as a proud co-editor of Games without Frontiers and Beating the Clock, this volume will add to the discourse by addressing the “how” of classroom games: design, modification, iteration, logistics, facilitation, debriefing, and assessment, all rooted in sound pedagogy.
If you’re interested in contributing to this edited volume, contact the editors at thecaseforgames@zohomail.com. Our deadline for chapter proposals is 1 October 2026.