After further exploration and analysis of the video game “MissionUS”, I have found a couple more of Gee’s principles to be present. As I explained in my first blog post, identity is definitely the most obvious one, given that a major aspect of the game is becoming a character and making decisions. After further thought, I have found Gee’s principle of Customize to also appear in Mission. When you first sign up for the game, players can enter their age/grade range to get information presented to them that best fits. Furthermore, one of my favorite aspects of the game was the fact that players are able to decide which historical time period they would like to play with. If students are playing this game just for fun, then they can choose whatever time is most interesting to them. However, the customizable aspect of this game also serves as a great tool for teachers because this game would be a great extra activity for students to do with whatever unit of study they are on in history class. Say that a class is studying World War II, their teacher can assign them to play the “Prisoner in my Homeland” component so that they can get a different perspective in the war in an engaging way.
Moreover, Gee’s principle of Sandboxes is also seen in Mission. As stated in his article, Gee defines and describes the concept of Sandboxes further, “Using the term metaphorically, sandboxes are good for learning: if learners are put into a situation that feels like the real thing, but with the risks and dangers greatly mitigated, they can learn well and still feel a sense of authenticity and accomplishment” (Gee 39). Mission definitely encompasses this principle because the simulation style of it and incredible design elements puts players right into the action and makes the game feel very real. Also, with it being a choose your own adventure game, Mission allows for players to make their own decisions without the pressure of “winning” the game. There is a lot of room for exploration and I like that this game can turn out differently for everybody who plays!
Article link: https://dshutkin386.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/gee2007goodgamesgoodlearning.pdf
Julia's ED 386 Educational Technology Blog 
I really enjoyed reading about and playing your game. I really think sandboxing is such a great principle for our games to include. Overall I heavily agree with Gee when it comes to sandboxes, they are just really good for learning. Showing students real life situations and then giving them opportunities to make their own choices, bump into consequences for their actions and feel a sense of accomplishment. I really think this may be the best form of video games to introduce to students in the classroom. I love that there is no win or lose in the game “MissionUS” leaving tons of opportunity for exploration open and leaving students with hours and hours of fun.
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