Game: Order of the Sinking Star (free demo)
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 1:00 AM→Thursday, July 30, 2026 2:30 AM
Location: Online. Join with Google Meet
We’ll be discussing the demo for Order of the Sinking Star, an upcoming puzzle game directed by Jonathan Blow.
What can educational games learn from an ambitious, meticulously crafted puzzle game? Puzzle games teach players their mechanics, introduce ideas through a gradual progression, and evoke the pleasure of learning and discovery. As the game’s director put it: “All games are educational. Just, most don’t have real-world applicability.”
The design philosophy behind Order of the Sinking Star includes:
- Designing for intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards
- Every puzzle communicates a clear idea and is only as difficult as that idea requires. Puzzles are not hard for the sake of being hard.
Alongside playing the demo, you may want to:
- Watch the trailer
- Listen to an in-depth interview with the game’s director
- Share feedback in the game’s Discord
Housekeeping
- Playing the game before the event is encouraged but not required. The event is dedicated to discussion.
- The event is open to everyone so feel free to invite others.
- Suggest an educational game or prototype for a future event.
Questions? Comments? Email EducationalGameClub@gmail.com.
About Educational Game Club
It’s like a book club but for educational games. Each month we pick one, play it, and then meet to discuss it.
Subscribe to Educational Game Club to get notified each time we schedule an event.