Play to Learn: Everything You Need to Know About Designing Effective Learning Games book cover

Play to Learn

Everything You Need to Know About Designing Effective Learning Games

Sharon Boller and Karl M. Kapp
3.95(42 Reviews)

Overview of Play to Learn

Transform corporate training with "Play to Learn" - the ultimate guide to designing effective learning games. Named among LinkedIn's Top Voices in Education, co-author Karl Kapp reveals why gamification is revolutionizing how Fortune 500 companies train their talent. Ready to make learning addictive?

Key Themes in Play to Learn

  • game-based learning
  • instructional design
  • corporate training strategy
  • gamification of education
  • active learning mechanics

Quotes from Play to Learn

  • People play games because they enjoy the core dynamic.

  • If players don't learn, it's not a learning game, regardless of how fun it is.

  • Winning must be contingent on learning rather than luck.

  • Poorly designed games yield poor learning outcomes.

Characters in Play to Learn

  • Sharon BollerCo-author and expert in learning game design
  • Karl M. KappCo-author and expert in game-based learning

About the Author

About the Author of Play to Learn

Sharon Boller, a renowned learning design expert and co-author of Play to Learn: Everything You Need to Know About Designing Effective Learning Games, is president of Bottom-Line Performance, a firm specializing in innovative learning solutions.

With over two decades in instructional design, she co-created the award-winning Knowledge Guru platform, which earned a Brandon Hall Gold award for game-based learning technology. Boller’s work bridges corporate training and educational game design, emphasizing practical, science-backed methodologies. Her insights are featured in industry publications and keynote speeches for organizations like ATD and the eLearning Guild.

Karl M. Kapp, a pioneering gamification strategist and professor at Bloomsburg University, co-authored Play to Learn to merge game mechanics with instructional theory. Known for foundational books like The Gamification of Learning and Instruction, he has shaped modern educational practices through TEDx talks and global consulting. His research-driven approach helps organizations transform traditional training into engaging, interactive experiences.

Together, Boller and Kapp combine decades of hands-on experience, offering actionable frameworks for creating impactful learning games. Play to Learn is widely adopted in corporate and academic settings, recognized for blending creativity with evidence-based design. The book has become a staple in instructional design curricula and professional development programs worldwide.

Download Summary of Play to Learn

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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12
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117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
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star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
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12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
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17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
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star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
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star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments
201
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16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
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star
star
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"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
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