Mathematics and non-school gameplay

This chapter investigates the mathematics in the gameplay of three popular games (Angry Birds, Plants vs. Zombies and The Sims) that are unlikely to be played in mathematics lessons. The three games are different but each has been observed to provide opportunity for mathematical activity in gameplay. After describing each game, and the mathematics that can arise in gameplay, the chapter explores two questions: What kind of mathematics is afforded in these games? Can these games be used in/for school mathematics? Issues considered under the first question include: the nature of mathematics and the difficulty of isolating the mathematics in non-school gameplay; players’ strategic actions as mathematical actions; and ‘truth’ and its warrants in different mathematical worlds. Issues considered under the second question include: tensions between curricula expectations and the mathematics that rise in gameplay; and possible changes in gameplay when a game is moved from a leisure to an educational setting.