What’s the Difference Between Normal Games Like Mario and Educational Games Like Prodigy?
When we think of video games, titles like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda often come to mind—iconic adventures designed purely for fun. But in recent years, games like Prodigy have emerged, blending entertainment with learning. While both types of games engage players, their core purposes, mechanics, and outcomes differ significantly. Let’s explore what sets traditional “fun-first” games apart from educational ones.
1. Core Goals: Entertainment vs. Learning
The most obvious distinction lies in their primary objectives. Classic games like Mario prioritize entertainment. The goal is to immerse players in a vibrant world where they overcome challenges, defeat enemies, and unlock achievements—all for the sake of enjoyment. The satisfaction comes from beating levels, discovering secrets, or mastering skills like timing jumps or solving puzzles.
Educational games like Prodigy, however, are built with a dual mission. While they aim to entertain, their foundation revolves around teaching specific subjects—math, in Prodigy’s case. Players solve problems, answer questions, or complete tasks tied to curriculum standards. The fun isn’t just in winning; it’s in progressing through educational content. For example, defeating a monster in Prodigy might require solving a math equation, turning learning into a gameplay mechanic.
2. Design and Mechanics
Game design also reflects these differing priorities. In Mario, mechanics are crafted to challenge reflexes, creativity, and persistence. Players navigate obstacles, collect power-ups, and experiment with strategies to reach the end of a level. The focus is on skill mastery and exploration, with no hidden agenda beyond the game’s world.
Educational games, by contrast, weave learning into every interaction. In Prodigy, battles are turn-based, and each move depends on correctly answering math questions. The game adapts to the player’s skill level, offering harder problems as they improve. This design ensures that players are consistently practicing targeted skills, even if they don’t realize it. While traditional games might include puzzles or logic challenges, they’re incidental to the main experience—not a structured part of progression.
3. Progression Systems
Rewards and progression differ too. In Mario, success is measured by collecting coins, earning extra lives, or unlocking new worlds. The feedback loop is immediate: jump on a Goomba, hear the satisfying “crunch,” and see your score increase. These rewards reinforce gameplay but don’t tie to real-world skills.
Educational games use progression to motivate learning. Prodigy rewards players with in-game currency, gear, or pets for solving math problems. These incentives keep kids engaged while reinforcing the idea that effort leads to growth. Research shows that such systems can boost motivation in subjects students might otherwise avoid. However, critics argue that over-reliance on extrinsic rewards (like virtual items) might overshadow intrinsic curiosity. Traditional games, meanwhile, focus on intrinsic rewards—the joy of overcoming a tough level or discovering a hidden area.
4. Audience and Long-Term Impact
While both types of games appeal to children, their audiences often diverge. Mario targets anyone seeking entertainment, regardless of age or interests. Its simplicity and nostalgia make it a timeless choice for casual play. Educational games like Prodigy, however, are usually designed for school-aged kids and tailored to align with classroom standards. Parents and teachers often introduce these games as supplements to formal education, hoping to make learning feel less like a chore.
The long-term impacts also vary. Traditional games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills (in multiplayer settings). However, their benefits are indirect and not tied to academic outcomes. Educational games, on the other hand, aim for measurable improvements in specific areas. Studies suggest that well-designed educational games can enhance retention and engagement in subjects like math or science. For instance, Prodigy claims its users show improved test scores and confidence in solving equations.
5. Balancing Fun and Function
A common critique of educational games is that they sometimes sacrifice fun for functionality. If the learning feels too forced, kids might lose interest. The best educational titles, like Prodigy, strike a balance by embedding lessons into engaging stories or competitive mechanics. Players focus on the adventure or battle system, with learning happening almost subconsciously.
Traditional games don’t face this tension—their only job is to entertain. This freedom allows developers to prioritize creativity and innovation without worrying about educational outcomes. The result is a wider variety of genres, from platformers to open-world RPGs, each offering unique experiences.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding these differences helps parents, educators, and gamers make informed choices. For a child struggling with math, a game like Prodigy could turn practice into a rewarding experience. For someone looking to unwind after school, Mario provides a stress-free escape. Both have value, but they serve distinct roles.
Moreover, the rise of educational games reflects a broader shift in how we approach learning. Gamification—applying game elements to non-game contexts—has become a powerful tool in education. By making learning interactive and personalized, games like Prodigy meet kids where they are: in a digital, fast-paced world.
The Future of Gaming and Learning
As technology evolves, the line between “normal” and “educational” games may blur. We’re already seeing hybrid models, like Minecraft’s Education Edition, which combines creativity with lessons in coding or history. Meanwhile, traditional games are incorporating more educational elements organically—for example, Assassin’s Creed games featuring historical settings that spark curiosity about real-world events.
Ultimately, whether a game is “just for fun” or designed to teach, the key is intentionality. Games like Mario remind us of the joy of play, while titles like Prodigy show how play can shape minds. Both are valid, both are valuable—and both are here to stay.
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