I think you're missing the point. The goal is not to manipulate the player into learning information through gamification. Transmitting information is not the c

I think you're missing the point. The goal is not to manipulate the player into learning information through gamification. Transmitting information is not the challenging part of education. Conceptual knowledge and engagement are. Unfortunately, most educational games are terrible. However, I think if done correctly, games can be a more efficient, engaging, and motivating method of understanding a concept. I wouldn't call it "adding sawdust to a cookie". I think you can have your cookie and eat it too.