Games are creating experiences for people and awakening any sense of wonder and curiosity, Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Fellow and Program Director David Gagnon said Tuesday at the monthly WIN luncheon held at the Sheraton Hotel.

The presentation, featuring Gagnon and three other experts, focused on what current research says about how educational games affect learning and other behaviors, particularly in younger users.

In addition to games creating experiences, Gagnon said he sees games as a “gateway to the world.”

University of Wisconsin Games Learning and Society Co-Founder Dr. Richard Halverson agrees and believes there should be a stronger digital making environment in schools.

“What you teach doesn’t mean they always learn,” Halverson said. “Games get people to care. They find ways to motivate kids to ask questions and get engaged.”

Motivation extends beyond in-game experience, too, according to the panel.

“At Filament Games we really focus on the after-game experience,” Filament Games Co-Founder Dan White said. “What are the users’ new abilities, perspectives, behaviors and attitudes.”