ZAG: ZA Game-Based Learning Association

🎮✨ Welcome to ZAG 2026!
ZA Game‑Based Learning Association
Hello and welcome to ZAG—a growing community that believes learning can be active, playful, meaningful, and impactful. 🧩🎲
ZAG was created for educators, researchers, designers, students, and curious minds who believe that games and play can transform how we teach and learn—not just by making learning more fun, but by creating spaces for collaboration, creativity, and real‑world problem‑solving.
In 2026, ZAG is all about:
🌍 Building community across South Africa (and beyond)
🧠 Sharing ideas, research, tools, and practice
🎯 Using play with intention—not gimmicks
🤝 Learning together, no matter your level of experience
You don’t need to be a gamer.
You don’t need fancy technology.
You just need curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
🎲 Roll the dice
▶️ Press start
🧠 Play with purpose
We’re so glad you’re here—welcome to ZAG 2026.
Let’s learn, play, and grow together!
👇 Tell us in the comments:
What excites you most about game‑based learning?

Game On: Why It Matters

Students learn better when they’re engaged. Game-based learning boosts motivation, deepens understanding, and fosters collaboration. Ready to change the game?

“We’re launching a Community of Practice for educators, designers, and dreamers who believe in the power of play. Want in?
Drop a 🎮 below!
”

“Game-based learning isn’t just play, it’s pedagogy with purpose. Curious how games can transform education? Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Let’s explore together. ”

🎉 Spotlight on Playful Patterns & Dr Marguerite van der Merwe, PhD 🎲🛝
We’re still riding the post-play high after two incredible days at the Playful Patterns Symposium! A huge shoutout to Marguerite van der Merwe, PhD, whose vision and leadership brought this vibrant, interdisciplinary celebration of play to life.
From LEGO Serious Play to critical play, photovoice as a playful pedagogy, gamified AI education, and playful and gamified learning across a wide range of disciplines, the symposium showcased the power of play in higher education and beyond. It was better than we could have imagined a joyful, thought-provoking, and deeply collaborative experience.
We’re already looking forward to the next one! 🌟
📍 Hosted 6–7 October

#play #playfullearning #adultplay #playinhighered | Marguerite van der Merwe, PhD My head is still buzzing and I’ve been feeling a post-play high after two wonderful days of the Playful Patterns symposium. The event turned out even better than I’d hoped, bringing together people doing exciting play related things from across disciplines and institutions. I’m so grateful to ...

Something Playful is Coming…
Are you ready to change the game in education?
Introducing ZAG – ZA Game-Based Learning Association:
A collaborative space where pedagogy meets play, and every educator gets a turn to shine.

ZAG is your new home for innovation, connection, and impact.
💡 Join us as we reimagine teaching and learning through the power of play.
📬 Stay tuned for launch details, events, and ways to get involved!
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash