Here is a Diana Oblinger article on simulations, games and learning.

http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3004.pdf

Much of what I read here I have read before however, it seems to resonate more for me coming from Diana Oblinger. A couple things that I have not heard or at least not seen so aptly put includes:

When defining the role of games in learning and how games are evolving Diana states:"Rather than their simpler predecessors, today’s games are coming to represent “distributed authentic professionalism,”...This isn't new information but I appreciate how well stated it is here.

I also appreciate Diana recognizing that "not all games are good for all learners or for all learning outcomes." She goes on to state, amongst other points, that effective learning strategies can go beyond the actual game play which I can verify from our experience at OUWB.

OUWB developed and tested a game on intergenerational workplace issues several months ago. During testing, it became glowingly clear that a minimal amount if any learning actually happened during the game. It was after the game during discussions amongst the participants who were critiquing both the game and their own choices that you could clearly see learning happening.