Abstract: Both interdisciplinary studies and game-based learning, specifically design-based games, help students understand factors inherent in complex systems. This is a key skill necessary for problem-solving success. This presentation explores our use of game-based learning in interdisciplinary courses over the past decade. We focus on design-based games that allow students to play and create their own virtual worlds using digital storytelling and visual coding to understand their own thinking. We will show sample original games and concept maps. We will also highlight best practices for implementing interdisciplinary game-based learning in general education curricula.