This paper presents evidence describing how a single player typing game' designed for use on a low-cost (∼US$10) computing platform' was utilized as a computer-supported collaborative learning activity. The group computer interaction was found to consistently induce verbal language experiences that extended the potential educational utility of the highly limited 8-bit computing platform. Building on these experiences' we describe some of the design implications for promoting participatory learning with video games' particularly in low-income households and developing contexts.@en