I do think I would explicity teach the process:
Design>Create>Play Test>Tune>Exhibit process. I know this process is not identical to, but I find it very similar to the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle). I think it would be good for students to understand what they are doing, and the process they're going through. Also it would be good lead in to Computer Science/Programming and then they could make the analogy to the SDLC.

I don't know if this makes a good or bad learning experiences. I at this point am just seeing the benefits. I don't think it will inhibit their creativity, although I suppose it could.

I do think they would benefit from knowing many professions use similar processes. I think that's what I was trying to get at in my answer to the first question, although I was not as eloquent in my wording.

Yes, I do think that the core subjects would be more relevant given Epistemic Learning Experiences.

Game development certainly supports the Dan Pink "competencies", and its because of the process used. Students will need to design the game, tell the story, and have some empathy to create a human game.