Gamestorming #13: Future Game Ideas

At the start of the semester, we were tasked with formulating potential ideas for the topic of our final game prototype. I have discussed at least one in previous blog posts--an immersive GRE game set in an apocalyptic world in the process of rebuilding civilization.

It can be somewhat challenging to think of topics that do not have some form of game available to them. Games such as Surgeon Simulator are quite popular among many players and there are countless websites with simple, free games across a broad range of subjects. However, the quality of many of these may be questionable and the integration of learning into the mechanics and content of the game is not always present.

Below, I have listed a few topics that I believe could generate interesting learning games:

• Psychological Theory: Many students struggle with the nuances of various theories such as behaviorism and cognitive information processing. A game similar to the classical conditioning game we tested this semester that lets students play with/explore facets of different theories in a simulation-type setting could be quite helpful.

• Research Ethics: Players could function as an "IRB Inspector" in this type of game as they learn various aspects of ethics in research settings. This will allow them to see the tenets of well-done research in a more hands-on exploratory setting.

• Instructor/TA Training: Choose your own adventure games are a style that seems to be on the rise in some companies. Instructors-in-training could play a computer-based game in which they choose different routes across a range of situations--from school policy to ethics in the classroom. They can achieve good and bad endings based on their decisions.

• HR Training: This would be similar to the TA training in that HR employees could play through various scenarios and receive different endings based on how they handle the situations.

The creation of these games will easily go through the ADDIE process of analyzing the target audience/learning goals, working with developers to design and develop the game (or creating the game yourself if you have the coding skills), implementing the game, and evaluating its effectiveness. It is vital to get an idea of, not only the players enjoyment of the game from a pure "game" perspective, but to assess whether or not the learning goals were achieved.