So, you’re thinking about using a game to teach something? Awesome! Games can be incredibly engaging and effective learning tools. However, jumping straight into development can lead to a muddled, unfocused experience. This article will walk you through the essential steps of prepping your content to ensure your game is fun and impactful.
1. Acknowledge Limitations and Define Scope
Games aren’t a magical solution for everything. Just like that Swiss Army knife that was supposed to do everything but ended up doing nothing well, a game that tries to cover too much will likely fail to deliver a clear message.
Key Takeaway: It’s okay for your game not to do everything.
- Bucket Your Content:
- This Game: What absolutely must be included in this game?
- Future Games: What’s valuable but can be saved for later projects?
- Non-Game Content: What’s better suited for other mediums (e.g., hands-on training, written materials)? For example, you might teach food safety concepts through a game, but knife skills are better taught in a real kitchen.
2. Focus, Focus, Focus: The Power of a Narrow Goal
Once you’ve decided what content belongs in your game, it’s time to hone in on your primary objective.
The “This Game Should…” Exercise. Finish the sentence, “This game should…” to define the core purpose. Examples:
- “This game should train food workers in food safety best practices.”
- “This game should teach seniors how to recognize and report scam calls and emails.”
- “This game should introduce Minnesota history to kids in Twin Cities elementary schools.”
Identify Secondary Impact Objectives (Design Pillars): What else do you want to achieve? These supporting goals will act as pillars to make your game better. For example, the Minnesota history game could also:
- Support translation to Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
- Use and highlight core vocabulary.
- Incorporate accessibility features such as a color-blind-friendly palette and screen reader functionality.
The Thesis Statement of Your Game: Think of your primary goal as the roof and your secondary objectives as the pillars. Everything in your game should relate to at least one of these. If it doesn’t, consider cutting it or saving it for later.
3. Know Your Audience: It’s More Than Just the Learner
Consider everyone who will be impacted by the game, not just the person playing it.
- Beyond the Learner: Think about teachers, supervisors, therapists, caregivers—anyone who will administer the game or be affected by the learner’s progress. What are their needs and expectations?
- Balance Needs: A teacher might need assessment tools, while a student might need a space to practice. Find a balance. Revisit step one and make a note of any supporting games or materials that may be necessary to achieve this balance.
4. Determine the Learning Process Stage
Where does your game fit into the learning process? Different stages call for different game mechanics.
- Learning Stages:
- Introduction: Presenting entirely new material.
- Practice: Allowing learners to get hands-on experience with the material.
- Review: Reinforcing previously learned material.
- Self-Assessment: Learners gauge their own understanding.
- Assessment: Demonstrating mastery to an external party.
- Synthesis: Connecting learned material to other knowledge and creating new understandings.
- Game Mechanics: Are you introducing a concept, providing a space to review, or testing knowledge? Choose game mechanics that align with your goal.
5. Ensure Accessibility and Motivation
A game is useless if no one can play it!
- Practical Considerations:
- Cost: How much can you afford to spend on development?
- Equipment: What devices will learners use? Are they readily available?
- Time: How much time will learners realistically have to play? Factor in setup, breakdown, and potential interruptions.
- Relevance: Is the training content relevant to learners’ immediate needs? Is your content up-to-date and accurate?
- Sensitivity to Audience: Don’t invalidate your efforts by being insensitive or offensive.
- Motivation:
- Intrinsic Motivation: The desire to play for the inherent reward (enjoyment, competence and mastery, self-satisfaction, curiosity, helping others).
- Extrinsic Motivation: The desire to play for external rewards or to avoid punishment (badges, leaderboards, grades, consequences).
- Strive for Balance: Ideally, intrinsic motivation should be fostered, but understand the role of extrinsic motivators. Be wary of relying solely on extrinsic motivation, as it can be toxic and demotivating.
6. Research and Refine
Now, it’s time to dive deep.
- Learner Demographics: What are their backgrounds, needs, and learning styles? What accommodations might they require (language, accessibility)?
- Content Standards and Requirements: Ensure your content meets relevant standards or guidelines.
- Time Constraints: Confirm the exact amount of time learners will have to play.
- Existing Training Pain Points: Where do learners currently struggle? Can your game address those challenges?
- Current Accomplishments: Identify successful elements of your existing training programs and incorporate them into your game.
7. Explore Existing Games and Mechanics
Don’t reinvent the wheel!
- Look Beyond Educational Games: Explore a wide variety of video games for inspiration. How do they handle dialogue, progression, and player engagement?
- Analyze Look and Feel: What tone and vibe are you aiming for? This will guide your art direction, music, and overall aesthetic.
8. Remember, “Gamified Multiple Choice” Can Be Okay, too!
While custom games that teach new ways of thinking are great, sometimes a simple, interactive approach is enough to make a difference. If it meets your needs, go for it!
Final Thoughts
Preparing your content is a crucial investment in the success of your game-based learning initiative. By carefully considering your goals, audience, and the learning process, you can create an engaging and effective game. Good luck, and happy game-making!
If you need help building a game for The Training Arcade or would like to discuss a custom training game idea, our game experts would be happy to talk with you. Learn more.
View the original article and our Inspiration here