4. Examples of Successful Serious Games
Games for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Kerbal Space Program
Kerbal Space Program is an interactive game that simulates space flight, developed by Squad. You are put in control of the Kerbals, an alien race’s space program.
The game’s primary objective is to offer an entertaining and engaging platform for players to explore and understand space exploration concepts. It empowers players to establish and manage their space program, construct and navigate spacecraft, and assist the Kerbals in achieving their ultimate goal of mastering space.
Players can utilize a variety of components to assemble operational spacecraft that operate (or fail to operate) based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics. The game offers three modes of gameplay:
- Science Mode: Conduct space experiments to unlock new technology and advance the knowledge of the Kerbals.
- Career Mode: Manage every aspect of the space program, including construction, strategy, funding, upgrades, and more.
- Sandbox: You have the freedom to construct any spacecraft you can imagine, with all parts and technology in the game.
A key feature of Kerbal Space Program is its realistic physics engine, which adds both challenge and educational value to the game. Players can gain hands-on experience with the principles of aerodynamics and orbital mechanics. The game also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills as players design, build, and pilot their spacecraft.
Kerbal Space Program turns space exploration into a game, offering an interactive and entertaining way to learn about space travel and physics. It caters to players of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned gamers, and provides a unique combination of fun, education, and challenge.
The Incredible Machine Series
The Incredible Machine Series is a series of video games that let you create and solve puzzles using various objects and physical laws. The games were created by Kevin Ryan and Jeff Tunnell, and published by Dynamix and Sierra Entertainment. The games are inspired by Rube Goldberg devices, which are complex machines that perform simple tasks in indirect ways.
The main goal of the games is to use the given objects and the fixed objects in the level to achieve a specific goal, such as “put the ball into a box” or “turn on the fan”. The objects include simple ropes and pulleys, electrical generators, bowling balls, cats, mice, humans, and more. Each object has its own behavior and interaction with other objects, such as mice running towards cheese, or light sources igniting wicks. The games also simulate the effects of gravity, air pressure, and other physical phenomena.
Like Kerbal Space Program, the games offer different modes of play, such as:
- Science Mode: Perform experiments to unlock new technology and advance the knowledge of the alien race called the Kerbals.
- Career Mode: Manage every aspect of the space program, including construction, strategy, funding, upgrades, and more.
- Sandbox Mode: Build any machine you can imagine, with all the objects and technology in the game.
A key feature of Kerbal Space Program is its realistic physics engine, which adds both challenge and educational value to the game. Players can gain hands-on experience with the principles of aerodynamics and orbital mechanics. The game also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills as players design, build, and pilot their spacecraft.
The Incredible Machine Series is a series of games that turn machine building into a game, providing an entertaining and educational experience for players of all ages and levels. It offers a variety of objects, physics, and modes to create endless possibilities of machines.
Other examples of successful serious games in the STEM categories: “Human Resource Machine”, “Bridge Constructor”, “Minecraft: Education Edition”
Games for Social Studies and History
Assasin’s Creed Series
Assassin’s Creed is a popular action-adventure video game series that has been around since 2007. The series is developed and published by Ubisoft and has been released on multiple platforms. The games are set in various historical periods and locations, including the Third Crusade, Renaissance Italy, the American Revolution, and ancient Greece.
The main purpose of the game is to provide players with an immersive and interactive experience of history. The games are designed to be both fun and educational, and they have been used in classrooms across the world to teach students about history.
One of the key features of the game is its focus on historical accuracy. The games are based on real events and people from history, and they include many details about the time period. For example, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is set in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, and it includes many details about Greek mythology, culture, and history.
Kerbal Space Program turns space exploration into a game, offering an interactive and entertaining way to learn about space travel and physics. It caters to players of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned gamers, and provides a unique combination of fun, education, and challenge.
The educational aspect of the game is its ability to teach players about history in an engaging and interactive way. The game encourages players to explore historical settings and to learn about the people and events that shaped the world. For example, players can explore ancient Greece and learn about Greek mythology, philosophy, and culture. The game also teaches players about geography and the natural environment, as they must navigate the game world and deal with hazards such as weather and wildlife.
Assassin’s Creed is an immersive and educational game that provides players with a unique way to learn about history. It is a great way to explore different historical periods and to learn about the people and events that shaped the world.
The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a classic educational game that has been around since the 1970s. It is a simulation game that puts players in the shoes of pioneers traveling westward across the United States in the 19th century. The game is set in 1848 and players must guide their wagon train from Independence, Missouri to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Along the way, players must make decisions about supplies, river crossings, and other hazards that pioneers faced on the trail.
The main purpose of the game is to teach players about the challenges and hardships that pioneers faced on the Oregon Trail. The game is designed to be both fun and educational, and it has been used in classrooms across the United States for decades.
One of the key features of the game is its focus on historical accuracy. The game is based on real events and challenges that pioneers faced on the trail, and it includes many details about the time period. For example, players must make decisions about how much food and water to bring, how to cross rivers, and how to deal with illnesses and injuries.
The educational aspect of the game is its ability to teach players about the history of the United States and the challenges that pioneers faced on the Oregon Trail. The game encourages players to think critically about the decisions they make and to consider the consequences of their actions. For example, players must decide how much food and water to bring on the trail, and they must balance the need for supplies with the weight of their wagon. The game also teaches players about geography and the natural environment, as they must navigate the trail and deal with hazards such as river crossings and disease.
The Oregon Trail is an engaging and educational game that has stood the test of time. It is a great way to learn about the history of the United States and the challenges that pioneers faced on the trail.
Other examples of successful serious games in the Social Studies and History categories: “This War of Mine”, “Freedom: The Underground Railroad”, “Civics! An American Musical”, “Mission US Series”, “Valiant Hearts: The Great War”, “Civilization VI”, “Age Of Empires Series”
Games for Language Arts and Language
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free language-learning application that uses gamification to make learning a new language fun and engaging. The app offers courses in over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.
The main purpose of the app is to teach users a new language in a fun and interactive way. The app is designed to be both entertaining and educational, and it has been used by millions of people around the world to learn a new language.
The educational aspect of the app is its ability to teach users a new language in an engaging and interactive way. The app encourages users to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and it provides instant feedback on their progress.
The app also uses AI and language science to tailor lessons to each user’s level and pace, making it easier for users to learn a new language.
One of the key features of Duolingo is its gamification elements. The app uses game-like features such as streaks, levels, and rewards to motivate users to stay committed to their language learning goals. For example, users can earn points and unlock new levels as they progress through the app, and they can compete with friends to see who can learn a language faster.
Duolingo is an effective and entertaining way to learn a new language. Its gamification elements make language learning fun and engaging, and its educational features help users learn a new language quickly and effectively.
Memrise
Memrise is a free language-learning application that uses gamification to make learning a new language fun and engaging. The app offers courses in over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese.
The main purpose of the app is to teach users a new language in a fun and interactive way. The app is designed to be both entertaining and educational, and it has been used by millions of people around the world to learn a new language.
One of the key features of Memrise is its gamification elements. The app uses game-like features such as streaks, levels, and rewards to motivate users to stay committed to their language learning goals. For example, users can earn points and unlock new levels as they progress through the app, and they can compete with friends to see who can learn a language faster.
The educational aspect of the app is its ability to teach users a new language in an engaging and interactive way. The app encourages users to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and it provides instant feedback on their progress.
The app also uses AI and language science to tailor lessons to each user’s level and pace, making it easier for users to learn a new language.
Memrise also offers real-life speaking examples to help users learn how to speak a new language like a native speaker. The app includes video clips of native speakers using real-life language, so users can learn how to use the language in context. This feature helps users learn how to speak a new language more naturally and effectively.
Memrise is an effective and entertaining way to learn a new language. Its gamification elements make language learning fun and engaging, and its educational features help users learn a new language quickly and effectively. The app’s real-life speaking examples also make it easier for users to learn how to speak a new language like a native speaker.
Other examples of successful serious games (apps) in the Language Art and Language categories: ‘Busuu’, ‘Babbel’, ‘Hello Talk’, ‘Mondly’, ‘HiNatvie’, ‘Beelinguapp’
Games for Art and Creativity
Tilt Brush
Tilt Brush is a virtual reality painting application developed by Google. It allows users to paint in 3D space using a variety of brushes, effects, and tools. The app is designed to be both fun and educational, and it has been used by artists, designers, and creators around the world to create immersive and interactive art.
One of the key features of Tilt Brush is its ability to create art in 3D space. Users can walk around their art and view it from different angles, making it easier to create immersive and interactive experiences. The app also includes a wide range of brushes and effects, allowing users to create everything from ink and smoke to snow and fire.
The educational aspect of the app is its ability to teach users about art and creativity in a fun and interactive way. The app encourages users to experiment with different brushes and effects, and it provides instant feedback on their creations. The app also includes a community of artists and creators who share their work and provide inspiration for others.
Tilt Brush is an engaging and educational app that provides users with a unique way to create art and explore their creativity. Its 3D painting capabilities and wide range of brushes and effects make it a powerful tool for artists and designers.
Art Academy Series
Art Academy is a series of edutainment video games that teach players how to draw and paint. The series was developed by Headstrong Games and published by Nintendo, and it has been released on multiple platforms, including Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U.
The main purpose of the game is to teach players how to draw and paint in a fun and interactive way. The games are designed to be both entertaining and educational, and they have been used by artists, designers, and creators around the world to improve their skills.
One of the key features of the game is its focus on teaching players the fundamentals of art. The games include lessons on topics such as color theory, composition, and perspective, and they provide step-by-step instructions on how to create different types of art. The games also include a wide range of tools and materials, allowing players to experiment with different styles and techniques.
The educational aspect of the game is its ability to teach players how to draw and paint in a fun and engaging way. The game encourages players to practice their skills and to experiment with different styles and techniques. The game also provides instant feedback on players’ work, helping them to improve their skills more quickly.
Art Academy is an engaging and educational game that provides players with a unique way to learn how to draw and paint. Its focus on teaching the fundamentals of art and its wide range of tools and materials make it a powerful tool for artists and designers.
Other examples of successful serious games in the Art and Creativity category: “Spore”, “Procreate”, “Mario Paint”, “Passpartout: The Starving Artist”, “Dreams”, “Minecraft”