Storyboarding Your Serious Game

Storyboarding is a vital step in designing a serious game. It helps you visualize the game flow, identify key mechanics, and ensure alignment with learning objectives. A clear storyboard allows your team to stay on the same page and keeps the project organized.

Step 1: Define Your Core Elements

Start by identifying the essential parts of your game:

• Objective: What should players learn?
• Mechanics: How will players interact with the game?
• Feedback: What rewards or consequences will keep players engaged?

Example:

• Objective: Teach players how to manage time effectively.
• Mechanics: Timed tasks and progress bars.
• Feedback: Points for completing tasks within the given time.

Step 2: Map Out the Game Flow

Break the game into levels or scenes, each with a specific purpose.

• Example Flow:
  • Scene 1: Introduction to the problem (e.g., poor time management).
  • Scene 2: Interactive tasks to organize a daily schedule.
  • Scene 3: A challenge to balance competing priorities.

Step 3: Add Visual and Narrative Details

Make your storyboard detailed by including:

• Visual representations of each scene.
• Dialogue or instructions players will see.
• Mechanics and assessments tied to each step.

Example Narrative:
“Your task is to help Alex plan their day. Drag and drop tasks into a schedule to complete all activities without running out of time.”

Why Storyboarding Matters
A well-structured storyboard provide