From Idea to Prototype: Designing a Serious Game

Designing a serious game is where creativity meets strategy. It’s a process of turning a learning objective into an engaging, interactive experience that helps players achieve meaningful outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own serious game prototype:

1. Define Your Objective: Start with the End in Mind

Begin by asking, What do I want players to learn? Your objective should be clear and measurable.

• Example:
  For a game about environmental sustainability, the objective could be: “Teach players how to sort recyclable materials correctly.”

2. Choose Your Mechanics: Make It Engaging

Select game mechanics that align with your objective and keep players engaged.

• Example:
  Add a progress bar to show how many items a player has sorted correctly or use rewards like badges for completing levels.

3. Craft a Narrative: Give Players a Story

A compelling narrative adds context and keeps players invested.

• Example:
  In a sustainability game, players could help restore a virtual island by completing tasks like planting trees and managing waste.

4. Plan Assessments: Ensure Learning Happens

Incorporate both formative (during gameplay) and summative (end-of-game) assessments to measure player progress.

• Example:
  Use mini-quizzes between levels to reinforce learning and a final task to assess mastery.

Prototype Example:

• Objective: Teach time management to students.
• Mechanics: Timed tasks with rewards for completing them efficiently.
• Narrative: Players help a character manage their day while juggling school, work, and personal time.

Assessment: Feedback after each level and a final evaluation of their time management strategy.