A Theoretical Framework for Serious Game Design

TLDR

Digital games are engaging but not inherently educational, so a sound theoretical framework that blends pedagogy, game design, and fidelity is needed to create meaningful serious games. This paper explores a triadic theoretical framework for serious game design comprising play, pedagogy, and fidelity. It outlines underpinning theories, reviews key literature, and identifies challenges in balancing these elements during serious game design.

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that digital games can provide an engaging, motivating and “fun” experience for students. However an entertaining game does not necessarily constitute a meaningful, valuable learning experience. For this reason, experts espouse the importance of underpinning serious games with a sound theoretical framework which integrates and balances theories from two fields of practice: pedagogy and game design (Kiili, 2005; Seeney & Routledge, 2009). Additionally, with the advent of sophisticated, immersive technologies, and increasing interest in the opportunities for constructivist learning offered by these technologies, concepts of fidelity and its impact on student learning and engagement, have emerged (Aldrich, 2005; Harteveld et al., 2007, 2010). This paper will explore a triadic theoretical framework for serious game design comprising play, pedagogy and fidelity. It will outline underpinning theories, review key literatures and identify challenges and issues involved in balancing these elements in the process of serious game design.