Introducing the “Serious Games Mechanics” A Theoretical Framework to Analyse Relationships Between “Game” and“Pedagogical Aspects” of Serious Games

TLDR

The careful balance of education and play is essential for effective Serious Games, requiring a clear understanding of game mechanics and their relation to educational strategies. The paper raises conceptual questions about the nature of Serious Games and links game mechanics, pedagogy, and conceptual levels, aiming to provide a theoretical framework to aid designers in creating fun and pedagogically effective games.

Abstract

The careful balance of education and play is essential for the development of effective Serious Games. It is necessary to develop a clear understanding of game mechanics (i.e. the tools of game-play) and how these relate to relevant educational strategies. In this paper, we raise conceptual questions regarding the nature of Serious Games and the relationship between game mechanics, pedagogy and the conceptual level at which they connect. In developing theoretical framework linking game mechanics and learning, we aim to ease the work of the Serious Game designers attempting to produce both fun and pedagogically effective Serious Games.