The “I's” Have It: A Framework for Serious Educational Game Design

TLDR

Serious educational games have gained popularity, and the framework’s six elements are grounded in education, psychology, instructional technology, and learning science research. The article introduces a nested six‑element framework for designing educational games, based on lessons learned. The framework derives its six elements from studies spanning Grade 5 to graduate school, integrating game‑design research with educational theory.

Abstract

Serious educational games have become a topic that has seen increased popularity in recent years. This article describes lessons learned and a framework for people interested in designing educational games. Although there are many critical components of a quality educational game, a nested model of 6 elements for educational game design is presented. These nested elements are grounded in research and theory in both education and psychology, along with instructional technology and the learning sciences. The 6 elements of educational game design are derived from several studies on game design and development from Grade 5 through graduate school.