DEVELOPING GAMES
FOR LEARNING
Presented by Sarah Toms
Wharton Learning Lab
March 25th 2015
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INTRODUCTIONS
@sarahetoms
stoms@wharton.upenn.edu
IT Director, Wharton Learning Lab
http://simulations.wharton.upenn.edu
Sarah E. Toms, IT Director
stoms@wharton.upenn.edu
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Types of Game Thinking
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SERIOUS GAMES
are a mental contest, played in
accordance with specific rules to further
government or corporate training, education,
health, public policy, and strategic
communication objectives
Source: Mike Zyda, “From Visual Simulation to Virtual Reality to Games”, IEEE Computer 2005
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SIMULATION
is the imitation of the operation
of a real-world process or system over
time.
Source: Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation
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Solve a
problem
Experiential
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Experiment
Fun
Anatomy of a Serious Game
Faculty
Interface
Student
Interface
Model & Game
Logic / Rules
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Single Player
vs
Multi Player
Player
Decisions
Model /
Rules
Player n
Decisions
Player 1
Decisions
Model /
Rules
Result
Result
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Player Roles
1. Same or Different?
2. Background
•
Complexity
•
Implications on model and game outcomes
3. Rules for each role
•
Differing game play?
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Rounds & Scaffolding
1
• Acclimation to game rules
• Base Concept(s)
2
• Feedback
• Achievement
x
• Pull lever – introduce new concept & increase
complexity
y
• Level Up – based on achievement, increase
complexity
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Storyline
Period n
Period 2
Period 1
Intro
Background
Rules
Problem
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Event A
Decision X
Decision Y
Trigger XY
Event B
Decision X
Decision Z
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Self Determination Theory
Optimally Challenged
Choices
Connection
with others
Promoting intrinsic motivation
Source: https://engaming.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/gamification-thoughts-on-definition-and-design/
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Flow Theory
Source: https://engaming.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/gamification-thoughts-on-definition-and-design/
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Agility: Key to Success
1. Iterative Approach
•
Bite sized chunks & regular check ins
2. User Stories
• In Players Prepare mode a student player can login with their
Penn Key and read about their role and the rules of the game
• In Play mode a student player can login and will see a gameboard
interface for entering their decisions
3. Testing
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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Simple Multiplayer: Duopoly
1. Learning Objective: Game Theory, Prisoner’s
Dilemma, Collusion, Competition
2. Model
3. 20 rounds
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Complex Multiplayer: OPEQ
1. Learning Objective: Game Theory, Multi Party
Prisoner’s Dilemma, Collusion, Competition,
Shadow of the Past, Negotiations
2. Model
3. 3 Players per team
4. Role: Oil minister
5. Configurable # rounds
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DEBRIEF & RESULTS
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