Serious Games: Learn While Playing

How many times have you heard about serious games? You might think they’re just formal, interactive applications designed solely for learning or skill development. While that’s partly true, there’s more to it! And don’t confuse serious games with game-based learning or gamification.

Serious games, also known as ‘applied games’, are developed with specific objectives beyond mere entertainment. While they can be used for educational purposes, their goals can also include behavior modification, skill development, decision-making, and critical thinking. And yes, they can be just as entertaining—often more so—than conventional games, thanks to their compelling storylines.

Like traditional games, serious games involve rules, challenges, and interactivity. However, the main aim often appears to be part of the storyline, but in reality, these games are crafted to facilitate learning in a subtle way.

Serious games are versatile. They can be used in classrooms, corporate training, or for individual reinforcement at home. Their broad applicability means they’re not limited to a specific audience.

Game-based learning is a method where games are used as tools to learn or practice skills. The primary goal here is education. These games, which can include serious games, are designed with learning as the central objective. Unlike serious games, game-based learning often targets specific groups and is typically used under supervision.

Gamification, which we explore in depth in other posts, involves integrating game elements into non-game contexts to make them more engaging. This approach transforms routine tasks or learning processes into something more interactive and enjoyable.

As you might have seen in our previous posts, all our research lab applications are designed with purposes beyond pure entertainment. Many of these are free-to-play and utilize Virtual Reality (VR). VR enhances the immersive experience, which significantly benefits serious games by increasing engagement and effectiveness. For examples of how VR elevates serious games, check out our applications!

Now that you know the differences, let us know in the comments if you’ve ever played a serious game!

#VR #VirtualReality #SeriousGames #Gamification #GamesBasedLearning #VideoGames