Steal Like an Artist

Play and analyse other games for inspiration.

WHY USE THIS?
Chances are you are not the first to design a serious game around a certain theme. How did others do? What worked well? What needs to be approached differently? Look at your peers and steal like an artist.

GETTING STARTED
Step 1. Define your theme: What is your game about? Given it is a serious game, it is likely to be related to education, health, social issues, or any other topic of social/educational interest. What might help is to finish the following sentence: The goal of my game is to have players [fill in the blank].

Step 2. Search for and identify at least three existing serious games that revolve around the chosen theme. These games can be freely available online or commercially available. Try to explore different platforms (e.g., PC, mobile, board games) to diversify your research.

Step 3. For each of the selected serious games, conduct a comprehensive analysis by considering the following aspects:

• Game Mechanics: Examine the core gameplay mechanics and interactions. What makes these games engaging or educational in the context of the chosen theme?
  Example: If you’re examining a serious game designed to teach coding, look for the specific coding challenges and puzzles that players must solve. Are the mechanics designed to simulate real coding tasks, making it engaging and educational?
• Learning Objectives: Identify the learning or educational objectives embedded in these games. How are these objectives conveyed to the players?
  Example: In a language learning game, the learning objective may be to improve vocabulary. Identify how the game introduces new words, provides practice exercises, and tracks the player’s progress. Do the learning objectives align with the game’s mechanics effectively?
• Narrative and Storytelling: Assess the use of narrative, storytelling, and characters in the games. How do these elements enhance the player’s understanding of the theme?
  Example: In a serious game focused on environmental conservation, consider the narrative elements. Does the game tell a compelling story about environmental issues, perhaps through the perspective of a character trying to make a difference? How do these narrative elements deepen players’ understanding of the theme?
• Player Engagement: Explore what keeps players engaged and motivated in each game. Are there reward systems, feedback mechanisms, or interactive elements that stand out?
  Example: In a fitness-themed serious game, explore the motivational aspects. Are there achievement systems that reward players for reaching fitness milestones? Does the game provide feedback on their progress, such as calorie burning or muscle building, to keep them motivated to continue exercising?
• Accessibility and User Experience: Evaluate the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. How user-friendly and accessible are these games to their target audience?
  Example: When evaluating a game designed for children with learning disabilities, look at the user interface. Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate? Are there options for adjusting settings to accommodate different learning styles or disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD? How does the game ensure inclusivity?

Step 4. Strengths and Takeaways: After analysing each existing serious game, identify and discuss the strengths and noteworthy features in these games’ design. What aspects worked well in conveying the chosen theme effectively?

Step 5. Reflection and Inspiration: How can these strengths inspire or influence your own design ideas? Jot down specific elements or concepts to implement or adapt in your own project.