- The Importance of Mechanics: Swain emphasizes that game mechanics are central to communicating messages and values in serious games. Mechanics are defined as the actions a player takes and the system’s response to those actions. Well-designed mechanics can create an experiential learning environment where players internalize values and ethical principles through play.
- Best Practices for Designing Mechanics: The chapter provides six best practices for designing game mechanics that communicate values and ethics:
1. Integrate subject matter experts throughout the design process.
2. Identify and prioritize learning objectives.
3. Embrace playcentric design.
4. Learn from learning science.
5. Maximize credibility through the use of objective information.
6. Formally assess learning.
How game mechanics can communicate values and ethics? examples are:
- Peacemaker: A turn-based strategy game that simulates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Players can choose to play as either side and learn about the complexities of the conflict through gameplay.
- Tactical Language & Culture Training System: A simulation game that teaches foreign languages and cultural understanding in an immersive 3D environment.
- The Redistricting Game: A game that teaches players about the complexities of political redistricting in the United States.
- Surge World: A game designed to teach disaster preparedness and how to manage crises in a hospital setting.
Future Research Directions: The author suggests that future research should focus on better understanding playable system design and developing more sophisticated methods for assessing learning in serious games.
