Serious Games

Serious games (SGs) are games designed for a primary goal involving learning. SGs are a significant part of the broader concept of gamification, which involves using game elements in non-entertaining environments or situations to improve the user experience. SGs are receiving growing interest for use in training and education. Exploiting the latest simulation and visualization technologies, SGs are able to contextualize the player’s cognitive experience in challenging, realistic environments. Play supports exercising freedom that can complement formal learning by encouraging learners to explore various situations, with few barriers of space and time. SGs can also simulate complex environments at relatively low costs, as well as simulate dangerous situations without exposing the user to danger. This entry first describes SGs and gives an overview of their ...