Sustainability Competencies in Serious Games - Implementing existing research into educational game development for sustainability

Abstract: Serious Games have gained increased attention in sustainability education. I developed a Serious Game that aims to increase sustainability competencies related to water problems among university students. I applied socio-constructivist learning theory to investigate how sustainability competency can be operationalised in learning outcomes and how these can be translated into game elements. Methodologically, I followed an educational game development structure, including several rounds of playtesting and assessments. Further, translating the learning outcomes into game elements was made possible through a mix of several approaches of different strength. Results showed that sustainability competency remains vague, which requires substantial reflection on the theoretical and methodological choices. The game was received very positively from testers, both from an enjoyment and an educational perspective. Results from observations and pre- and post-testing showed learning in almost all sustainability competencies. In combination with another teaching form and more playtime, learning could be enhanced.