Serious Games
Serious Games are "are designed for the purpose of solving a problem. Although serious games can be entertaining, their main purpose is to train, investigate, or advertise." In the past decade, game-based learning has made considerable strides due to improvements and increased access to the digital platforms on which these games are played.
Below are links to a sampling of serious games that are used to promote learning. They vary in complexity of design.
- Evil Landlady - This serious game is an "action maze" or simulation intended to train ESL students studying in Canada how to navigate the cultural norms of their new country. (ESL)
- Killer Flu - Teaches how flu is transmitted and its effects (Health Sciences)
- Londoner - A historical simulation game intended to teach students about life in 17th century London. (History & Sociology)
- Free Rice - a tool that promotes acquisition of English vocabulary and helps address world hunger. (English & ESL)
- Campaign Rush - Developed for CNN during the 2008 presidential race, this game acquaints players with some of the complexities of modern political campaigns (Political Science & Communications)
- Spent - This digital game was intended to simulate the experience of being someone attempting to succeed on a minimum wage salary.