A serious game to treat childhood obesity

Abstract

Serious games employ video game technology to convey serious content, facilitate learning, or initiate behavioral change. A common approach is to combine standard game mechanics with linear content expected to deliver the intended message. In contrast, we advocate an approach centered on player decisions and subjective experience, referring to innovative examples of learning by experience, both analog and digital. We present the design decisions underlying Aquamorra, a serious game to support the treatment of childhood obesity in the light of this approach.