Impact of a Student-Designed Videogame on Students’ Perceptions of Sexual Genre-Based Violence Risks

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the impact of a student-created videogame on university students’ perceptions of the risk of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) against women. It was based on two research questions: (1) to what extent the game ‘Un día a la vez’ (UDALV) impacts students’ perceptions of SGBV? (2) How do students perceive the game’s efficiency to change their perception of SGBV? This mixed study included the qualitative analysis of the game and, quantitative and qualitative techniques to assess and understand its impact on students’ perception. The sample consisted of 51 students aged between 17 and 24. The game showed easygoing narrative and mechanics with varied dynamics. Quantitative results indicated a positive effect of UDALV on all students’ perceptions of the risks of SGBV with a statistically significant difference between the pretest and posttest for the overall sample: t (50) = 9.050 (p = .000; d = .497). However, no differences were observed for the impact between males and females: t (47) = .581 (p = .564; d = .167). The interviews indicated that students find the game effective. In the context of this research, the results seem to be beneficial for gender-equity education programs addressed to young people. Keywords: serious games; university students; higher education; gender-equity education; students’ perception