Design and evaluation of Enthralled: A higher education conversation game based on Euripides’ Bacchae

Abstract

This article presents the design, goals, and evaluation of Enthralled following the 2022 playtesting in three undergraduate Liberal Arts core courses. Enthralled draws on ancient Greek myths and the classical tragedy Bacchae by Euripides. As an immersive pedagogical intervention, Enthralled promotes group collaboration and rewards consideration of diverse viewpoints and cultural values. Participants vote on the motivations of dramatic characters, which allows for a deeper understanding of their preconceptions and implicit biases and offers the opportunity for self-reflection and dialogue. The game toolkit includes an original deck of cards, a role-playing script, a character sheet, ballots, a hints-and-clues deck, instructions for players and moderators, and scoring materials. The third version of Enthralled exceeded our entertainment efficacy, playability, and usability goals and contributed positively to the learning outcomes of the courses. Minor game improvements and a course-tailored implementation toolkit are the next steps for scaling this project.