Identifying Optimization Potential in the Field of Learning and Game Design by Using the Example of a Pre-Alpha Prototype of “Arctic Economy”

In recent years, and especially in times of distance learning, Serious Games have become a viable alternative to conventional teaching methods. The positive effect of Serious Games on learning motivation and learning success has already been confirmed in many studies. At the same time, educational institutions and companies are becoming more open to the use of digital Serious Games. However, the development of these games is a great challenge, because aspects of Game Design as well as aspects of Learning Design have to be included in the development. Therefore, it is important to identify deficits or optimization potentials regarding both aspects in the early stages of development already. This study uses an example to show possibilities for identifying optimization needs in early development stages and proposes improvement measures in the field of Game and Learning Design using a prototype as an example. The prototype was tested by five lecturers of the same subject domain and assessed in terms of content and didactic suitability for teaching. In addition, an AttrakDiff evaluation was performed. The results are indicative of early stakeholder involvement contributing to an effective identification process of optimization needs even in early development stages of Serious Games.