Serious Game : Definition, Challenges and Benefits

The Serious Game is an innovative tool that goes beyond simple entertainment. It is a computer application with a serious objective, such as professional training, marketing or recruitment. By integrating the mechanics of the game into real-life issues, the Serious Game becomes an attractive and effective way of learning or solving business problems.

What is a Serious Game?

A Serious Game is distinguished by its ability to combine serious objectives with playful elements inspired by video games. These games are not limited to entertainment. They incorporate interactive scenarios to deal with various subjects such as learning, communication and awareness-raising.

Thanks to well thought-out game mechanics, serious games facilitate the acquisition of new skills. They offer learners an immersive and engaging environment.

For example, in the workplace, a serious game can simulate real-life situations to enable employees to solve complex problems in an innovative way.

Serious games are also used to strengthen team cohesion and stimulate commitment among participants. They often incorporate a system of rewards to encourage progress and motivate players to achieve specific objectives.

 

History of Serious Games

The origins of serious games trace back to the 1970s, when Clark C. Abt introduced the term in his book ‘Serious Games’. Although the US Army had already explored games for training purposes, it was this publication that popularised the idea of using games for educational and training purposes.

The 1980s saw the emergence of games such as Chris Crawford’s ‘Scram’, which simulated complex situations such as the management of a nuclear power station.

Today, Serious Games continue to evolve, incorporating advanced technologies to provide immersive educational experiences. They are used in a variety of sectors, including business, healthcare and education, demonstrating their versatility and educational potential.

 

The different types of Serious Game

Serious Game: an innovative teaching tool

Serious games offer an innovative teaching approach that combines learning and entertainment. They enable learners to become actively involved through immersive scenarios. These games make it easier not only to acquire knowledge, but also to put it into practice in a safe environment.

Here are a few practical applications for serious games:

• Strengthening collaboration: by creating scenarios where participants have to work together to solve problems.
• Developing specific skills: for example, by simulating professional situations to improve decision-making.
• Raising awareness of important issues: such as ecology or cultural diversity, using engaging stories.

These games are particularly effective in environments where mistakes are acceptable and encourage learning. They offer a dynamic alternative to traditional teaching methods.

 

Serious games and recruitment: a new evaluation method

Serious games offer an innovative and immersive method for assessing candidates during recruitment. These games immerse participants in a virtual environment that simulates real-life work situations.

They can be used to assess not only technical skills, but also soft skills such as communication, adaptability and leadership.

By integrating these tools, companies position themselves as innovative and dynamic, attracting the talents of the new generation.

One concrete example is the use of interview simulation games, where candidates interact with a virtual recruiter. This allows us to observe their reactions to specific challenges.

Serious games also encourage fair assessment, as each candidate is confronted with the same scenarios. This guarantees selection based on objective criteria, while strengthening the company’s employer brand.

 

Serious games and marketing: an effective strategy

Serious games are revolutionising marketing by creating a unique interaction between the brand and the consumer. By incorporating gamification elements, companies can capture the attention of their audience in a fun way while conveying key messages.

The benefits are numerous:

• Enhanced engagement: gamers actively participate, making it easier for them to remember the message.
• Valuable data collection: Players’ behaviour provides useful insights for refining marketing strategies.
• Differentiation from the competition: Offering a unique experience helps you stand out from the crowd and build customer loyalty.

For example, a serious game campaign can invite users to discover a company’s values while taking them through a captivating game. This innovative approach not only promotes a product, it also creates a memorable experience.

 

The benefits of Serious Games

 

Benefits for learning

Serious games offer a number of benefits for learning. They stimulate learner engagement. This approach encourages more effective memorisation of concepts, as it combines fun and education.

The use of realistic scenarios also enables practical skills to be developed in a safe environment.

Serious games encourage the development of important soft skills such as communication and leadership. Here are some concrete benefits:

• Increased self-confidence through repeated practice
• Improved ability to solve complex problems
• Encouraging collaboration between colleagues

A concrete example is the application of serious games in project management training. Participants can try out different approaches and observe the results of their decisions without any real consequences, which enriches their learning and better prepares them for future professional challenges.

 

Benefits for the company

Serious games are a valuable asset for modern businesses. In particular, they help to strengthen team cohesion and improve the integration of new recruits. By promoting a playful approach, these games increase employee commitment and create a dynamic working environment.

Benefits include:

• Improving internal communication through collaborative scenarios.
• Identification of employee skills, useful for appraisals and promotions.
• Effective awareness-raising on key topics such as safety and innovation.

Serious games also provide a platform for testing new strategies without any real risk, thereby stimulating innovation.

For example, a company can simulate a crisis and observe how its teams react, thereby optimising internal procedures and strengthening organisational resilience.

 

Benefits for recruitment

Serious games offer a number of advantages for recruitment. They enable a better assessment of candidates’ soft skills, such as adaptability and leadership, which are difficult to identify during a traditional interview.

Participants are plunged into a virtual world where their skills are put to the test in a concrete way.

These games also offer an immersive presentation of the company’s culture. By having a fun experience, candidates can gain a better understanding of the company’s values and working environment. This not only helps to attract talent that is a good fit with the company, but also strengthens the employer brand.

Serious games are particularly appealing to generation Z, who are keen on new technologies. By using this tool, companies stand out from the competition and project a dynamic, innovative image.

 

How do you create a Serious Game?

 

The key stages of creation

To create a Serious Game, start by clearly defining the educational objectives and target audience. This step is essential to guide the development of the game. Next, design a captivating scenario that integrates the fun elements with the educational challenges.

Remember to structure the project in the following stages:

• Developing the scenario: a good scenario should be engaging and relevant to the players.
• Prototyping: create an initial version of the game to identify where improvements are needed.
• User testing: have the game tested by users to gather constructive feedback.
• Fine-tuning: adjust the game based on the feedback to ensure an optimal experience.

Finally, make sure that the gameplay and mechanics of the game are well aligned with the educational objectives to maximise the impact of the Serious Game.

 

The tools needed to create a Serious Game

To create a Serious Game, a number of tools are essential, depending on your needs and technical level. Here are some of the software tools you will need to make your project a reality:

• GDevelop: ideal for beginners, this open-source software lets you create 2D games without programming. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to learn.
• Unity: a powerful game engine for 3D creations. Although it requires programming skills, it offers great flexibility.
• Articulate Storyline: perfect for creating interactive educational games with predefined models, without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
• Emeraude Escape: high-end custom design

Using these tools will help you incorporate fun elements while respecting your educational objectives. Remember to adapt the choice of tool to your target audience and the experience you want to offer players.