Virtual Speak

Advanced Simulation Technologies & Embedded Training Systems

Virtual Speak

Advanced Simulation Technologies & Embedded Training Systems

What’s in a Serious Game?

December 10th, 2009

A recent report from GameIndustry stated that 83% of the United States population plays games; averaging 10.5 hours spent playing per week.

Percentage of US Population Playing MMOs/Virtual Worlds
Image courtesy of Game Industry

More and more leading companies are adopting games for learning. Perhaps ‘game’ has a negative connotation for some. And I am sorry to say that in some instances I know why, some so called “serious games” look like really bad jokes to even the untrained eye.

According to a 2008 study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which works to further understanding of entrepreneurship, the economic impact of a great lecture can improve learning outcomes by 17 percent, while switching to a different delivery mechanism such as serious gaming can improve learning outcomes by 108 percent! Yes that is a 91 percent difference between a lecture vs. a different delivery method (such as a serious game).

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