Serious economic games: Designing a simulation game for an economic experiment

Abstract

This project proposes the design of a Serious Game for an economic experiment. The analysis of existing games and research into current practices and requirements in economic experimentation are combined to create a Serious Economic Game. It is found that laboratory experiments are conducted in a way that prevents immersion. A game using a visual representation of the economic model and presenting input in the form of gameplay decisions has the potential to provoke a naturalistic player response through immersion. Case studies of existing games show various ways in which to achieve player engagement and immersion. The employed,aesthetic" approach to game design involves detailed, photorealistic graphics and sound bound to diegesis to demand the attention of players and therefore facilitate immersion. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.