A Multi-domain Framework for Modelling Educational Games: Towards the Development of Effective Educational Games

Abstract

A recent study conducted by the authors indicates the lack of methods and techniques to create a model for educational games, and using these models for software engineering activities such as validation. The complex nature of an educational game covers various knowledge domains such as learning theories, subject being taught, rules and regulations in activities, and gaming environment. This warrants for modelling to be part of the educational game development to enhance and ensure effectiveness. In relation to that, this paper proposes a multi-domain framework consisting of four major domains, namely, game environment, game play, learning theories and subject matter. Each domain is equipped with respective game elements based on their defi nition. Consequently, the implicit relationships between these elements and domains are presented with the aim of highlighting how these elements relates to each other to gain effectiveness. The result presented in this paper is the framework and implicit relationship that is created by systematic literature review.