It is sometimes hard to distinguish between a game and a simulation. Simulations are sometimes designed as games, and it is not really important to have a clear definition.
However, what usually distinguishes a game is that it provides entertainment, and it may not simulate any form of reality.
What are the features of a good game?
All games have a number of characteristic features:
- A goal, the learner has to aim to achieve something
- Rules, within which the learner must operate
- Competition, against themselves, other learners or a computer
- Challenge, not too easy, not too hard
- Fantasy, the learner is removed from reality
- Safety, the game is not threatening
- Entertaining, the learner must enjoy doing it.
These features can be highly motivating and a well designed game can be a powerful training tool. They are, however, difficult to design well.
What types of game are there?
There are several different sorts of game, although the distinction between the different types is not always clear. The main types are:
- Adventure games, the learner takes on a role in a situation
- Arcade games, a graphical display is used to present information and the learner has to manipulate it in some way
- Board games, often versions of existing games, such as using a version of Monopoly to train someone in property investment
- Logic games, where the learner has to solve some problem
- Role-playing games, where the learner takes on a role where they have to gather information
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(C) Bryan Hopkins, 2005