ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
This paper explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of an educational game in the context of computer science education, using a Role-Playing Game (RPG) format and deploying it through a metaverse platform. Although gamification and game-based learning have shown promise in raising student motivation and engagement, the integration of the metaverse into these educational games has yet to be fully explored. This study fills this gap by describing the development of an RPG educational game, with a particular emphasis on the compilers design unit of a Computer Science course. The game incorporates educational elements alongside gameplay components to capitalize on the inherent motivation that games inspire. This study explores the feasibility of using widely available platforms like Gather and Google Docs Editor to develop interactive and engaging learning experiences, drawing on the literature on games, play, motivation, and the potential of the metaverse in education. Additionally, the research seeks to analyse student feedback through thematic analysis, providing insights into the utility and educational value of the game. This study contributes to the educational game design field by investigating the use of metaverse platforms for educational game design and evaluating students' opinions. It also offers advice for educators and instructional designers in improving online learning experiences.
Barab, S., Pettyjohn, P., Gresalfi, M., Volk, C., & Solomou, M. (2012). Game-based curriculum and transformational play: Designing to meaningfully positioning person, content, and context. Computers and Education, 58(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.08.001
Bashir, D. (2021). How Virtual Office App ‘Gather Town’ is Changing the Way We Work and Play. IGN Southeast Asia. https://sea.ign.com/ign-sea/174057/news/how-virtual-office-app-gather-town-is-changing-the-way-we-work-and-play
Bergmann, S. D. (2017). Compiler Design: Theory, Tools, and Examples (1st ed.). Open Educational Resources. https://rdw.rowan.edu/oer/1
Bhattacharjee, S., & Ghosh, S. (2013). Usefulness of role-playing teaching in construction education?: A systematic review. Annual International Conference Proceedings, 2001.
Bodnar, C. A., Anastasio, D., Enszer, J. A., & Burkey, D. D. (2016). Engineers at Play: Games as Teaching Tools for Undergraduate Engineering Students. In Journal of Engineering Education (Vol. 105, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20106
Bostan, B., T?NL?, B., & ÇATAK, G. (2020). Worldbuilding Components and Transmedial Extensions of Computer Role-Playing Games. Kültür ve ?leti?im, 23(45). https://doi.org/10.18691/kulturveiletisim.709869
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Bridges, C., Hummel, J., Hursthouse, J., Moss, R., Society, A. C., Antilla, T., Book, B., Cheng, H., Constable, G., Dyson, E., Farmer, R., Garnett, G., Gruber, E., Keller, J., Marks, R., Poulin, M., Smart, J., Swords, J., White, P., … Hanke, J. (2007). Metaverse Roadmap Overview. Metaverse Roadmap.
Brown, L. G., & Chidume, T. (2023). Don’t forget about role play: An enduring active teaching strategy. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2022.09.002
Burgess, J., & Jones, C. M. (2017). “Is It Too Much to Ask That We’re Allowed to Win the Game?”: Character Attachment and Agency in the Mass Effect 3 Ending Controversy. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 37(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/0270467618819685
Chen, M. P., & Ren, H. Y. (2013). Designing a RPG game for learning of mathematic concepts. Proceedings - 2nd IIAI International Conference on Advanced Applied Informatics, IIAI-AAI 2013. https://doi.org/10.1109/IIAI-AAI.2013.51
Connolly, T. M., Boyle, E. A., MacArthur, E., Hainey, T., & Boyle, J. M. (2012). A systematic literature review of empirical evidence on computer games and serious games. Computers and Education, 59(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.03.004
Cook, A. S., Dow, S. P., & Hammer, J. (2017). Towards designing technology for classroom role-play. CHI PLAY 2017 - Proceedings of the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play. https://doi.org/10.1145/3116595.3116632
Denny, P. (2013). The effect of virtual achievements on student engagement. Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1145/2470654.2470763
Dicheva, D., Dichev, C., Agre, G., & Angelova, G. (2015). Gamification in education: A systematic mapping study. Educational Technology and Society, 18(3).
Dickey, M. D. (2007). Game design and learning: A conjectural analysis of how massively multiple online role-playing games (MMORPGs) foster intrinsic motivation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-006-9004-7
Erhel, S., & Jamet, E. (2013). Digital game-based learning: Impact of instructions and feedback on motivation and learning effectiveness. Computers and Education, 67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.02.019
Erturk, E. (2016). Role play as a teaching strategy. Journal of Enterostomal Therapy, 5.
Gatsakou, C., Bardis, N., & Drigas, A. (2021). Role playing vs RPGs as teaching strategies in educational procedure. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 26. https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v26i1.4896
Gee, J. P. (2003). What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 1(1), 20–20. https://doi.org/10.1145/950566.950595
GVguide, E. (2022). Gather.town Compatible 32x32 Tilesets. Itch.Io. https://itch.io/c/1904339/gathertown-compatible-32x32-tilesets
Huertas-Valdivia, I. (2021). Role-Playing a staffing process: Experiential learning with undergraduate tourism students. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Education, 29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2021.100334
Ike, T. C., Hoe, T. W., & Yatim, M. H. M. (2021). Designing Elements for Immersive User Experience in Educational Games Using the Entertainment Game Development Approach. Review of International Geographical Education Online, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.33403/rigeo.8006787
Jiwo, R. B., & Aini, A. F. (2023). Rancang Bangun Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Game menggunakan RPG Maker MV. Sains Data Jurnal Studi Matematika Dan Teknologi, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.52620/sainsdata.v1i1.8
Jones, M. L., Barnish, M. S., Hughes, R. R., Murray, A. K., Mansour, O., Loni, T., Vickery, H. M., Evans, M. L., Green, L., & Verdezoto, N. (2023). Exploring the potential of using simulation games for engaging with sheep farmers about lameness recognition. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1079948
Kaur, N., Singh, V., Mahajan, N., & Garg, N. (2023). Game Based Learning - Immersive teaching and Learning platform through Metaverse. Proceedings of 2023 3rd International Conference on Innovative Practices in Technology and Management, ICIPTM 2023, Iciptm, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIPTM57143.2023.10118239
Kebritchi, M., Hirumi, A., & Bai, H. (2010). The effects of modern mathematics computer games on mathematics achievement and class motivation. Computers & Education, 55(2), 427–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.COMPEDU.2010.02.007
Kye, B., Han, N., Kim, E., Park, Y., & Jo, S. (2021). Educational applications of metaverse: Possibilities and limitations. In Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions (Vol. 18). https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.32
Lee, S. M. (2023). Second Language Learning through an Emergent Narrative in a Narrative-rich Customizable Metaverse Platform. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1109/TLT.2023.3267563
Lincoln, D. J. (2008). Drama in the Classroom: How and Why Marketing Educators Can Use Nonverbal Communication and Enthusiasm to Build Student Rapport. Marketing Education Review, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/10528008.2008.11489048
Luo, V., Klinkert, L. J., Foster, P., Tseng, C.-Y., Adams, E., Ketterlin-Geller, L., Larson, E. C., & Clark, C. (2021). A Multidisciplinary Approach To Designing Immersive Gameplay Elements for Learning Standard-Based Educational Content. Extended Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play, 67–73. https://doi.org/10.1145/3450337.3483467
Mee Mee, R. W., Shahdan, T. S. T., Ismail, M. R., Abd Ghani, K., Pek, L. S., Von, W. Y., Woo, A., & Rao, Y. S. (2020). Role of gamification in classroom teaching: Pre-service teachers’ view. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i3.20622
Mehm, F., Göbel, S., & Steinmetz, R. (2013). An authoring tool for educational adventure games: Concept, game models and authoring processes. International Journal of Game-Based Learning, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.4018/ijgbl.2013010105
Mulyadi, M. T., & Mat Zin, N. A. (2019). MMORPG Game Framework Based on Learning Style for Learning Computer Netwoking. Asia-Pacific Journal of Information Technology & Multimedia, 08(01). https://doi.org/10.17576/apjitm-2019-0801-06
Park, S., & Kim, S. (2022). Identifying World Types to Deliver Gameful Experiences for Sustainable Learning in the Metaverse. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031361
Prince, R. H. (2006). Teaching engineering ethics using role-playing in a culturally diverse student group. Science and Engineering Ethics, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-006-0030-y
Qiu, T., Liu, H., & Yin, E. (2018). Learners’ Experiences on Role-Playing Collaborative Learning Supported by ELS: A Case Study of Virtual Company Program. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 10949 LNCS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94505-7_22
Roman, M., Sandu, I., & Buraga, S. C. (2011). OWL-Based Modeling of RPG Games. Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai, 56(3).
SALOMÃO, J. S., Dos SANTOS, C. E., GIANCOLI, A. P. M., & AMATE, F. C. (2018). Development of a Serious Game to Assist in Teaching History. DEStech Transactions on Computer Science and Engineering, wcne. https://doi.org/10.12783/dtcse/wcne2017/19904
Samala, A. D., Usmeldi, Taali, Ambiyar, Bojic, L., Indarta, Y., Tsoy, D., Denden, M., Tas, N., & Dewi, I. P. (2023). Metaverse Technologies in Education: A Systematic Literature Review Using PRISMA. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.3991/IJET.V18I05.35501
Sar?ta?, M. T., & Toprakl?ko?lu, K. (2022). Systematic Literature Review on the Use of Metaverse in Education. International Journal of Technology in Education, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.319
Say, S., & Bag, H. (2018). Correction on The Evaluation of the Effect of a Newly Designed Computer Game on 7th Grade Students’ Motivation Towards Science and Aggression. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/84880
Serrano, K. (2019). The effect of digital game-based learning on student learning: A The effect of digital game-based learning on student learning: A literature review literature review. Graduate Research Papers.
Setiyani, S., Sumarwati, S., Sagita, L., & Fadhlurrohman, D. (2021). The incredible boong gi: Educational game RPG for mathematical understanding ability. International Journal of Education and Learning, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.31763/ijele.v3i2.217
Sugito, S., Susilowati, S. M. E., Hartono, H., & Supartono, S. (2017). Enhancing Students’ Communication Skills through Problem Posing and Presentation. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 6(1). https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v6i1.6342
Thorbjørn. (2023). Tiled Map Editor. Itch.Io. https://thorbjorn.itch.io/tiled
Tlili, A., Huang, R., Shehata, B., Liu, D., Zhao, J., Metwally, A. H. S., Wang, H., Denden, M., Bozkurt, A., Lee, L. H., Beyoglu, D., Altinay, F., Sharma, R. C., Altinay, Z., Li, Z., Liu, J., Ahmad, F., Hu, Y., Salha, S., … Burgos, D. (2022). Is Metaverse in education a blessing or a curse: a combined content and bibliometric analysis. In Smart Learning Environments (Vol. 9, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-022-00205-x
Tychsen, A., Hitchens, M., Brolund, T., & Kavakli, M. (2006). Live action role-playing games: Control, communication, storytelling, and MMORPG similarities. Games and Culture, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/1555412006290445
Wang, Y. H. (2020). Exploring the effects of designing a role-playing game with single and peer mode for campus learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-019-09726-8
Yava?lar, E., & Demirci, C. (2018). Vocabulary role play: An active learning strategy for vocabulary teaching. European Journal of Education Studies, 4.
Yu, J. E. (2022). Exploration of Educational Possibilities by Four Metaverse Types in Physical Education. In Technologies (Vol. 10, Issue 5). https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies10050104
(Ahmadon et al., 2023)
Ahmadon, F., Ghazalli, H. I. M., & Sharip, A. A. (2023). Game On: Designing and Analysing an RPG Educational Game for Compilers Algorithm Understanding in the Metaverse. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 12(3), 1288-1313.
Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode