The Importance of Narrative as an Affective Instructional Strategy

Virtual simulations, computer games, and other game-like virtual worlds are progressively being adopted for “serious” purposes, such as training and education. Computer-based training systems and games share many similarities: both involve a progression of skill-based activities of increasing complexity and difficulty. The learner is expected, over the duration of the game, to master a set of skills. Skill mastery is one of the fundamental principles behind the success of computer games; indeed, this mastery of the game is a fundamental aspect of having fun in computer games (Koster, 2005). It is easy to see the appeal of games and game-like virtual environments for the purposes of training and education. The skill-based progression typically used in computer games and the desire for players to achieve mastery of particular game-relevant skills can be mapped to educational outcomes and pedagogy.