Enhanced Value Benefit Analysis of Game Frameworks as a Tool for Digital Serious Game Development

When creating a digital serious game the major challenge arises from the selection of a game engine, one which optimally supports the right balance between engagement and learning. The approach presented in this paper is based upon a generic model of a value benefit analysis. The model is enhanced by a matrix which encodes the evaluation of a game framework not only by its value for the individual game design needs but especially for the individual didactic value. The model enables decisions on subjective factors for this multidimensional evaluation issue. It does not present a tool to generate an impartial general ranking list of game frameworks for serious games. It is a tool for serious game developers to have a subjective individual list of game frameworks fitting their individual needs of technical requirements and didactic motivation. The basic concept and strategy behind the approach are presented as well as an application example. This paper presents and discusses a hierarchy of general criteria for developing a serious game which can be used to evaluate a framework within the model. The criteria are divided into main and interleaved sub criteria. The paper also discusses the weighting of criteria and the used cardinal scale for criteria and weighting. Finally the paper comments on the matrix which will consider the didactic needs. With the described approach developers of serious games will have a workflow on how to find a suitable game framework with regard to the defined game design and didactics.