The document provides an overview of serious games and their use for skill building. It describes serious games as digital games used for purposes other than pure entertainment, such as education and training. Various serious games are then summarized in different categories like planning, communication, strategy, conflict management, people management, creativity, and project management. For each game, the summary includes a brief description, what it focuses on developing, and any limitations. Some examples of games described include Cities XL for planning skills, Bookworm for communication, Age of Empires for strategy, and PeaceMaker for conflict management. The document demonstrates how serious games can help develop various professional skills.

1. THE WORLD OF SERIOUS GAMES
///////////////////////////////////////////// AN OVERVIEW OF SERIOUS GAMES FOR SKILL BUILDING

2. What is a Serious Game ?
A Serious game is…
1
2
a mental contest, played with a computer in
accordance with specific rules
that uses entertainment to further government
or corporate training, education, health, public
policy, and strategic communication objectives
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
A Serious game is used in …
a
Training for new Technical , Safety and Behavioral
Skills
b
Providing Employees a safe environment to practice
learnt Skills
c
Reinforce skills, practices and processes

3. Serious Games develop…
3
2
1
Improved
Attention,
Vision and
Cognition
Communication
Skills and
Networking
Problem Solving
& Negotiation
Skills
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
Judgment
Analysis &
Strategic
Thinking
4
Narrative
Skills
Non-linear
Thinking
Patterns
5
6

4. Games for the IT Professional
Serious Games is growingly used as a performance support system for training
and development initiatives, especially in the field of IT. Serious games that can
help IT Professionals learn faster, can be categorized based on the skill focus.
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
PLANNING
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT
COMMUNICATION / LINGUISTIC
CREATIVITY
BUSINESS STRATEGY
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

5. Cities XL
City Rain
Royal Envoy
Plants vs. Zombies
PLANNING

6. Cities XL
“
You are the virtual mayor and as such, you will need to find the right balance
between economic development for your city, public transportation, housing,
social services, leisure activities and even special events in town.
http://www2.citiesxl.com/
”
Microsoft Games

7. Cities XL
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT CITIES XL:
A Multiplayer Game
Photorealistic quality of Content
Progress tracked on multiple goals
Easy to relate for Business Managers
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WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Not based on winning; the game is based on a “never-ending
model” where there is no set win or end point. As players progress
and achieve goals, new goals will be set and the game continues.
http://www2.citiesxl.com/
Microsoft Games

8. City Rain
“
In City Rain, you play as a member of an elite environmental Swat Force in
charge of restructuring cities, before they are penalized by the World
Environment Protection agency
http://www.ovologames.com/cityrain/index.php
”
Ovolo Games

9. City Rain
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT CITY RAIN:
o Choice of 20 massive strategy missions with 43 objectives
o 3 Distinct modes of Game play; including quick mission projects and “never
ending” projects
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
http://www.ovologames.com/cityrain/index.php
Ovolo Games

10. Royal Envoy
“
Take the King's challenge! Save the wonderful land of countless islands from
the merciless forces of nature. Construct and upgrade homes and buildings for
the island citizens and become the chief city planner of marvelous Islandshire
in this fun Planning, Resource Management game.
http://www.playrix.com/games/online/royal-envoy.html
”
Playrix Games

11. Royal Envoy
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
A blend of planning and time management
Over 90 levels of game play
Simple rules of play
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Not a distinctly Serious game, although it greatly helps in
developing quick thinking skills and strategic planning
http://www.playrix.com/games/online/royal-envoy.html
Playrix Games

12. Plants vs. Zombies
“
The game involves a homeowner using many varieties of plants to repel an army
of zombies from "eating their brains". Players need to plan how to defend
themselves from the zombies, by choosing plants with the given resources
http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/pc
”
Popcap Games

13. Plants vs. Zombies
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Extremely Engaging
o Cannot be won if the player does not plan properly
o Various levels to master
o Available in iPad, PC and online modes
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Not a distinctly Serious game, although it greatly helps in
developing quick thinking skills and strategic planning
http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/pc
Popcap Games

14. Bookworm
Meaning Fall
Dynamo Word
COMMUNICATION

15. Book Worm
“
Have an appetite for words? Then join Lex the Bookworm in the hit word-puzzle
game. Link letter tiles left, right, up and down to build words to keep Lex sated
and smiling. The bigger the word, the better the bonus. But watch out for
burning letters — they could spell disaster for you and Lex!
http://www.popcap.com/games/bookworm/pc
”
Popcap Games

16. Book Worm
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Extremely Engaging
o Enhances player’s vocabulary
o Simple rules
o Multiple Levels of difficulty
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Like most Word/Communication games focuses on words known
rather than new words for learning. However, players learn
spellings and are motivated to develop their vocabulary
http://www.popcap.com/games/bookworm/pc
Popcap Games

17. Meaning Fall
“
A word game which mixes the logic of crossword with the consequences of
hangman. Use the clue to guess the hidden word. With each correct letter you're
one step closer to safety. Guess wrong and a raging river awaits.
http://www.mochimedia.com/games/play/meaning-fall
”
Mochi media

18. Meaning Fall
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Extremely Engaging
o Enhances player’s vocabulary
o Simple rules and multiple difficulty levels
o Helps in learning new words
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
The Initial few levels might be a little simplistic, but the difficulty
increases after the first four levels
http://www.mochimedia.com/games/play/meaning-fall
Mochi media

19. Dynamo Word
“
It's a high-energy word learning experience that's made up of a lot of fun and
exciting moving parts. Includes multiple games for learning vocabulary and
synonyms and Tracks progress of Players.
Dynamo.dictionary.com
”
Dictionary.com

20. Dynamo Word
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Tracks progress of players over days
o Connects with Facebook
o Focused Games GRE/LSAT/TOEFL words
o Multiple Levels of difficulty
o Choice of creating one’s own list of words for games
/////////////////////////// ///////////////////////////
WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Available as a free online version only
Dynamo.dictionary.com
Dictionary.com

21. Age of Empires
Capitalism
Innov8
STRATEGY

22. Age of Empires
“
Age of Empires is an epic real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years, in
which players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of small stone age tribes.
Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into
great civilizations. Gamers can choose from one of several ways to win the game,
including: world domination by conquering enemy civilizations, exploration of
the known world and economic victory through the accumulation of wealth.
”
http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/
Published by Microsoft Games

23. Age of Empires
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Very Popular and Acclaimed
o Multiplayer games
o Provides opportunities to Collaborate with other
players
o Requires multi dimensional thinking
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WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Not based on winning; the game is based on a “neverending model” where there is no set win or end point. As
players progress and achieve goals, new goals will be set
and the game continues.
http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/
Published by Microsoft Games

24. Capitalism
“
You become a corporate CEO and face real-world challenges as you build a
business empire! It's a comprehensive business simulation that gives you the
power to win the competition in the free market, with complex business
strategies that might make you millions!
http://www.enlight.com/capitalism2/
”
Interactive Magic

25. Capitalism
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Very Popular and Acclaimed
o Used in Harvard and Stanford as a Learning Support for
teaching Business Management
o Provides opportunities to Collaborate with other
players
o Incorporates multiple real-life scenarios in business
management
http://www.enlight.com/capitalism2/
Interactive Magic

26. Innov8
“
The INNOV8 BPM simulation game brings IT and business together for process
model innovation. Both IT and business professionals understand that processes
are critical to success. They just look at them from different perspectives.
INNOV8, the IBM Business Process Management (BPM) simulation game, gives
both IT and business players a better understanding of how effective BPM
impacts an entire business ecosystem.
”
www.ibm.com/innov8
http://youtu.be/XfzR_I9N15k
IBM

27. Innov8
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Brings IT and business together for process model
innovation
o An academic edition available for Teaching Business
Process Management, used by the University of South
California
o Has three different games namely,
 Smarter Traffic - Evaluate existing traffic patterns
and re-route traffic based on incoming metrics.
 Smarter Customer Service - Using a call center
environment, players develop more efficient ways
to respond to customers.
 Smarter Supply Chains - Evaluate a traditional
supply chain model, balance supply and demand
and reduce environmental impact.
www.ibm.com/innov8
http://youtu.be/XfzR_I9N15k
IBM

28. PeaceMaker
Harmony Island
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

29. PeaceMaker
“
PeaceMaker challenges you to succeed as a leader where others have failed.
Experience the joy of bringing peace to the Middle East or the agony of plunging
the region into disaster. PeaceMaker will test your skills, assumptions and prior
knowledge. Play it and you will never read the news the same way again.
”
www.Peacemakergame.com
Hybrid Learning System

30. PeaceMaker
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Only available game on Conflict Resolution for
Adults
o Gives real scenarios in the conflict resolution
process with countries
o Easy to use
o Players can listen to advisors to make decisions
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WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
The game is politically focused and hence
application of the learnt techniques in everyday
conflict resolution might be difficult
www.Peacemakergame.com
Hybrid Learning System

31. Harmony Island
“
Lizard crashes, cave art, wave parties, tribal councils, talking monkeys: all are part
of one rockin’ island! A diverse collection of islanders are prepping for the annual
Harmony Festival. Only you can determine if the day ends with a totem-topping
extravaganza or a totem-tumbling tussle. Get primitive with the natives, learn
about conflict resolution, and restore harmony to Harmony Island!
”
http://www.academicedge.com/products/harmonyisland
Academic Edge

32. Harmony Island
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Engaging design
o Scenario based game
o Gives psychological insights
o Based on the STAR model for Conflict
Resolution: Stop, Think, Act and Reflect
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WHAT MIGHT NEED SOME DELIBERATION:
Designed for School Curriculum
http://www.academicedge.com/products/harmonyisland
Academic Edge

33. Everest
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

34. Everest
“
A Leader and four other team members will attempt to summit Mount Everest in
this collaborative multi-player simulation. There are five camps or checkpoints
along the route to the Summit (top) of Mt. Everest. At each camp, team members
analyze information on weather, health conditions, supplies, goals, or hiking
speed, and determine how much of that information to communicate to their
teammates.
”
http://forio.com/sim-store
Harvard Business Publishing and Forio

35. Everest
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o The simulation is team-based with each team of mountaineers requiring 5
users to play. However, if the team is not divisible by 5 then multiple
Observer roles can be assigned to one or more teams allowing extra players
to still participate and offer valuable post-play observations during debrief.
o Team members are able to chat with one another via built-in chat
functionality, and administrators are able to send chat messages to entire
teams.
o The simulation may either be run where each individual team leader chooses
when to enter decisions and advance to the next round, or where a faculty
member chooses to advance rounds for all teams at once.
http://forio.com/sim-store
Harvard Business Publishing and Forio

36. Scratch
CREATIVITY

37. Scratch
“
Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create interactive stories,
animations, games, music, and art and share creations on the web. Developed by
MIT Medialab
http://scratch.mit.edu/
”
MIT Medialab

38. PM Game
Sharkworld
Project Pyramid
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

39. PM Game
“
In this single-player simulation, students make both quantitative and qualitative
decisions as they manage a critical new product development project for a printer
manufacturer. Players' primary objective is to bring a competitive product to
market on time and on budget, ahead of the competition and can choose from
among five distinct and realistic scenarios, each designed to highlight specific
learning objectives.
”
http://forio.com/sim-store
Harvard Business Publishing and Forio

40. PM Game
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o Explores trade-offs among the 3 major project management levers: scope,
resources, and schedule
o Illustrates importance of and trade-offs associated with level, timing and
type of communication
o Shows the value of coaching and training Examines importance of team
member morale on productivity
o Aids in illustrating the concept of earned value management
o Highlights importance of appropriately timing changes in project resource
allocation
o Forces students to navigate projects through uncertainty and unanticipated
events Illustrates the concept that correcting problems early in the course of
the project provides significant benefit
http://forio.com/sim-store
Harvard Business Publishing and Forio

41. Sharkworld
“
Sharkworld allows aspiring project managers to experiment and gain experience
with key aspects of project management in a highly entertaining and motivating
setting.
http://www.sharkworldgame.com
”
Ranj Serious Games

42. Sharkworld
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o This online game creates a convincing virtual environment in which a project
is developed in real time, urging the player to interfere when things go
wrong, or preferably, before they do.
o Several suspense scenarios increase the entertainment value of the game.
The game covers not only economic aspects, but also social aspects, conflict
management and diplomatic skills. Interaction takes place in real life, by real
life means.
o The game will be playable online, but will also make use of other means of
communicating with players.
http://www.sharkworldgame.com
Ranj Serious Games

43. Project Pyramid
“
The educational game ‘Project Pyramid’ teaches your personnel how to
implement project management principles effectively. The game is based on
project management methods such as PRINCE2®. The game is set in Egypt in the
Fourth Dynasty, and the player must build the famous Pyramid of Cheops to
enable the pharaoh to take his most valued objects with him into the afterlife.
”
http://games-factory-online.nl
Games Factory Online

44. Project Pyramid
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THIS GAME:
o All the aspects of a project have been included in the game, such as the
organization of the project structure, risk analysis and risk assessment,
taking the appropriate action to manage risk and ensuring that the
requirements of the project are met in terms of quality, scope, budget and
schedule.
o Helps put project management knowledge and expertise into practice
o Organization of a project structure with the relevant roles, tasks and
responsibilities provided
o Analysis, assessment and prevention of potential risks is a module in the
game
http://games-factory-online.nl
Games Factory Online

45. THANK YOU
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PREETHI ANAND