A review of digital serious games for tsunami risk communication

Abstract

The research conducted a thorough review of evidence and effectiveness of digital serious games (SGs) for communication of action-oriented key messages (related to tsunami evacuation) to children. Significant scientific research investigates tsunami risk which is not always effectively communicated to children who are expected to make appropriate decisions during a tsunami event. SGs can motivate children and enhance risk communication. Computing technologies offer a delivery platform to access digital SGs which require little educator training and motivate learners. The research reviewed evidence of effective SGs that address tsunami risk and are deployable by educators. Based on this review, it is evident that very few suitable classroom deployable, digital SGs that address tsunami evacuation decision-making are available. Results showed only 2 suitable, available games. Similarly, while general evidence of the effectiveness of digital SGs was found, the evaluation of and evidence for the specific effectiveness of the available games was extremely limited. The education establishment and disaster community could exploit SG technology more effectively to communicate natural hazard risk to children in a global context where such risk is increasing. The research informs future game development projects which need to embrace comprehensive stakeholder involvement and inputs. Recommendations for serious game development projects are proposed.

Design de jogos analógicos: desenvolvimento de um jogo de tabuleiro como ferramenta de comunicação estratégica para a Universidade Federal do Amazonas

“…Apesar da variedade de definições e terminologias relacionadas aos jogos sérios, Hawthorn et al (2021) acreditam que a maneira como é utilizado é mais importante do que a sua rotulação, pois a seriedade pode vir do contexto em que é jogado, não necessariamente do gênero, do propósito designado ou da natureza do jogo em si. Muitas vezes, está associada ao criador, designer ou facilitador do jogo.…”

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“…When learning about risks and DDR, there is also a need to re-establish respect for an adapted relationship with thelocal context without losing a global perspective [4]. Numerous institutional networks have recognized this and have been mobilized to facilitate the integration of school in their territory, in line with programs on ESD [26].…”

“…This method allows the learner to witness the dialogue and understand what is happening in the game. The game was conceived to communicate to members of acommunity who perceive tsunami risk to be low or non-existent, rather than a highly aware community who may be familiar with tsunami natural warning signs, and have already taken suitable preparatory actions.The approach followed a survey of learners, showed an understanding of general tsunami characteristics, but a limited ability of learners to recognise the natural warning signs of tsunami [3] and a literature review of existing classroom deployable, tsunami focussed, serious games [4].…”

“…Our illustrative example builds on work assessing knowledge gaps [3] and a review of tsunami classroom deployable games [4]. It focuses on risk communication and decision-making in the context of tsunami events.…”

Editorial. Vol. 8, Issue 2

“…"A Review of Digital Serious Games for Tsunami Risk Communication", by Hawthorn et al [2], presents a review of evidence and effectiveness of digital serious games (SGs) for communication of action-oriented key messages (related to tsunami evacuation) to children. Results showed only two suitable, classroom deployable games.…”