Serious Games: Benefits for Corporate Training - Examples
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
To this day, many people view video games purely as a form of entertainment. However, at the roots of these "games" lies a powerful tool with the potential to transform education, professional training, and industry.
Today we will explore a topic that is consistently trending when discussing the future of gaming and how it can help the world solve real-world problems.
Games as a Multi-Purpose Tool
For decades, games were seen as a way to relax and enjoy a comfortable environment. However, the world of gaming and technology goes far beyond simple leisure. In recent years, there has been exponential growth in research and the acceptance of games as a tool for professional and social development.
When applied correctly, gaming mechanics can turn complex, expensive, and slow processes into simple, concise, and objective experiences.
How Games Help Develop People
The environment in which people participate can drastically change their behavior. This is one of the intrinsic concepts of "Serious Games," which aims to develop a favorable environment to accomplish specific objectives.
While physical classrooms, teachers, and traditional methodologies have high costs, Serious Games offer a scalable solution. In this space, three terms are often used interchangeably, though they have distinct meanings:
Gamification: Adding game-design elements (like points or leaderboards) to non-game contexts to increase engagement and assimilation.
Game-Based Learning (GBL): An experience where the game itself is the primary vehicle for teaching a specific subject organically.
Serious Games: Games designed for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment, such as defense, education, or healthcare.
The Influence of Games on History
Games are not only for idle moments; they are strategic tools limited only by the imagination of their developers. In fact, nature itself uses "play" as a tool to develop survival skills. Animals learn to hunt, attack, and defend through play within their social circles.
Historically, humans have used "war games" for centuries to teach strategy and combat concepts. The formalization of this idea can be traced back to Clark Abbott’s book "Serious Games" in the 1970s. However, it was only with the arrival of the 21st century that the market showed deep interest in researching and developing these concepts.
Serious Games Examples and Case Studies
There are wonderful examples of how Serious Games are making a difference across various markets.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Created in the 1980s, this simulator has evolved into a highly realistic training tool. The most recent version, Flight Simulator 2020, provides a realistic experience that helps pilots master aviation concepts. It is common for pilots worldwide to complete a minimum number of hours in flight simulators before operating real aircraft.
IBM City One
Developed by IBM, this game acts as a simulation for city planning. It allows engineers, politicians, and authorities to experience real-world problems—such as energy usage, water consumption, and urban infrastructure—within a risk-free virtual environment.
Minecraft: Education Edition
What started as a popular entertainment title is now a global educational phenomenon. Minecraft: Education Edition helps students develop skills in coding, chemistry, and history by allowing them to build and interact with complex modules designed specifically for the classroom.
The Future is Serious
Games as a tool are just beginning their journey. They are helping humanity in education, health, and the economy. In our post-pandemic world, Serious Games play a fundamental role in how information is shared—offering an organic, low-cost method for achieving great results.