Serious games are games designed for purposes other than pure entertainment such as education or problem solving. They can take the form of simulations, immersive environments, or puzzles to teach analytical skills or solve scientific challenges. To be successful, serious games incorporate elements of fun, realistic scenarios, clear rules and objectives, an engaging storyline, interactivity, adjustable difficulty levels, and social components to encourage learning and problem solving.

1. Serious games
Citizen Science & Biodiversity:
Meeting at the crossroads
October 22, 2011

2. A serious game is a game designed
for a primary purpose other than pure
entertainment.

3. Gameplay: Utility:
Fun, pure pleasure Predictable and calculated outcome
Chocolate covered broccoli
Games that conceal their intended effects

4. Games for solving analytical problems
Types of serious games

5. Simulations
Types of serious games

6. Immersive environments
Types of serious games

7. Puzzles for solving scientific challenges
Types of serious games

8. Types of serious games

9. Who are the gamers?
ESA – Essential facts about the computer and video game industry

10. What are they using?

11. The secret(s) of success
- Fun
- Realistic (to some extent)
- Clearly defined rules and objectives
- Storyline
- Interactive
- Challenging
- High cognitive activity
- Customizable

12. Lotame ID reports, 2009
We are social creatures