Ludwig is an educational role-playing game developed by Austrian developer ovos. Users follow the fun-loving robot Ludwig through an interactive world to learn about physics topics such as Newtonian mechanics and renewable energy. Ludwig unlocks a series of tools to understand and analyze this strange new planet called "Earth." The order at which physics concepts are introduced run parallel to most conventional physics textbooks, and teachers can skip through the game to reach desired physical concepts. Gameplay can be saved and resumed regardless of whichever school computer was initially used to play.
While on this journey, students experiment with the effects different energy sources yield. Users explore a vast interactive environment that features customizable tools powered by wind, solar, and/or fossil fuels. Along the way, users compile the information they have learned into an intricate knowledge web. This allows students to gain practice in note-taking and organizing useful, pertinent information. Students can compare notes and collude with peers to formulate in-depth knowledge webs. Moreover, for an even more enriching language experience, L2 students can analyze what they have learned and write a reflection regarding the concepts at hand. This game is valuable in that it encourages language and science learning in an immensely enjoyable format.
Research indicates that serious games can influence motivation and knowledge transfer for the better. Osterweil (2007) indicates that students and teachers alike have partaken in serious gameplay and have noted strong engagement with the learning material and high levels of knowledge retention. Gamification can be used to improve learning capabilities in digital contexts, timeliness, and even to develop problem solving competencies. The use of games goes hand-in-hand with the students' natural hunger and curiosity to leverage competition and achievement in a fun environment (Osterweil, 2007).
References
Osterweil, L. J. (2007), What we learn from the study of ubiquitous processes. Softw. Process: Improve. Pract., 12: 399–414.
This sounds like a game worth trying out!
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