Serious games are an alternative to normal training and education
. They could also be classified as educational games. These games have existed even before computers. Many companies would create board games that would simulate real world decision making and results. As computer games and simulations they are designed to develop cognitive skills and team processes. Industries that currently use these games range from the military to religion. Many industries have found that these games are engaging, interesting, and much more successful training tools.
The military has a great need for serious games simulations. These games can place a soldier in possible combat situations and allow them to make practice cognitive skills. Flight or battle simulators are examples that can be used by the military. By placing soldiers in different situations it allows them to experience the training without costly live training courses. The games will test decision making, reaction time, and competence while creating realistic situations. This type of learning can be far more substantial than a lecture or manual.
These games can be created and customized for any industry. They are typically developed by current computer game developers that are accustom to developing games quickly. Companies can save money by using a game developer instead of starting from scratch with their own developers.
Businesses can benefit from these games as well. Creating a game that allows an employee to make business decisions and review the outcomes of their decisions. This allows the employee to understand the processes and overall picture. By failing the game management can identify were more training may be needed.
Although these games are intended to engage the learner they are serious in nature. They are not to be confused with video games that your kids play. The ultimate goal is to train in way that more is retained. These games can have substantial advantage over normal training programs. Schools, businesses, military, government, and just about any industry in between can benefit from serious games.