Winning the Climate Challenge: Exploring the Gameplay of GENERAKSI for Children in East Nusa Tenggara
摘要
GENERAKSI is an interactive educational game designed to teach children about climate change adaptation and mitigation. The game challenges players to construct a path, tile by tile, from the starting point to the finish, incorporating strategic decision-making, cooperative play, and physical movement for a more engaging and interactive experience. With the dual objective of imparting knowledge and encouraging real-world climate action, this study evaluates the game's gameplay mechanics and educational effectiveness. This research employs the A/B Testing method to analyze key differences observed across playtest iterations, contributing to the continuous refinement of the game's design. Data were collected through alpha testing in Jakarta and beta testing in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), where questionnaires from hundreds of respondents aged 15–18 years were analyzed. The evaluation framework is based on Mike Compton’s Game Evaluation Criteria, which assesses six critical aspects: game clarity, flow, balance, length, integration, and fun. The findings indicate that well-designed educational games not only enhance the player experience but also significantly improve educational outcomes. This study underscores the importance of iterative testing in game development, capturing valuable insights into player engagement, motivation, and learning experiences. Ultimately, GENERAKSI demonstrates the potential of game-based learning as a sustainable and effective tool for climate change education.