Chapter 31: Serious games for evaluation

Overview & Synopsis

This chapter discusses experiences with and prospects for applying serious games in program evaluation in four sections. We start by discussing the origins of serious games in public policy and administration and unique characteristics that make games valuable for evaluative inquiries. In section two, we present a typology organizing game applications along crucial aspects of evaluation: the game purpose and the nature of the evaluand. We offer examples of successfully implemented games for each type of use: adjusting behaviors, assessing behaviors, crash-testing mechanisms, and exploring systems. In the third section, we provide a novel ABC framework (Architecture - Behavior - Change) for public policy practitioners who plan to use individual games for their work. The framework can be used to adapt existing commercial games, or prepare a blueprint for designing new games. We close with prospects for advancing serious games as an innovative, high-impact method for public policy and program evaluation practitioners.