Based on our research, the GameOn partners produced seven models to approach game design. The Formative approach is one of them. Watch this video explainer to learn more about this model.
Download the MeMos poster that describes the Formative game design characteristics.
Usually, the formative process is practised in non-formal education settings. Young people join in designing one or more game prototypes.
Young people get involved in most game design phases. The project does not include the dissemination and multiplying stage.
The primary goal is to learn and experiment with the game design process.
Following a formative approach, young people get involved in the following game design stages:
Formative game design has unique features.
Process
Usually, young people get involved in collaborative work through a guided and planned participation process. Participants have a deep interest in learning how to create a game they can use in the future.
Each small group creates a different game, usually in a prototype version. In many cases, they miss a more extended testing phase and do not focus on the game dissemination.
Such a game design approach has a limited and structured time from 8 days to 9 months, depending on the project’s structure.
Participants
Depending on the project topic, young people with various profiles participate.
Other actors
Youth workers working at non-governmental organisations and expert trainers facilitate the process.
Structure
Usually, the formative game design offers training courses where young people enrol with a particular interest in the topic, the potential of games as resources, or in the game design process.
Guidance
Group facilitators and expert trainers facilitate specific training sessions.
Competences
These are some personal, social and civic competences young people can develop in formative game design projects.
Examples
This activity is part of the wider educational effort of the international partnership “GameOn” to promote inclusion, participation, and critical thinking through game design. Learn more about this partnership here.
Expert partners:
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
Cover image from Unsplash.