How games and gamification can affirm emotional and social skills in children: case: MeikäMeikä-game’s functionality

Abstract

Gaming and playing are inseparable parts of human nature, and increasingly vast aspect of our everyday activities. Game-based learning and gamification are expanding their reach in both educationalist and workplace settings. The objective of this thesis was to examine this phenomenon and summarize information for game designers, educationalists and teachers of how gamification and game-based learning is used nowadays in relation to childhood development from a psychological viewpoint, as well as to review a board game made specifically to amplify social and communication skills. Literature review was used to summarize knowledge of games, gamification and game-based learning, as well as psychological, emotional and societal development of children aged from nine to twelve. Qualitative methods were used to build a reliable picture of MeikäMeikä-game’s functionality and usability. The usability test was performed in four different Finnish elementary schools using participant observation, concurrent probing and retrospective probing moderating techniques. The study showed that MeikäMeikä-game strengthens grouping and builds communication skills between its players as intended. The usability test concluded multiple results of gameplay, its flow, clarity, functionality, and design that can be worked on to improve the game even further. The overview offers a synopsis of knowledge related to emotional and social skills of children and the benefits of using gamification, game-based learning and games to amplify them.