Advisor

• Dr. Min Liu

Degree

• Masters

Abstract

Nowadays, serious games are gaining wide recognition and many studies are conducted on their implementation. However, the value of serious games in education and research is still subject to debate. Serious game designers might have difficulties to select appropriate tools for 3D game development since most 3D modeling tools and game engines are designed for commercial game development. This report highlights the value of research-based educational games and suggests an Education Modeling Tool Framework for 3D modeling tools and game engine selection. The author modifies Petridis and De Freitas’s (2012) framework for serious game engine selection to meet the specialized needs of research-based educational games. The unique features are moderate visual fidelity, high compatibility with game engines, smooth learning curve, ample documentation and support, and low cost. Then, the actual use of the Education Modeling Tool Framework for a research-based educational game development - Alien Rescue - is discussed. The framework was applied in selecting 3D modeling tools as well as game engines for Alien Rescue development. Finally, suggestions are provided in the conclusion about the possible applications and utility of the Education Modeling Tool Framework in other research-based educational game projects.