Last month, the academic research carried out within the framework of the Game On project, titled “Exploring the Impact of Game Design on the Promotion of Inclusion” was published. Produced by the University of Barcelona, one of the partner entities of Game On partnership, it was written by Professor Jordi Sancho, who has followed the project closely during 3 years. The research assesses how game design methodologies can improve inclusion in educational environments. The 32-page study is structured as follows:
- Theoretical framework. First phase of the research, consisting of an exhaustive review of the academic literature focused on several key areas of the project: play as an educational tool, game design, inclusion, key competencies, etc.
- Design of qualitative research. The research has a qualitative approach, with the main objective of investigating how game design can improve skills for inclusion and explore the profiles and contexts of users interested in game design for inclusion, among others.
- Data collection: The data was collected through interviews and questionnaires, with a total of 64 participants including expert project collaborators, course participants and trainers, in Catalonia, Serbia, Italy and Lithuania.
- Conclusions. Research contributes to the growing knowledge (and recognition) about the potential of game design to address the great challenge of social inclusion. Integrating empirical theory and evidence, the study offers valuable guidance for educators, designers and policymakers who seek to take advantage of game-based strategies to foster inclusive environments.
The dissemination of the research has been carried out through the publication in the Repository of Publications of Open Access to RECERCAT (Repository of Research of Catalonia – cooperative repository (CBUC). It is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/207806 In addition, the research will also be published as an academic article and used in lectures and lectures by Professor Sancho and other university professors. The summary of the research has been translated and adapted from English to 5 languages (Lithuanian, Serbian, Italian, Spanish, as well as Catalan) for a better dissemination.