eScape

eScape could be defined as “Team adventure game with collaborative problem-solving puzzles.” The game is designed in order to find novel ways of combining game design features and group learning scenarios. The research behind eScape production aims at finding new solutions in applying game technologies for future learning environments.

LudoCraft Game Design and Research Unit has designed and produced the game where players have to communicate, collaborate and coordinate their actions if they want to succeed. The Educational Technology Unit then evaluated and analysed the group dynamics and collaborative processes occurring among the players.

First experiment setting was organised on 26th to 28th of November, 2003. Special laboratory environment was constructed in order to gather extensive data of 24 people participating in the game sessions. There were a total of six groups, each having approximately one hour to complete the game.

eScape is targeted for novice players, so the participants were selected from the non-gaming community. Furthermore, the puzzles and problems to be solved were designed in a way that the successful completion requires full participation and collaboration of each of the team members.