After completing the first version of the game, the GaGEN partners conducted six national pre-test events, involving 24 experienced gamers from all partner countries. This process was essential to validate the usability and playability of the GaGEN digital game and to identify areas for improvement before the final version.
Key Findings on Usability and Playability:
- High levels of usability scores, showing intuitive design and user-friendly interaction.
- Some challenges were reported, particularly in navigation, translation, and engagement.
- Some technical bugs and inconsistencies were discovered.
- Playability results showed high engagement in Turkey and Germany, while Portugal struck a balance between educational content and fun.
Effectiveness in Raising Awareness:
Gamers across countries agreed that the game successfully introduced everyday actions to mitigate climate change, such as reducing waste or mindful consumption. Feedback also emphasised the importance of aligning game content with realistic actions and improving scientific accuracy.
Intergenerational Collaboration:
The intergenerational concept of the game was widely recognised as promising.
Next Steps:
The transnational validation confirmed the educational value and potential impact of the GaGEN game, while also highlighting areas that need improvement.
Partners will integrate these recommendations into the final development phase, ensuring that the GaGEN game becomes an effective, inclusive, and engaging tool to foster environmental awareness across generations.
