Educational Gameplay Journal - Post 4
Game Metadata
Game Name: Cyber Watchdog
Developer: Skillionaire Games
Platform: Android, iOS, Browser
High-Level Instructional Goal: Cybersecurity/IT
Educational Goals
Skillionare targets students aiming to spark interest in cybersecurity and IT fields by connecting them to local resources and showcasing its stability and opportunities (without the need for a four-year degree). Players are introduced to relevant terminology, responsibilities within the role, and the common types of cybersecurity attacks. They assume no prior knowledge of cybersecurity and IT and provide a foundational understanding of what it is and why it could be a prospective career path. The primary learning objectives are to understand the fundamental elements of this career path and spark an interest in the topic by protecting the cyberspace in the game through a series of activities and actions that correlate to real-world challenges. The main opportunities for knowledge transfer from cyber security and IT can begin to extend into a curiosity for computer science and intelligence fields.
Game Elements
Overall, the bigger picture involves familiarizing the player with cybersecurity and information technology through timed missions that allow the player to explore and guard the cyberspace environment. The outer loop for the first few levels is navigating the environment, retrieving the drive, decrypting the drive in the server, and inputting the decrypted data into the Mother Board (goal or target to reach) to protect cyber space. The inner loops depend on the specific environment of the level and what terms they are trying to teach. There are tasks to complete during the level and mini-games that explore smaller concepts and make up the inner game loop. The player experience is similar to navigating immersive RPG simulation games with a nostalgic Wii/Mii-like art style.
Learning Mechanisms
To develop fluency and establish a strong foundational understanding, the game employs learning mechanisms such as scaffolding and segmenting. The content is modularly structured, with each level building on previous concepts while introducing new ones within an existing knowledge framework. This progression supports a well-rounded introduction to cybersecurity and IT. Segmenting is effectively applied through mini-games and well-paced content that allow players to digest and consolidate information at a manageable rate.
The game also incorporates learning science principles related to induction, refinement, and sense-making—specifically linking, the Goldilocks principle, interleaving, application, and variability. Linking is achieved through visual cues that highlight similarities and differences, such as contrasting healthy and infected servers in sequential levels. The Goldilocks principle is evident in the level design, which is thoughtfully tailored to novice learners, maintaining engagement without overwhelming them. Interleaving appears through varied mini-games that develop complementary skills, helping players see the field as diverse and dynamic. Application and variability are emphasized by reinforcing key concepts across different scenarios and environments, requiring players to adapt rather than rely on memorization.
The game also leverages anchored learning by embedding real-world cybersecurity practices into interactive, scaled-down fictional settings, making abstract ideas more tangible. Metacognition is subtly encouraged through exploration and self-correction, as players receive limited direct feedback and are instead prompted to reflect and learn from trial and error. Finally, situational interest is maintained through a high-stakes, action-based simulation that’s exciting without being discouraging. Altogether, these mechanisms and principles effectively support the game’s educational goals by promoting deep understanding, skill development, and enthusiasm for cybersecurity as a potential career path.
Overall Critique
Cyber Watchdog is a great example of an educational game with intentional design. The game advertises accessible resources to be able to further explore pathways into cybersecurity and IT careers. It makes use of various learning principles that do a good job of defining the mechanisms they aim to imprint on players. The gameplay is both engaging and incentivizing, and as you progress, you begin to get more comfortable with the terminology and action steps needed in each scenario. The mini-games, timer, and different environments keep the game moving and fresh. This game is a great tool for students that is both fun and informative.
