Educational games (EG) design framework: Combination of game design, pedagogy and content modeling

Previous studies have found that educational games (EG) provide immersion, motivation, fun and high level of engagement. Studies also found that EG are able to teach 21
^st
century skills. Thus, it is worth studying how this form of entertainment can be adapted into our teaching and learning strategies in order to develop our students' motivation and engagement, which is crucial in successful learning. However, designing and development of educational games with authentic learning content while maintaining the fun criteria can be challenging. Hence, a good design methodology and guideline is needed in assisting games development team to design an effective learning game. Our main attention is to produce a framework in educational games design for higher education. This paper analyses and compares a few frameworks available, then suggests a few criteria needed both from game design and pedagogy points of view. Hopefully it will shed some light in educational games design issues for higher education students.