Transferable Skills: Modding Magic Maze Into a Serious Game for Engineering Education Training

As engineering education evolves, the need to cultivate transferable skills like teamwork and communication has become as crucial as technical expertise. This study explores the potential of the modern board game Magic Maze as a game-based learning tool to develop transferable among engineering students, an approach rarely examined in this context. Conducted with 74 students at a Portuguese university, the study assessed the collaborative gameplay on key skills such as leadership, empathy, and attention while exploring gender-based differences in engagement and outcomes. Data from pre- and post-tests revealed that Magic Maze effectively enhanced essential transferable skills, with notable increases in motivation, energy, focus, empathy, and professional skills. Gender differences surfaced, with females reporting higher anxiety and focus, while males demonstrated more familiarity with serious games. Correlation analysis underscored the utility of board games for skill development and goal achievement, with qualitative insights capturing a blend of serious and playful elements. While Magic Maze offers a cost-effective and engaging way to foster transferable skills, the findings suggest that educators must be adept in facilitation techniques for optimal impact. This study highlights modern board games as powerful yet underutilized tools in engineering education, enriching the learning experience by combining collaboration with practical skill-building.