An intelligent and persistent browser-based game for oil drilling operators training

Oil exploration has become a steadily growing business. This is due to the ever increasing demand for oil derivatives in the international market. The extraction of this mineral, however, is not an easy process. It poses many hazards which may threaten the environment and the lives of workers at an oil well. In order to reduce the chances of accidents and failures, a continued training program is highly recommended. This paper presents a serious game which simulates a drilling rig. In this game players are exposed to various circumstances in which they can exercise their knowledge about their work and learn what to do in troublesome events. Artificial Intelligence techniques are applied to the game in order to accomplish that feature. Due to the fact that oil and gas exploration activities are defined in project structures, the project-based learning theory is applied to support this work. The application also includes instant interactions among several players in a virtual 3D environment. The game is web-based, which allows players to remotely execute it on different platforms.