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A Scientific Foundation of Simulation Games for the Analysis and Design of Complex Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Heide K. Lukosch
  • Geertje Bekebrede
  • Shalini Kurapati
  • Stephan G. Lukosch

Abstract

Background . The use of simulation games for complex systems analysis and design has been acknowledged about 50 years ago. However, articles do not combine all salient factors for successful simulation games , and often stem from a clear view of one particular field of science only. With combining multiple disciplines, connect analysis and design as well as research and practice, we provide deep insights in design and use of simulation games . Aim . This article analyzes the design and evaluation process of a variety of game-based projects and activities, using existing scientific concepts and approaches, in order to establish games as a valid research tool . Our focus lies on the approach towards the use of games as design instrument; using them as an intervention in a larger, complex context, in order to design this context. With our contribution, we aim at providing insights and recommendations on the design and use of games as valid research tools , the limitations of this use, possible pitfalls, but also best practices. Method . We carried out a literature review of related work to identify the most important scientific concepts related to our approach of game design. Further use of combined quantitative and qualitative case study analyses highlights the design process and results of our own game studies . Results . The analyses yielded a consolidated conceptualization of simulation games as research instruments in complex systems analysis and design. The results also include methods for the evaluation of simulation games , additional evaluation methods, and limitations to use simulation games as research instruments. Conclusions . We propose guidelines for using simulation games as research instruments that may be of value to practitioners and scientists alike. Recommendation . We recommend practitioners and scientists to apply the guidelines presented here in their efforts to analyze and design complex systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Heide K. Lukosch & Geertje Bekebrede & Shalini Kurapati & Stephan G. Lukosch, 2018. "A Scientific Foundation of Simulation Games for the Analysis and Design of Complex Systems," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 49(3), pages 279-314, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:simgam:v:49:y:2018:i:3:p:279-314
    DOI: 10.1177/1046878118768858
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yusuke Toyoda, 2020. "A Framework of Simulation and Gaming for Enhancing Community Resilience Against Large-Scale Earthquakes: Application for Achievements in Japan," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(2), pages 180-211, April.
    2. Tina-Simone Neset & Lotta Andersson & Ola Uhrqvist & Carlo Navarra, 2020. "Serious Gaming for Climate Adaptation—Assessing the Potential and Challenges of a Digital Serious Game for Urban Climate Adaptation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Rens Kortmann & Vincent Peters, 2021. "Becoming the Unseen Helmsman - Game facilitator competencies for novice, experienced, and non-game facilitators," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 52(3), pages 255-272, June.
    4. Willy C. Kriz & J. Tuomas Harviainen & Timothy C. Clapper, 2018. "Game Science: Foundations and Perspectives," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 49(3), pages 199-206, June.
    5. Maria Freese & Heide Lukosch, 2024. "The Funnel of Game Design – An Adaptive Game Design Approach for Complex Systems," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 55(2), pages 323-341, April.
    6. Marieke de Wijse-van Heeswijk, 2021. "Ethics and the Simulation Facilitator: Taking your Professional Role Seriously," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 52(3), pages 312-332, June.
    7. Anastasia Roukouni & Heide Lukosch & Alexander Verbraeck & Rob Zuidwijk, 2020. "Let the Game Begin: Enhancing Sustainable Collaboration among Actors in Innovation Ecosystems in a Playful Way," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.
    8. Uyen-Phuong Nguyen & Philip Hallinger, 2020. "Assessing the Distinctive Contributions of Simulation & Gaming to the Literature, 1970-2019: A Bibliometric Review," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(6), pages 744-769, December.
    9. Carissa J Champlin & Johannes Flacke & Geert PMR Dewulf, 2022. "A game co-design method to elicit knowledge for the contextualization of spatial models," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(3), pages 1074-1090, March.
    10. Jan HG Klabbers, 2018. "On the Architecture of Game Science: A Rebuttal," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 49(3), pages 356-372, June.
    11. Kevin R. Glover & Alec Bodzin, 2019. "Psychometric Testing of a Value-Achievement-Cost Motivation Survey for 12th Grade Health Sciences Students for Use in Simulation-Based-Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 50(6), pages 789-811, December.
    12. Geertje Bekebrede & Ellen Van Bueren & Ivo Wenzler, 2018. "Towards a Joint Local Energy Transition Process in Urban Districts: The GO2Zero Simulation Game," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-20, July.

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