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Experiencing Cybersecurity One Game at a Time: A Systematic Review of Cybersecurity Digital Games

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  • Merijke Coenraad
  • Anthony Pellicone
  • Diane Jass Ketelhut
  • Michel Cukier
  • Jan Plane
  • David Weintrop

Abstract

Background. Cybersecurity is of increasing importance in our interconnected world, yet the field has a growing workforce deficit and an underrepresentation of women and people of color. In an effort to address these issues, many digital games have been created to teach individuals about cybersecurity and keeping themselves, their data, and their networks safe. Intervention. We present the results of a systematic review of digital games related to cybersecurity as a means to understand how players are being introduced to cybersecurity in game-based contexts. Methods. Using a systematic search, we identified 181 games related to cybersecurity (either through content or aesthetics) by searching the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, Steam, and the web broadly. Each game was played for up to an hour and characteristics such as the game story, game elements, and presentation of cybersecurity were gathered. Results. We found diverse conceptualizations of cybersecurity and of cybersecurity professionals. Further, the nature of games and the framing of cybersecurity varied by the platform and device on which the game was available (computer, mobile, or web). Web games were most likely to present cybersecurity as cyber safety and were more likely to be a gamified quiz or worksheet. Computer and mobile games tended to present cybersecurity through game aesthetics or deep content engagement. The games mirrored the underrepresentation of women and minoritized individuals in the field. Discussion. With the variety of digital cybersecurity games and the differences in games based on the platform on which the game is available, it is important game developers move beyond presenting cybersecurity through gamification and focusing on cyber safety. The current scope of cybersecurity games leaves room for the development of games focused on deeper content engagement with cybersecurity topics in an environment conducive to the broadening participation goals of the cybersecurity field.

Suggested Citation

  • Merijke Coenraad & Anthony Pellicone & Diane Jass Ketelhut & Michel Cukier & Jan Plane & David Weintrop, 2020. "Experiencing Cybersecurity One Game at a Time: A Systematic Review of Cybersecurity Digital Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(5), pages 586-611, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:simgam:v:51:y:2020:i:5:p:586-611
    DOI: 10.1177/1046878120933312
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laure Turner, 2009. "Gender diversity and innovative performance," International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 4(2/3), pages 123-134.
    2. Alessandro Liberati & Douglas G Altman & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Cynthia Mulrow & Peter C Gøtzsche & John P A Ioannidis & Mike Clarke & P J Devereaux & Jos Kleijnen & David Moher, 2009. "The PRISMA Statement for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Studies That Evaluate Health Care Interventions: Explanation and Elaboration," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-28, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Borka Jerman Blažič & Andrej Jerman Blažič, 2022. "Cybersecurity Skills among European High-School Students: A New Approach in the Design of Sustainable Educational Development in Cybersecurity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-23, April.
    2. J. Tuomas Harviainen, 2020. "Roles, Plays, and the Roles We Play While Playing Games," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(5), pages 583-585, October.

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