PhD Thesis: G.A.M.E.

This thesis explored how serious games can support motivation to learn. It combined insights from psychology and game design to create the Applied Game Design Model.

Central is the idea of restructuring: learners and players both rearrange and manipulate existing structures to create something new. The model outlines ten steps to integrate learning content into gameplay.

The work was validated with Combinatorics, a math game developed in different versions. Research showed that autonomy-supportive design can increase motivation, but restrictive designs can also have impact. The thesis contributed design principles for autonomy-supportive educational games.