Ooh ce course!

Ooh ce course (derived from the French au secours!) is an educational game aiding high-school students to learn French grammar.

This is a beta-version of a serious game, designed for 12 to 15 year old students. The aim of this game is to teach the students a specific vocabulary section of their French textbook. We got a specific set of words and phrases that had to be taught to the pupils, and forged this vocabulary into a game.

Initial paper prototype

As a first draft, a paper prototype was designed. A story was plotted and basic gameplay and game mechanics were defined. High fidelity graphics were implemented, to create a first look and feel of the game.

Prototype testing and interviews

In the second development phase, end users got involved in the development process. Each team member held a participatory design session with 4 pupils each. Pupils were interviewed about current learning, classroom and gaming experience. This data was acquired by means of semi-open interviews. After the interviewing session, participants were asked to have a first test run with the paper prototype. Much information was acquired from these sessions, which could be implemented in the second design iteration.

Horizontal technical prototype

With the received feedback, a second, technical prototype was developed. This prototype included the complete linear story line, as well as basic graphics and interactions. The prototype allowed testing of the interactions and game mechanics. Again, participants were invited to a testing session, and provided us with valuable feedback.

Alpha and beta phase

In this last design iteration, we implemented the feedback we've gotten from our participants and forged this into a working version of a serious game. We added the content, optimized the gameplay and mechanics, and implemented the score system. Going from alpha to beta, we added the intro and end movies, and wrapped up the game. The result was a high fidelity, beta version of a serious game that can be used for educational purposes, as an addition to the current curriculum and course materials.

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