Development of Civic Competence through Digital Game Experiences: Perspective of international videogame designers

Abstract

In a context where emergent technologies seem to promote participation and collaboration, video games, more social and mobile than ever, have become a convergent media whose possibilities for developing critical and democratic citizenship have not been explored. This work collected the viewpoints of international videogame designers that have participated in the development of videogames of a civic nature, regarding the development of civic competence through this media. In particular, it focused on the possibilities and limitations of the medium, suggestions for designing such experiences, the interpretation of several educational uses, both in formal and non-formal contexts, and the designers’ perceptions about their professional role in the creation of these products. After the completion of emergent purposeful sampling, we conducted interviews with relevant game designers from the United States, Poland and Bulgaria. The results confirmed that game experiences can promote civic competence provided that they fulfil several design principles. Designers also identified good practices in formal and non-formal educational contexts. Finally, they expressed their willingness to work with other agents in the creation of educational experiences.