Project Abstract

This academic year dissertation project aims to develop a riveting and engaging digital game design that aids to strengthen the participants?�� interpersonal skills that allow for better team contribution and success in the workplace. This venture entails the development of a 2D based game platform, aiming to address shortcomings of traditional teaching methods, providing an enjoyable learning experience accessible to all. The game?��s core objective is to strengthen key skills such as time-management, problem solving and adaptability through dynamic difficulty levels which can be tailored to the users preferences to suit their skill level. The decision to create a 2D based game platform was stimulated by the fact that soft skills are now more than ever becoming more recognised as important traits for academic and work-related success, and as technology?��s increasing development cannot be escaped, it?��s important to adapt in an engaging manner. The proposition of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital game as a tool for enhancing soft skills in academic and professional contexts and explore the potential of digital games to cater to diverse learning styles. Main approach includes focusing on the user rather than a broad audience. Different difficulty levels are introduced in the game to fit the audience?��s preferences. An individual is more likely to go back to a game if they feel satisfied with their development. A captivating sound at getting an answer in the game correct, or ?��levelling-up?�� is used, motivating the user to keep going. Findings throughout the duration of the project have been that soft-skills amongst students have been underdeveloped since Covid-19 due to the changes in education structure. Since education focused on remote working, many individuals became more familiarised with technology, and the gaming statistics also happened to increase prominently. Discovering the high increase in gaming individuals across the globe since 2019 has inspired the project, as a computer-based game would be of best interest as the market is so high. The completion of this dissertation project has shed light on the potential of digital 2D based games as highly effective tools for enhancing soft skills in many contexts. By harnessing technology to deliver engaging learning experiences, the project has shown the importance of adapting both technological advancements and emotional intelligence to meet the needs of modern learners. The decision to create a 2D-based game platform reflects an acknowledgment of the nature of gaming in society and the potential to leverage it for educational purposes.

Keywords: Soft Skills, Game Design, User Experience

 Conference Details

Session: Poster Session B at Poster Stand 29

Location: Sir Stanley Clarke Auditorium at Wednesday 8th 09:00 – 12:30

Markers: Tom Owen, Manlio Valenti

Course: BSc Computer Science, 3rd Year

Future Plans: I’m looking for work