By: Presented at the 2023 Serious Games Conference, Toronto
In October 2023, I had the privilege of presenting at the Serious Games Conference in Toronto, where I shared insights on how AI-driven open-world games can transform education by fostering deeper learning.
Why Deeper Learning Matters
Traditional education often struggles to keep students engaged and motivated. Deeper learning goes beyond memorization—it emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. However, achieving this level of engagement requires innovative approaches that resonate with learners.
The Challenge with Motivation
One of the biggest hurdles in EdTech is sustaining motivation. In my session, I shared a personal story illustrating how traditional methods fall short and why we need to rethink engagement strategies.
Introducing “Elaria”
To address these challenges, we developed Elaria, an AI-powered open-world game designed to merge real-world quests with real rewards. Elaria uses AI to:
- Craft adaptive storylines
- Generate culturally authentic dialogues
- Balance gameplay dynamically
- Personalize learning pathways
This approach creates an evolving motivation paradigm—where learning feels like an adventure rather than an obligation.
AI’s Role in Game Design
AI isn’t just a backend tool; it’s a creative collaborator. In Elaria and similar projects, AI helps:
- Automate game balance
- Generate NPC dialogues
- Adapt gameplay iteratively based on learner performance
The result? A dynamic, inclusive, and personalized learning experience.
Case Study: The “Hua Mulan” Experience
We also explored Odeum’s Hua Mulan project, which leverages AI for quest design, dialogue generation, and adaptive learning pathways. This case study demonstrates how AI can ensure cultural authenticity while maintaining engagement and educational depth.
The Bigger Picture
AI-driven games offer:
- Dynamic learning environments
- Real-time performance analytics
- Scalability without sacrificing personalization
- A bridge between fun and learning
Looking Ahead
The future of EdTech gaming is collaborative. AI isn’t replacing educators—it’s empowering them to create richer, more meaningful learning experiences. Motivation, personalization, and adaptability will define the next era of educational technology.