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The Game Design Competition challenged New Zealand Year 7-13 students to design digital or non-digital games about safe road use. It ran during Terms 1 & 2, 2016.
Game Design Competition case studies.
Student and teacher voice.
Read about the learning behind winners.
Features Best Games from all year levels.
Columba College, Dunedin
Students: Sophie, Zola and Sophie
Prickle in a Pickle game design document(external link)
Prickle in a Pickle helps young children learn about general road safety in and out of New Zealand. Players make their way around the board, answering cards in the categories; pedestrians, self transport, fortune card, in the car, challenge a friend and hedgehog facts. We tested this game on five primary aged children, they all enjoyed the game and told us a few ways of how we could improve it.
Excellent polish & finish. This game looks beautiful. Lovely clean simple design. The "Prickles" character could be a good hook for younger kids. An interesting idea of blending facts about hedgehogs with road safety questions. The team has thought about their target audience and designed a game that appeals and engages young players.
Note: The Cylante entry by Auckland Grammar School has withdrawn from the competition and the prize has been awarded to the 2nd placed entry.
The Roadbot's JourneyRāwhiti School, Christchurch
Students: Sophie, Marshall, Autahi and Xander
Video about the students' game design(external link)
You choose to be either the girl or boy in the game and help the robot find their spaceship. On the way you help the robot learn how to make a safe journey when travelling on a scooter, bike, car or when walking.
This is a big ambitious game, which looks fun while putting important ideas about road use into action. The Roadbot is an appealing hook for younger players, and externalizing the learner (by having players teach the robot) enhances gameplay.
We like that each level asks the player to make decisions related to different kinds of road use (scootering, bicycling, riding in a car). The maps and character sketches are gorgeous. The design is thoughtful, playful and responsive to feedback.
By Taylah, Milly, Chelsea and Amelia, Rangiora New Life School
From the judges:
This physical game looks fun and social.
The team clearly put plenty of time into researching the topic before getting hands-on with the creative design process.
View the game design document [PDF, 3.5 MB]
By Niko, Joel, Zak and Evan, Shirley Boys’ High School, Christchurch
From the judges:
Very detailed entry.
This game would get players thinking about the road as shared commons, and needing to be aware of other driver’s mistakes and bad decisions. Nicely presented concept video.
View the game design document(external link)
By Alexandra, Emma, Samara, Emma-Jane and Brianna, Oxford Area School
From the judges:
We were impressed with the thought the team put into incorporating road safety, and making it relevant to a provincial setting. A well-executed board game with clear use of concept design, player testing, and refinement.
View the game design document [PDF, 2.3 MB]
By Max, Eric and Tony, Pakuranga College, Auckland
From the judges:
Good effort researching road safety issues. An ambitious yet simple fast-playing game. It integrates fun challenges with road safety messages – a good balance of engagement and education.
View the game design document(external link)
Play Dumb Ways to Drive(external link)
By Jessi, Abby, Renzo and Sharif, Pakuranga College, Auckland
From the judges:
This team used game design to make the road code much more interactive. Good use of player testing and feedback. The result is a playful game with thought given to its educational potential.
