How do students learn to create educational games? Research conducted within Learn2Play4Future shows that designing, testing and refining game prototypes can deepen students’ understanding of game-based learning – while highlighting the importance of structured guidance and feedback.
Dr. Magdaléna Švecová, the project manager of Learn2Play4Future, is among the authors of the research paper Designing Educational Games in Higher Education: A Convergent Mixed-methods Pilot Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Course on Game Design.
The paper explores the educational value of teaching students of higher education how to design educational games themselves. While much research focuses on games as tools for learning, this study addresses another important question. How can students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to create games that support learning?
The research examines an interdisciplinary course on educational game design developed and implemented within the Learn2Play4Future project. By evaluating this course through a convergent mixed-methods pilot study, the authors contribute to a better understanding of how game design can be incorporated into higher education.
Connecting Education and Game Development
Developing educational games requires more than knowledge of game mechanics or subject-specific content. It involves bringing together educational principles, creative design, and an understanding of how people learn and engage with games.
This interdisciplinary approach is central to Learn2Play4Future. “By connecting education and game development, the project aims to equip students with practical skills they can use to create educational games and apply game-based learning in educational settings,” says Dr. Švecová.
The research paper contributes to this goal by examining an educational course that brings these fields together. It also highlights the importance of evaluating educational approaches to understand their potential and inform future course development.
Sharing knowledge with the International Research Community
The European Conference on Games Based Learning (ECGBL) brings together researchers, educators, practitioners and game designers interested in the intersection of games and education. The 20th edition of the conference took place at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany from 30 September to 2 October 2026.
“Presenting research at an international conference provides an opportunity to share insights, exchange experiences and contribute to wider discussions about the role of games in education,” states Dr. Švecová.
The paper was co-authored by Dr. Elwira Lewandowska, doc. Martin Kuruc, Dr. Dušan Damián Brezány, Dr. Klára Zubková, Dr. Monika Cihlářová and Dr. Magdaléna Švecová. All co-authors are members of the Learn2Play4Future project team, reflecting the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project.
Read the full research paper: Designing Educational Games in Higher Education: A Convergent Mixed-methods Pilot Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Course on Game Design
Key Findings: What Did We Learn from the Study?
The study highlights several important insights into how students learn to design educational games:
- Learning happens through the design process. Students develop their understanding of game-based learning and educational game design by making design decisions, solving problems, testing prototypes and responding to feedback – not just by studying theory.
- Playtesting is essential. Testing games with users helps students evaluate whether the rules are clear, the gameplay is engaging and the intended educational purpose is communicated effectively.
- Students need structured guidance. Clear milestones, practical examples, templates, feedback protocols and realistic timelines can make the game design process more manageable, especially for students who are new to pedagogy or game development.
Educational game design courses should evolve through evaluation. As authors state in the study, these lessons will inform the second cycle of the game-based courses and support further refinement of the interdisciplinary model.
The key takeaway is, that students learn to design educational games by actively creating, testing and refining them. With the right guidance and opportunities for feedback, this process can deepen their understanding of how games support learning.
Building the Future of Learning Through Games
Through research, international cooperation and the development of educational opportunities, Learn2Play4Future works to strengthen the connection between game design and education.
By exploring how future educators and game developers can learn to create educational games, the project contributes to new approaches that support student engagement and encourage innovation in teaching and learning.