FormulaT Racing: combining gaming culture and intuitive sense of mechanism for video game design

Abstract

While video games are typically labeled either commercial or educational, little has been done to amplify the educational value of popular commercial games. Using data from a pilot study of children playing commercial games we have developed a prototype video game called FormulaT Racing. This game is designed to fit into gaming culture while simultaneously providing an environment that draws on players' intuitive beliefs to move them to a qualitative understanding of basic kinematic principles.