A Systematic Review on the Use of Serious Games in Project Management Education

Serious games serve as a pivotal pedagogical tool in project management education, functioning primarily to bridge the divide between abstract theoretical frameworks and the complexities of real-world application. By providing risk-free, cost-effective simulation environments, these tools facilitate the development of essential soft skills, critical thinking, and student engagement. The integration of such games allows learners to navigate project lifecycles and decision-making processes without the financial or operational consequences inherent in professional settings, thereby enhancing experiential learning outcomes.

A systematic analysis of 43 academic studies reveals that while the adoption of serious games is widespread, the field currently lacks rigorous empirical validation. Much of the existing literature relies on anecdotal evidence rather than standardized metrics to measure learning efficacy or long-term skill retention. To address this, a new taxonomy has been proposed to categorize educational objectives, providing a structured framework for future research. This classification system aims to move the discipline beyond speculative benefits toward a more evidence-based understanding of how gaming mechanics influence project management competencies.

The current landscape of project management education remains in an early stage of development regarding the systematic implementation of these digital tools. There is a critical need for further investigation into teacher-oriented integration, specifically focusing on how to embed serious games into coherent, long-term pedagogical scenarios. Future efforts must prioritize empirical assessment to ensure that these games effectively meet their intended educational goals. By shifting focus toward structured evaluation and pedagogical integration, the industry can better leverage serious games to cultivate the next generation of project management professionals.