Bodegus: A Serious Game Intervention to Shape Informal Business Practices

The serious game Bodegus functions as a pedagogical intervention designed to influence the business practices of informal entrepreneurs in Peru. By utilizing dilemma-based mechanics that contrast the immediate convenience of informal shortcuts with the long-term benefits of formalization, the game aims to shift player perceptions and strengthen the intention to adopt legitimate business structures. The core thesis posits that interactive, game-based simulations can effectively model complex ethical trade-offs, thereby serving as a viable tool for behavioral education within informal economic sectors.

Quantitative analysis reveals a strong, positive correlation between the perceived usefulness of formalization and the stated intention to pursue it. Following the gameplay intervention, predictive models demonstrated increased explanatory power, suggesting that the experience successfully reinforces the perceived value of formal conduct. Although the study achieved full measurement invariance, the observed shifts in behavioral intention did not reach statistical significance. This outcome is largely attributed to the constraints of a small sample size, which limits the ability to generalize the findings across broader populations.

Despite these limitations, the research provides a foundational validation of the game’s design logic and its potential as an educational instrument. The findings suggest that serious games are well-suited for navigating the nuances of informal business environments where traditional training may be less effective. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies with larger, controlled cohorts to better isolate the long-term impact of these interventions and confirm their efficacy in fostering sustainable economic formalization.