MACMEO: Playable Framework for Analog, Hybrid and Digital Serious Game Design

The MACMEO framework functions as a structured, analog-based toolkit designed to democratize the creation of serious games. By providing a flexible system of mechanism tiles, a canvas template, and a simplified documentation process, the framework enables educators, students, and professionals to bridge the gap between abstract educational objectives and tangible game mechanics. Its primary thesis posits that rapid, low-cost analog prototyping serves as a highly effective scaffold for designing games across analog, hybrid, and digital platforms, regardless of the final medium.

Empirical testing involving 78 participants across ten iterative sessions demonstrates the framework’s practical utility. Within compressed two-to-three-hour windows, 77 percent of participating groups successfully transitioned from initial ideation to functional, playable prototypes. These findings highlight the framework’s capacity to enhance game literacy and user confidence, particularly for novices who benefit from the structured guidance provided by the toolkit. The research confirms that while the framework is not entirely self-explanatory and requires foundational design knowledge to navigate complex projects, it remains a robust instrument for accelerating the early stages of the design lifecycle.

The scope of this research encompasses a diverse range of academic and professional environments, focusing on the intersection of serious game design and rapid prototyping methodologies. By emphasizing the iterative refinement of the toolkit—moving from an overly complex initial design to a streamlined, gamified experience—the framework addresses a critical need for accessible design tools in the serious games sector. Ultimately, the framework succeeds as a versatile, low-cost pedagogical and professional resource that facilitates the rapid development of purposeful, interactive experiences.