Review of Serious Games Development in Hong Kong (2006-2016)

This document provides a comprehensive review of serious games developed and utilized in Hong Kong between 2006 and 2016. The primary objective was to identify and categorize existing digital games serving serious needs such as education, healthcare, awareness raising, and training. The study identified over 300 games, predominantly available online for free, through a methodology combining online searches, app store reviews, direct developer contacts, forum inquiries, and searches of funding bodies and organizational websites. Keywords in both English and Chinese were used to ensure broad coverage.

The identified 301 games were categorized into eight themes: health (12 games), special needs (23 games), awareness raising (114 games), political games (9 games), culture (17 games), children's and youth education (43 games), professional training (3 games), and marketing and advertisement (80 games). The majority of games were found in the awareness-raising category, with a significant number developed by the Independent Commission Against Corruption for promoting positive values. Environmental awareness games, often developed by NGOs like WWF HK and Hong Kong Wetland Park, were also prominent. Games for special needs, particularly those addressing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and senior care, received notable government and NGO funding.

Most games were for mobile platforms (70) or web/PC/Mac (152), with 76 interactive installations and three board games also included. The review highlights that while serious games are widely adopted in Hong Kong for educational, training, and awareness purposes, few achieve broad public visibility. The study also notes a lack of identified games for business and corporate training and suggests further research into advergaming to differentiate games from interactive installations. The project was funded by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.