Virtual Game Jam: Collaborative Pathway to Serious Games for Health

The 2020 Jamming the Curve event, hosted by the National Academy of Sciences, serves as a case study for utilizing virtual game jams as a collaborative, multidisciplinary framework for developing serious games focused on public health. The primary thesis posits that virtual game jams can effectively facilitate the creation of scientifically accurate, educational games while providing a practical learning experience for participants. By integrating subject-matter experts with game developers, organizers aimed to bridge the gap between entertainment and behavioral science to address public misinformation regarding COVID-19.

The event attracted over 400 international participants who produced 51 games. Following a rigorous screening process, 44 games were evaluated by public health and gaming experts, with 15 deemed scientifically inaccurate. The winning project, Cat Colony Crisis, achieved significant reach with over 57,000 downloads and 62,000 play sessions by May 2021. Quantitative survey data from 30 respondents indicated high levels of player motivation, engagement, and perceived learning, though some health professionals noted that the content was already familiar to them. Qualitative interviews with participants further highlighted that while the specific health theme was not the primary driver for participation, the event successfully fostered team camaraderie and increased interest in future science-based game development.

Methodologically, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative game metrics and Likert-scale feedback surveys with qualitative observations from a dedicated Discord server and post-event interviews. Key findings suggest that providing access to diverse mentors and a collaborative digital space is essential for maintaining scientific integrity. However, the study notes that development often stalls post-jam without further incentives. Recommendations for future organizers include consolidating leadership roles to reduce logistical burdens and establishing evaluation metrics prior to launch to better capture the impact of the collaborative process.