Serious Games Initiative

Serious Games Taxonomy

Serious games function as a sophisticated convergence of software engineering, media conventions, and advanced computational power, serving purposes that extend well beyond traditional entertainment.

• Serious games are defined as software applications that leverage game interfaces and mechanics—driven by Moore's Law and Metcalfe's Law—to accomplish specific tasks beyond traditional entertainment.
• The industry categorizes serious games into six primary functional domains: Health, Advergames, Training, Education, Science/Research, and Production/Work.
• Serious games utilize diverse delivery models ranging from simple web-based applications and ARGs to massive multiplayer environments like Second Life and America's Army.