Narrative in Game
Game Title：
Language Odyssey
Concept Overview
Learning a new language can be boring and overwhelming. This project uses a game to provide learners with immersive cultural environments to learn basic conversational languages by interacting with NPC (local people) and an elf (language assistant) in different situations.
Statement of Need/Problem
Pain points:
Learning a new language without an immersive environment can be dull and uninteresting because the language is embedded with culture. The lack of cultural context in language learning can result in students acquiring vocabulary and grammar only, but not knowing how to USE the language, which is effectively communicating with others in everyday situations.
HMW:
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How might we help learners to engage in learning a new language?
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How might we help learners to understand the language in the conversational and cultural setting?
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How might we help learners interact with local people in a polite and pleasant manner?
Concept Description
The game's character dreams of traveling around the world. One day, his/her dream is about to come true. When the character chooses the country and city to explore, an elf pops up, stating that it, as a language assistant, can help the character learn the language to communicate with local people and travel around. Therefore, the character brings the elf with him/her and visits cities, including dining in the restaurant, purchasing things, and visiting different places. When entering those situations in the game, the elf will introduce the local culture to the character and teach corresponding language and communication skills to the character.
Game mechanics: the player interact with NPC/elf → start a game → win the game to earn rewards/souvenir → use rewards to redeem things including but not limited to clothes, tools, and use souvenir to unlock new area.
Target Audience：
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People who are interested in learning a new language.
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People who would like to travel to a place that speaks a different language, and want to communicate with local people.
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People who are interested in a different culture.
Learning Goals:
After playing the game:
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The learner will learn simple phrases and basic vocabulary in daily life.
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The learner can listen to and understand the basic conversation in the language they are learning.
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The learner can conduct basic communication in situations of ordering food, purchasing in stores, and visiting the city.
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The learner can learn about different cultures while learning a new language.
Learning theories
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Situated Learning - The game provides immersive language learning environments by simulating cultural situations and daily events.
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Behaviorism - Use small adventure games to engage learners. Providing rewards after winning those adventure games provides positive reinforcement for learners to learn the language.
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Constructivism -The player applies what he has learned from interacting with the elf to the contest, and wins the souvenir.
Prototype
Script：