Combining the Dimensions of Written and Digital Media in a NFC-based Non-linear Adventure Game for Children

Abstract

In many countries, people are worried about kids’ reading habits. Furthermore, many people thinks TVs and games takes hours away from reading and decreases not only kids reading skills, but especially their imagination. We can not claim that such phenomena does not exist, but games are the new form of storytelling and social interaction for younger generations. Literature, imagination and finally learning itself has always been about storytelling and social interaction. We should use that fact to build motivation around literacy and reading. This paper describes a Near Field Communication (NFC) based multiplayer mixed reality game “The Literature Race” that motivates the children to find information about books, apply that information in teams to solve the challenges in the game and finally get familiar with libraries. According to our pilot studies the game concept is engaging and motivating.