Creating an engaging and educational mobile game for kids without the negatives of addictive gaming
Developing an educational mobile game that is both engaging and informative is no easy feat. At Triumf Health, we are committed to creating a game that educates children about mental health, empathy, resilience, and problem-solving, all within a fun and immersive environment. Our goal is to provide a positive gaming experience that enriches young minds without falling into the pitfalls of addictive gaming. Here's a look at the challenges and our approach to overcoming them.
Balancing fun and education
One of the primary challenges in developing our game is finding the right balance between fun and education. Kids are naturally drawn to games that are entertaining and visually stimulating, but our primary goal is to deliver valuable lessons on mental health. To achieve this balance, we have integrated educational content seamlessly into the gameplay. For example, while the main character roams around the open world, they can engage in conversations with NPCs (non-player characters) that offer insights into emotional well-being and coping strategies.
Designing an open world with purpose
The open world in our game is designed to encourage exploration and interaction. The nature environment is filled with NPCs who need help with various tasks. These tasks are not only fun but also teach kids about empathy and helping others. Each interaction and task completed is an opportunity to introduce concepts of mental health in an organic manner, making the learning process feel natural rather than forced.
Diverse and educational minigames
Our game features a variety of minigames, each designed to reinforce different aspects of mental health education. From a coloring book that promotes creativity and relaxation, to a jigsaw puzzle that enhances problem-solving skills, each minigame serves a purpose. For instance, the running game can help teach kids about perseverance and resilience and the importance of physical activity, while trivia games provide direct educational content in a fun and engaging way. By offering a range of activities, we cater to different interests and learning styles, ensuring that every child can find something they enjoy.
Avoiding addictive elements
One of the biggest concerns with mobile games is their potential for addiction. To prevent this, we have consciously avoided elements that are known to promote addictive behavior. Our game does not include in-app purchases, time-based rewards, or notifications that lure kids back into the game repeatedly. Instead, we focus on creating a wholesome experience that encourages moderate and mindful play. We want kids to come away from our game feeling enriched and educated, not compulsively drawn back without purpose.
Engaging parents and educators
We recognize that parents and educators play a crucial role in children's learning. That's why we also offer an online course about mental health for adults. This course is designed to provide parents and educators with the knowledge and tools they need to support children's mental health. By engaging the whole family, we create a supportive environment that reinforces the lessons learned in the game.
Measuring success
Success for us is not measured by the number of downloads or hours spent in the game, but by the positive impact it has on children's lives. We are developing tools to measure this impact, such as feedback from parents and educators, and in-game assessments that track players' understanding of mental health concepts. Our ultimate goal is to see children applying the skills they learn in the game to their everyday lives, demonstrating increased empathy, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.
Conclusion
Creating an engaging and educational mobile game for kids is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. At Triumf Health, we are dedicated to developing a game that not only entertains but also educates, without succumbing to the negative aspects of addictive gaming. By focusing on balanced gameplay, purposeful design, and positive reinforcement, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the mental health education of children. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.
Get the full experience of Triumfland by subscribing to Triumfland Saga - a mobile game that helps children improve their mental health through personalized gameplay. You’ll receive a 3-day free trial with a monthly subscription and a 7-day free trial with an annual subscription. Triumfland Saga is for all children between the ages of 7-12.
