This short game is actually a prototype created as part of the research study that focuses on exploring and understanding how Japanese language teaching can be integrated in conjunction with formal learning through the use of role-playing simulations. Participants play through a short adventure based on the legendary Japanese folk-tale of Kintaro. Through the interaction and story, participants are introduced and tested on commonly utilized Japanese terms with both audio and subtitles. English translations are also provided on screen to ensure participants understand new terms that might be introduced. Participants are then free to wander the 3D world of Kintaro and explore to complete objectives in order to proceed to the next step.
With the goal of ultimately proving the effectiveness of gamified educational software, this game prototype is being used in a study exploring learning motivational effectiveness of an interactive game medium. The data has been presented at both Replaying Japan Conferences in 2014 and 2015. The game design also integrates core curriculum currently taught by the Japanese language program at the University of Calgary.
The research project would not have been possible without the assistance of Professor Akiko Sharp and Professor Yang Jie from the Japanese Language Department at the University of Calgary. Professor Martin Roth and researcher Svenja Schmitt from the University of Leipzig have also been key factors in supporting the research with the study from Germany.
