Serious games in mechanical engineering education

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the possibilities and limits of using serious computer games in mechanical engineering education. Mechanical engineering has long struggled around the world due to a shortage of students, so it is necessary to constantly look for opportunities to make learning more attractive. Contemporary students are equipped with sufficient competences and technical equipment for effective learning in the virtual environment of computer games, so a whole range of sub-projects in the field of gaming education are being carried out throughout the world. A serious game or applied game is a game designed for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment, most likely for education. A reference serious game called ‘Manager Simulator’ was developed over three years. The technical means of development were verified through this. In addition, another serious game, ‘Workshop’, was developed, that guides the student through a virtual production process. The student has to produce machine parts according to the specified production processes and blueprints. Machines and tools are available for the purpose. Some of the machine equipment have commentary within the interactive tutorial. The student then tries their own production. The game responds to their activities and actions (for example, if the product is forgotten when turning or milling, then the part may be rendered unusable, etc.).