Innovative Pedagogy in Engineering Ethics: A Digital Game-based Approach for Malaysian Pre-university Students

The “Engineering Ethics Enigma” (3E) is a digital role-playing game (DRPG) designed to enhance ethics education for pre-university engineering students in the Malaysian Matriculation Programme (MMP). Utilizing the RPG Maker MZ engine, 3E immerses students in interactive scenarios where they navigate ethical dilemmas based on real-world engineering cases. The development framework encompasses five stages: Planning, Pre-Production, Production, Testing, and Post-Production. The game is structured into five phases: Introduction, Learning and Assessment, Transition to the Past, Mission, and Conclusion. Each phase integrates ethical tenets with gameplay, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. By incorporating the MUSIC Model of Motivation, 3E aims to engage students deeply, promoting a comprehensive understanding of engineering ethics. This paper details the game’s design, development process, and potential impact on engineering education.