Review of Game Features to Develop a Serious Game Model for Mental Health Awareness

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, necessitates innovative strategies for effective intervention. Despite the potential of digital games to enhance mental health awareness, many existing designs lack the integration of essential features to achieve educational and medical goals. This study addresses this gap by reviewing and identifying appropriate features in serious game design model to increase mental health awareness. By analysing research from 2016 to 2023, the study integrates important game features, including mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics, and educational content. The resulting serious game design model combines the Mechanics-Dynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework and the Serious Game Design Assessment (SGDA) framework, ensuring a balance between education and entertainment. Critical sub features include technical accessibility, rules, goals, feedback mechanisms, rewards, levels, challenges, narrative elements, social connections, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles. This comprehensive model supports the creation of an effective tool that educates and engages users, significantly enhancing mental health awareness. The findings suggest that well-structured game designs are powerful mental health education and advocacy tools, opening new avenues for research and application across various demographic groups and settings.