Programming Games for Fundamental Computational Concepts: A Technical Design Framework

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, the demand for programming education has surged, yet many young learners struggle with motivation due to the abstract nature of computational concepts. Games, with their engaging and contextual learning features, offer a promising solution. However, a large number of programming games fail to gain widespread adoption because of a disconnect between educational objectives and gameplay, often prioritizing the former at the expense of player engagement. This results in games that are perceived as tedious and lack immersion. To bridge this gap, we propose a framework that integrates game design principles from game flow theory, balancing educational content with engaging gameplay. We illustrate this framework with WannaBone, a programming game that introduces fundamental computational concepts such as loops, conditionals, and public boolean variables. Empirical research with primary school students shows that WannaBone enhances computational thinking, motivation, and game flow. This study provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the development of programming games, emphasizing the need to balance educational goals with compelling gameplay.