AN ENGAGING GAME DESIGNED FOR THE EDUCATION PURPOSE OF K-12 BY INTEGRATING MATHEMATICS INTO GAME MECHANISMS

Math Knight is a novel educational game designed to engage K-12 students by embedding mathematical principles directly into gameplay. This research investigates how integrating math into game mechanics—using a roguelike framework—can overcome common challenges such as math anxiety and disinterest. Developed in C# with the Unity engine, the game incorporates a dynamic health system represented by arithmetic expressions, knight ability to cast arithmetic operations, and adaptive difficulty tailored to individual performance. Experimental evaluations measure both shifts in students’ attitudes towards math and improvements in mathematical, or more specifically, arithmetic proficiency. Preliminary results indicate increased motivation and arithmetic foundation. A comparative analysis with existing educational methods reveals that Math Knight not only supplements traditional learning but also aligns with the ongoing learning principle by fostering continuous conceptual growth. Although challenges such as visual design remain, the findings suggest that game-based learning offers a promising supplementary tool to enrich math education and stimulate a lifelong interest in the subject.