An Educational Game Designed to Enhanced Foundational Mathematics Skills and Engagement in Early Learners

This study investigates the development and evaluation of an educational game aimed at improving foundational mathematical skills and engagement in early learners. Recognizing the importance of numeracy in academic development, the game uses a game-based learning strategy to make arithmetic topics more entertaining and accessible. The game offers dynamic, age-appropriate exercises that teach number recognition, counting, and fundamental operations while adhering to early childhood education standards. The game's effectiveness was assessed using the FURPS framework (Functionality, Usability, Reliability, Performance, and Supportability), which provided a thorough review of its educational and technical quality. The study included 125 participants, including students, parents, and teachers, who reported high levels of satisfaction, with weighted mean ratings greater than 4.55 across all FURPS categories. The key findings showed an increase in students' mathematical confidence, engagement, and learning outcomes, as well as potential to improve content diversity and navigation. The game's ability to be integrated into existing educational curriculum as an additional tool was highlighted, with opportunities for teachers to use it in instructional designs and parents to help athome learning. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting interactive, game-based learning methods to promote both skill development and good attitudes towards mathematics. Using the FURPS framework, the study provides a scalable strategy for developing effective educational technologies that comply with curriculum requirements and suit the different needs of learners and educators.