Game Architecture in Transmedia Education (GATE): A Framework for Designing Micro-Learning Experiences through Serious Games

Abstract

Designing serious games often faces the challenge of over-scoping, where a single game attempts to address multiple learning objectives simultaneously. This results in overly complex experiences that are difficult to develop, navigate, and sustain, especially within the limited structure of traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS). These platforms are typically linear, making it difficult to integrate interactive learning experiences. To address this, we introduce GATE (Game Architecture in Transmedia Education), a framework designed to support the development of focused and lightweight serious games through microlearning strategies. GATE leverages a transmedia-based open learning space that spans multiple platforms beyond institutional LMS boundaries. The framework was tested through a pilot implementation involving 10 student teams, each developing a 15-level gampelay that focused on a single topic. All games were evaluated using the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), with the following average scores: Competence (3.003), Sensory and Imaginative Immersion (3.080), Flow (2.65), Challenge (2.288), Tension/Annoyance (1.787), Positive Affect (3.399), and Negative Affect (1.807).  The results indicate that microlearning-based game development through the GATE framework can offer a more focused, engaging, and accessible learning experience.