Serious games: THE new way to learn

Digital technology is revolutionizing learning methods. Training materials have evolved, and so has the way we learn. Video tutorials and interactive media were already promising more playful solutions. Now, augmented by game mechanics, learning paths and training courses are being reinvented in the form of serious games. Find out all our advice on the challenges and uses of corporate training.

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New forms of learning

Online learning

Moocs - Massive Open Online Courses - continue to flourish. Based on an online learning format, they make high-quality teaching accessible to all. A mix of individual and group learning, they allow you to follow courses at your own pace, while benefiting from the group's effervescence. Doubling as platforms, learners exchange and contribute to learning, whether in collaborative learning or on their own.

Gamification

Gaming - or gamification - is the use of game mechanics for other applications. The aim is to earn points, validate levels and so on. It increases user involvement by making them want to play.

Gamification can be applied in a variety of fields:

• advertising: advergaming

The aim is to introduce an offer or a brand through games. Via social networks, distribution goes viral. In addition to taking part in a contest, participants are encouraged to share the post, or have their friends and family vote to win. In this case, the game mechanics are deployed for promotional purposes.

• training: the learning game

The principle is to create objectives and rewards to motivate the learner during the learning process. Learning by playing is more effective: if you enjoy learning, you retain better.

E-learning and gaming result in... a serious game

A serious game is a video game that puts you in a learning situation. You play as a character in a given context. You have to meet challenges and collect points to reach a certain level. You achieve a score.

Serious games: for what type of training?

Serious games can be used to transpose any type of content. Whether it's for upskilling, i.e. acquiring new reflexes, raising awareness of a theme or introducing new uses, its immersive effect proves invaluable.

An ideal tool for professional training

In any organization, adapting to new tools and practices is a constant challenge. Ideally, employees should be trained as they go along, to encourage them to learn without disrupting their work schedule. At best, they can find their own ikaïga.

The serious game meets these needs:

• each player adapts his or her course to suit his or her schedule,
• collective stimulation is created: employees see how they score in relation to others, and talk about it amongst themselves.

Who might want to create an in-house training module?

• Your HR department may want to set up a training module for all employees, to bring them up to speed or introduce them to a new practice.
• Your sales department may want to develop an interactive support system for sales pitches.
• Your IT department may want to familiarize all employees with a new tool.
• Your security manager may want to pass on best practices by simulating phishing or hacking.

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How to use serious games in the workplace

Large companies are quick to take the plunge

With an annual growth rate of 47% since 2010, serious games are gaining an ever-increasing following. Large companies, which often have their own training academies, have come to appreciate the benefits. Renault, for example, has designed a sales simulation serious game for its sales staff. Pôle emploi also launched in February 2015, with emploi-store. The aim: to test one's career transition project. This educational tool enables jobseekers to validate a step in their approach and mature their decision.

The serious game: a choice of three packages

While large organizations were the first to adopt serious games, SMEs were quick to follow. As serious games have become more widely available, they have diversified their implementation options. You can now choose your training serious game:

• off-the-shelf: this is a complete solution on a given theme, such as the confidentiality of company information,
• made-to-measure: a service provider such as an agency will gather your requirements and design a customized serious game for you ,
• do-it-yourself: publishers such as We are learning offer to create your own serious game. You have a range of tools at your disposal: characters, scenarios, backgrounds... to create THE perfect learning path. You don't need to be a programmer or a geek, the settings are intuitive.

The aim of setting up your own training "game" with We Are Learning is to recreate a working environment as close as possible to your reality. The more personalized the training, the better it will be assimilated. At the end of the game, the player is presented with debriefing options, operational recommendations and concrete avenues for improvement.


The serious game is the most innovative form of e-learning. Based on powerful engagement levers, it meets the challenges of professional training on topics as varied as management, safety or sales. With DialogR training software from We Are Learning, you have the keys to setting up a professional training module totally dedicated to the specific features and characteristics of your company.