Cyber Defender
Project Overview
Context: I completed this project as part of the EME5614 Design of Learning Games course at Florida State University. For the assignment instructions, students were asked to design a small-scale learning game on a topic of their choice. Also we had to prepare a comprehensive design document that included explanations of the game world, game mechanics, user experience, learning support, and play support features.
Conditions: I independently completed this project throughout the duration of the semester. Each student chose their own topic for the learning game, which required individuals to create their own content, learning objectives, or additional materials needed. I created all the graphics with Microsoft PowerPoint. I supplemented content development with online research in the field of cybersecurity.
Scope: This represents the final submission for low fidelity prototype for the learning game Cyber Defender. For this portfolio I combined the original four game design documents into one document and edited the videos down for timing.
Role: I worked independently on the entire project and was the game designer and content developer.
Please watch the video below for an overview of the Cyber Defender Story and First Level Gameplay. Please note you can enlarge the video to full screen by clicking on the double arrow icon located on the bottom right-hand corner of the video player.
Please watch the video below for an overview of the Cyber Defender Story Minigame Gameplay. Please note you can enlarge the video to full screen by clicking on the double arrow icon located on the bottom right-hand corner of the video player.
Options Menu
Options – Adjusting the difficulty settings
Options Menu – Viewing the on-screen display
Player Record – Viewing unlocked Achievements
Below is a list of the competencies and how they were demonstrated on this project.
Communication Skills
Communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual formats.
Produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct messages.
Produce visuals that adhere to the principles of message design.
Deliver effective and engaging presentations.
When creating a learning game, instructional designers must utilize different communication skills to effectively deliver educational content and at the same time engage learners. Designers need to communicate effectively to convey learning objectives, educational content, instructions, and game rules to ensure clarity and understanding among players. Additionally, instructional designers need to craft captivating content that sustains learners' interest and encourages active participation in the game. This may entail employing storytelling techniques, offering rewards, or integrating interactive features to enhance the overall learning experience, making it both enjoyable and immersive.
Cyber Defender offers an introductory overview of cybersecurity, covering various threats like phishing, malware, and denial of service, along with prevention practices and response strategies. Clear communication is vital in a learning game like this, especially in the tutorial level that introduces a player to everything they need to know in order to play and enjoy the game. In the tutorial level, players receive comprehensive information on game rules, features, controls, story, and educational content to ensure a smooth start and enjoyable gameplay experience. The tutorial level simplifies fundamental instructions for flying the ship, using weapons, and answering security questions. Essential gameplay information is integrated into the first level dialogue for players who skip the tutorial or need reinforcement. To avoid overwhelming players, concise explanations are provided, and a "pause menu" offers visual and textual guidance on completing game functions.
Tutorial Menu
Tutorial – Learning how to shoot special weapons
Tutorial – Tracking progress on learning how to answer questions in game
Tutorial - Learning how to answer fill in the blank questions
Design Skills
Apply learning theory and systems thinking to design practice.
Apply interaction design principles.
Use visual design principles appropriately.
Generate design documents
When creating a learning game, instructional designers need a range of design skills to develop compelling educational experiences. Proficiency in game design principles is vital for creating interactive and engaging gameplay. This entails developing mechanics, rules, levels, challenges, and feedback systems to inspire learners and foster skill growth.
Cyber Defender is a 2-D side scrolling horizontal shooter with a player interaction pattern of player versus computer. The major goal for players in Cyber Defender is to defeat the antagonist, Black Hat, before he takes over the computer network of a large chemical company and releases deadly chemicals into the environment. To do this, the player must destroy the zoomorphic viruses attacking the computer network as well as answering questions regarding different aspects of cybersecurity. Using the action game mechanics (e.g., shooting enemies and flying around obstacles) are integrated into the learning content and how the player interacts with the cybersecurity questions.
The game consists of four levels: email server, cloud server, firewall, and computer mainframe. Each level involves answering cybersecurity questions, destroying viruses, and defeating a boss before the ship's health runs out. After each level, players engage in a unique mini-game testing additional facts on the specific cybersecurity threat. The game concludes when all levels are completed, and all viruses are eliminated.
The player will receive feedback from a variety of sources in the game including non-playable characters (NPCs) who instruct the player on the basic controls, answer questions, and use weapons and power ups. After players answer a question, they will be given immediate feedback if the answer is correct or not. Additional information regarding the subject matter will be provided by NPCs. Players will also receive auditory and visual feedback throughout the game alerting them of events or actions that have or will occur.
Positive feedback is introduced in the game through a series of rewards. Examples include answering a question correctly will drop a random reward like powerup, score multiplier, or health upgrade, and players will be rewarded with different Achievement Badges for accomplishing certain goals throughout the game. The Achievement Badges will be displayed on the player’s records.
Technology and Media Skills
Select and use appropriate technology and media for specific outcomes.
Develop instructional materials using a variety of media (e.g., print, audio-visual, multimedia).
Use technology tools in the design process.
When creating a learning game, instructional designers need a combination of technology and media skills to ensure the effectiveness of the game as an educational tool. Proficiency in game development tools and software along with creating or sourcing multimedia elements is essential. Additionally, competency in storyboarding and visual mapping is beneficial for organizing the game's structure. By using various technologies, designers can outline the gameplay sequence, interactions, and educational content, ensuring a coherent and captivating player experience. Prototyping skills allow designers to quickly experiment with different concepts before finalizing the game. Prototyping with software tools is useful for gathering feedback from stakeholders and refining the game’s design.
To help me with creating the Low-Fidelity prototype for Cyber Defender I used a variety of different pieces of software including Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, and Miro. I created all the graphics and basic animation with PowerPoint. I used Canva to create visual outlines for the core elements and game conceptualization models for everything I wanted to include in the game. I used Miro to create a visual representation of the user interface and play action. I would also create quick mockups of game scenes to receive feedback from my fellow classmates. These various pieces of software helped me organize my thoughts into cohesive ideas in which I could execute on in the prototype.
To access the full Game Design Document, click on the link below: