"Play Is the Highest Form of Research" Albert Einstein

Stay Safe Malawi DRM board game

Games as transformative teaching tools in development work

Games are not just entertainment; they are powerful tools for teaching that hold immense potential across the development sector. From Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Child Protection, and even Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), games offer an engaging and impactful way to educate diverse audiences. Through structured play, learners participate actively—exploring strategies, making decisions, and experiencing immediate feedback. The hands-on nature of games transforms theoretical concepts into tangible lessons, bridging the gap between knowledge and practice.

How learning happens when we play

Why do games work so well as teaching tools? The answer lies in the science of learning itself. Research shows that active engagement during play stimulates critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. When we play, we are not just absorbing information; we are testing ideas, applying knowledge, and learning through trial and error.

Moreover, emotional engagement during games enhances memory retention and recall. The joy and excitement of play trigger the brain's reward system, reinforcing the learning experience and making it more memorable. In the development sector, this means that complex topics—like DRR strategies, hygiene routines, or climate resilience—can be taught in a way that truly sticks.

The role of positive emotions in learning

Positive emotions are the cornerstone of effective learning. When learners associate education with joy, curiosity, and achievement, they are more likely to engage and re-engage with the material. Games provide a safe and positive learning environment where learners feel motivated to explore, experiment, and grow.

In the development sector, creating positive associations with learning is especially important. Topics like Disaster Risk Management (DRM) or CCA can be overwhelming or even intimidating. However, when these subjects are taught through play, they become approachable and engaging. Positive emotions act as anchors, helping learners recall critical lessons and inspiring them to take action in their communities.

Types of games and their impact

Not all games are created equal, and different types of games offer unique learning opportunities:

• Individual competitive games allow learners to hone personal strategies and build self-confidence.

• Team competitive games teach collaboration, communication, and shared goal-setting.

• Semi-cooperative and fully cooperative games emphasize teamwork and community-building—skills that are vital in development work.

However, some games can unintentionally undermine learning goals. For instance, games of chance, like Snakes and Ladders, rely on luck rather than skill. This approach can conflict with the principles of DRR, which emphasize risk mitigation and proactive decision-making. Choosing the right type of game is essential to ensure that the lessons align with real-world challenges.

Gamification: Merging play and motivation

In addition to traditional games, gamification offers an innovative way to enhance learning and engagement in the development sector. Gamification integrates game mechanics—such as points, rewards, challenges, and leaderboards—into educational programs to encourage participation and drive behavior change. For example, gamification can transform WASH programs by rewarding individuals for completing hygiene tasks, or bring DRR to life by turning disaster preparedness activities into interactive challenges.

What makes gamification so effective is its ability to tap into intrinsic motivations, such as the desire for achievement, mastery, and collaboration. By incorporating progress tracking, badges, and rewards systems, gamified approaches create a sense of accomplishment and foster deeper engagement. Gamified educational tools empower learners to actively participate while fostering community involvement—making them invaluable in resource-limited settings.

WASH board game for Pakistan

Inclusive design for diverse audiences

One of the greatest strengths of educational games is their ability to ensure inclusivity for diverse learners. Games can be thoughtfully designed to accommodate children with disabilities, creating safe and welcoming environments where every learner feels valued and empowered. By incorporating colorful storytelling illustrations, games become accessible to non-readers, bridging literacy gaps and promoting participation across all skill levels. These visual storytelling elements also allow designers to reflect the cultural and social contexts of various communities, ensuring that games resonate locally while being universally relatable.

Inclusive game design is not just about accessibility—it’s about creating rich and meaningful learning experiences for every participant. By embracing inclusivity in game development, organizations can ensure that no learner is left behind, regardless of their abilities, literacy levels, or cultural background. Inclusive educational games are a game-changer in ensuring equal opportunities for learning in the development sector.

Portability and cost-effectiveness of physical games

Physical games, such as card games and board games, are unmatched in their portability and durability, making them ideal for educational use in the development sector. These games do not require specialized environments or high-tech equipment, which makes them practical for remote, resource-limited settings. Additionally, they can be produced from sturdy materials like PVC vinyl, ensuring they withstand harsh conditions and frequent use—perfect for humanitarian or disaster-prone areas.

From a financial standpoint, card and board games are highly cost-effective to produce, making them scalable for community-wide distribution. Their affordability means they can be distributed freely, allowing children to take them home and extending the educational impact beyond classrooms into homes and entire communities. For development workers, these portable and durable educational tools offer a sustainable and impactful solution for low-cost learning interventions.

Climate Change Adaptation card game for Fiji

Games as safe environments for practice

A standout feature of educational games is their ability to replicate real-world challenges in a safe and controlled environment. Learners can test strategies, experiment with creative solutions, and even fail—without facing any real-world consequences. This process of exploration builds critical thinking, resilience, and problem-solving skills, equipping learners to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

For example, in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training, games can simulate disaster scenarios that teach learners how to manage evacuations, allocate resources, or communicate effectively. In WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, interactive games can engage players through storytelling or role-playing, teaching hygiene practices and improving awareness. These risk-free environments provide learners with the tools to apply their knowledge meaningfully in real life, preparing them for success in their communities.

The community aspect of games

Games do more than teach—they connect. Whether it’s through team-based challenges, collaborative gameplay, or shared storytelling, games foster community-building. This sense of collaboration is essential in the development sector, where mutual understanding and collective action lay the foundation for sustainable change. By playing together, learners not only gain knowledge but also develop the skills to work together toward common goals, be it in schools, households, or entire communities.

Cooperative games, in particular, emphasize teamwork, trust, and shared responsibility—values that align perfectly with the mission of community-driven development work.

The future of games in development work

The future of educational games in the development sector looks bright. By embracing the power of play-based learning, organizations can make education more engaging, impactful, and accessible to a wide range of learners. Games are more than teaching tools; they are transformative learning platforms that empower individuals and communities to create lasting change.

Organizations like transformational.org.nz are leading the way in this space. By developing emotionally engaging and trauma-informed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) tools, transformational.org.nz has shown the power of games, storytelling, and culturally tailored resources to foster resilience, recovery, and empowerment. With over 40 language projects across 15 countries, their work demonstrates how inclusive educational games can break down barriers, build connections, and inspire action in communities worldwide.

The development sector is evolving, and by incorporating cost-effective, inclusive, and durable educational games, we can meet the needs of diverse learners while driving meaningful change on a global scale.

If you'd like more information about how you can integrate games into your next project, contact transformational.org.nz