Solar adventure: Innovating education through phygital gameplay / Adam Amir Hakim ... [et al.]

This article explains the development of "Solar Adventure," a digital educational game derived from the board game "Solar Race," targeted at primary school students aged 9 to 11. The game combines physical and digital elements, known as "phygital" gaming, to align with the educational curriculum and enhance learning experiences in both classroom and remote settings. The process encapsulates a comprehensive methodology involving needs analysis, conceptual design, content development, technical development, testing, implementation, and iterative feedback to ensure the game's alignment with educational objectives and its effectiveness in delivering curriculum-based content. "Solar Adventure" transitions from a traditional board game format to a digital platform, featuring a narrative- driven adventure where players explore the solar system, integrating engaging educational tasks like mazes and quizzes. The game development used Scratch, a child-friendly coding platform, and was refined through feedback from students and teachers, including participation in the Gami-code Competition. This initiative highlights the importance of integrating digital innovations with traditional educational methods to create immersive and impactful learning experiences. It underscores the challenges and potential of phygital gaming in education, demonstrating that such approaches, when thoughtfully implemented, can significantly enhance learning outcomes and student engagement in a dynamic educational landscape.