What Kind of Game Designer or Programmer Are You?

Before diving into your application or portfolio, it’s essential to reflect on your career path. Game development is a broad field with various specializations, and understanding your strengths will help you tailor your application to Grendel Games.

For Game Designers:

Game design is multifaceted, and we offer internships for all types of game designers. At Grendel Games, we value interns who show both depth in one area and a broad understanding of others. There are several specializations within the field:

• Level Designer: As a level designer you create the game environments. You have knowledge of game design, light and space and understand how to use these principles to guide players through a level and influence their emotions so that they are enthusiastic to play the next level.
• Storyteller: Are you imaginative and do you know how to tell an exciting story? As a storyteller, you will immerse yourself in the narrative of the game. You can blend in with the target audience and hold their attention by writing powerful, sequential dialogues. Finally, you focus on the tension curve of the background story.
• Game Rule Creator: Rules and frameworks are crucial in games. They make sure a player doesn’t get stuck or make the wrong choice. As a game rule creator, you are analytically very strong. You understand how to improve the course of the game through rules.
• UX Designer: as a UX-designer (‘user experience’) you are concerned with the graphical interface of games. You also know better than anyone how to incorporate gameplay elements in the game that give feedback to the player. Which button should be pressed? How is feedback from the game shown to the player?

For Game Programmers:

If you’re more inclined toward coding, a programming internship might be the right path. At Grendel Games, we look for programmers who can work seamlessly with game designers to bring projects to life. Key areas for game programming include:

• Gameplay Programmer: As a game programmer with a focus on gameplay features you are creating features that the end-user sees. You are involved in developing, testing, improving, and maintaining gameplay features. You also work a lot on improving interaction with users: make adjustments in the code to improve the game experience. As a gameplay programmer, you can move around the target group and know what tricks you can apply to make the game feel good.
• Engine/systems Programmer: This type of game programmer is more concerned with the work ‘under the bonnet’. You develop complex systems that make it easier to develop new gameplay features. You also make sure that games run smoothly and that the development of new functionalities goes faster. Grendel Games mainly uses the Unity game engine and this is sufficient for most of the games we develop. However, it often happens that the engine needs to be modified or expanded with a new gameplay feature. As a technical game programmer, you must investigate the requirements for the realisation of all the plans for a game. You are expected to be analytical, with organized and structured thought patterns. You know how to write neat code and build systems that are reusable for other applications.

Whatever your specialty, ensure to indicate it in your portfolio!

Essential Skills for Game Designers and Programmers

At Grendel Games, we look for candidates who demonstrate strong foundational skills, creativity, and teamwork. Whether you are applying for a design or programming role, these skills are critical:

• Creativity and Problem Solving: For both designers and programmers, creative thinking and the ability to solve complex problems are essential. Whether it’s crafting a unique level, developing a new gameplay mechanic, or solving a bug, your ability to innovate will make you stand out.
• Collaboration: Both game designers and programmers must be able to work as part of a team. At Grendel Games, we place great importance on collaboration, so show us how you’ve worked effectively with others on past projects.
• Adaptability: The game development process is iterative, so being able to quickly adapt and incorporate feedback is essential for both designers and programmers.
• Technical Expertise: While designers may need an understanding of programming principles, programmers must be proficient in various coding languages and development platforms. Having a solid grasp of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine will give you an edge.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is a crucial element of your application. It’s where you can demonstrate your skills, experience, and passion for game development. For a successful application at Grendel Games, here’s what we look for in your portfolio:

• CV & Motivation Letter Please let us know who you are, what your passions are, and what your specialty is.
• A representative portfolio: The projects in your portfolio should be equivalent to your current skills and level of experience. Did you write code or design levels for a school project in the past, which you could do much better today? Don’t include it in your portfolio; show your best work!
• Code Samples: For programmers, showcase samples of your code. This allows us to see your thinking process and technical proficiency.
• Game Design Document: For designers, include at least one design document (or script) that you have written.
• Project Contributions: Whether working in teams or on solo projects, highlight at least three games you’ve worked on. Be sure to specify the following:
  • What was the objective of the project?
  • Who was the target audience?
  • How long did the project last?
  • How big was the team, and what was your contribution?
  • Did you have any personal learning goals, and if so, did you achieve them?

How to Stand Out Among Other Applicants

To rise above the competition, you need to make sure your application is unique and clearly showcases what you bring to the table. Here are some tips:

• Be Specific About Your Focus: If you specialize in a certain area, such as narrative design, level design, or gameplay programming, make that clear in your portfolio. While it’s great to have a primary focus, we also appreciate well-rounded candidates who understand the bigger picture.
• Show a Range of Projects: Even if you specialize, it’s important to show versatility. A portfolio that features different types of games or platforms demonstrates that you can adapt and apply your skills to various genres.
• Independent Projects: Show any personal or independent projects you’ve worked on. If you’ve developed a game, written a narrative, or coded a game feature on your own, include this in your portfolio. This shows initiative and passion for game development.
• Passion for the Industry: At Grendel Games, we develop serious games for sectors like education, healthcare, and sustainability. If your personal interests align with these areas, mention it!

What to Expect During Your Internship at Grendel Games

Interning at Grendel Games is an exciting and educational experience. Here’s what you can expect:

• Hands-On Projects: You’ll work on real-world projects for clients in various sectors, allowing you to apply your skills in practical situations.
• Mentorship and Learning: You’ll receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, helping you develop your skills further and prepare for a career in game development.
• Collaborative Environment: You’ll work alongside a diverse team of designers, programmers, and other professionals, giving you exposure to all aspects of game development.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a game designer or programmer, applying for an internship at Grendel Games is a fantastic opportunity to take your skills to the next level. By building a strong portfolio, demonstrating your passion for game development, and showcasing both your technical and creative abilities, you’ll increase your chances of standing out. Grendel Games offers a collaborative, supportive environment that will help you grow professionally and gain hands-on experience in game development.

So, what are you waiting for? Start working on your portfolio, hone your skills, and get ready to apply for an internship at Grendel Games. Your future in game development starts here!

The Blokhuispoort, the former detention center in Leeuwarden, is a centuries-old, unique building that truly captures the imagination. An imposing gate, dark corridors and cells, the courtyard where prisoners went for fresh air: a visit to the Blokhuispoort is one you won’t easily forget.

Project goal

Let 400 of Leeuwarden’s visitors each week experience what it feels like to be imprisoned in the Blokhuispoort, thereby raising historical awareness.

Blok Out

A former custodian has lost his memories. They are hidden in every nook and cranny of the Blokhuispoort. Not visible to the naked eye, but fortunately you can discover them with your phone’s camera. Will you be able to find them all and unravel the mystery of the Blokhuispoort?

You catch the first memories yourself. The game continues in the monumental Blokhuispoort. The hunt for the memories takes you through the entire complex: sometimes the memories have to be caught, sometimes a puzzle has to be solved, and sometimes a question has to be answered.

Blok Out was an innovative attraction that brought the history of the Blokhuispoort prison to life. With phone in hand, players learned about the history of the Blokhuispoort in a special, interactive tour of the Blokhuispoort. The game could be played independently by visitors aged 8 and up, was easy to play for those without game experience, and was offered in Dutch, Frisian, German and English. The game lasted about 1.5 hours.

Availability

From 2018, the game was available to download via the app stores on mobile devices. The game was designed to be played while walking around in the Blokhuispoort.

Greenhabit

Creating a new, healthy habit typically takes around 12 weeks, and while that’s a significant commitment, it can often feel challenging, exhausting, and sometimes even dull. But what if changing your habits didn’t have to be boring? With Greenhabit, learning about health becomes a fun and interactive adventure that keeps you motivated and engaged.

An exciting journey

As you embark on your Greenhabit journey, you’ll receive a mix of messages, small and big challenges, and plenty of rewards for your efforts. These rewards range from points and badges to real-life surprises like store vouchers. You’ll also experience the adventure with a buddy, someone you choose at the start of the program who will help motivate and inspire you throughout.

By combining fresh content, exciting challenges, insightful progress tracking, and sharing experiences with your buddy, Greenhabit makes it easier than ever to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Focusing on 5 key elements

Greenhabit is built around five essential elements, all of which play a role in finding balance and achieving overall health. Each day, you’ll focus on:

• healthy food
• exercise
• relaxation
• positive thinking
• social environment

After twelve weeks, these five elements will become a natural part of your routine, helping you to find balance in your body’s weight, energy, and rest.

Collaboration and support

The Greenhabit method was conceived by Chantal and Mark Linders, and has been translated to a game in collaboration with Grendel Games. The program has also been supported by a network of Greenhabit ‘pearls,’ local partners who provide players with healthy rewards like fresh regional vegetables or relaxing foot massages.

Get started today

Employers are already using Greenhabit to improve the health and well-being of their teams. If you’re an employer looking to boost your team’s health, you can register for the Greenhabit program today. Visit greenhabit.nl for more information.

Where serious games are used

Serious games are used in a variety of fields since they can be applied to address a broad range of problems or challenges. A few fields where serious games are particularly prevalent:

• Education: Serious games are used to teach specific subjects through gamified exercises and simulations. This way, students can learn math or a new language amongst others. This application is one of the most recognized uses of serious games, often referred to as educational games.
• Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, games are utilized in rehabilitation by translating physical exercises into in-game actions. Another use in healthcare is to train medical procedures in a simulated environment. Learn more about this on fbcecekoe.xyz
• Training and consultancy: An increasing number of consultancy agencies make use of serious games to explain and train teamwork, as well as to navigate social and logistical dynamics within businesses.

These examples highlight only a few areas where serious games are applied. They are also used in the military for training purposes, in marketing to acquire and retain customers, by governments to raise social awareness and in several research initiatives. We are just starting to discover the potential of games with a purpose and more applications are likely to emerge in the future.

What are the advantages of serious games?

So why are more and more companies using games to reach serious goals? What’s wrong with a good old book or e-learning module? While there’s nothing wrong with the old methods,  games offer a new and effective way to transfer information and knowledge. Here are some key advantages of serious games:

1. Higher engagement and immersion: Games are designed to motivate players to keep playing through rewards, story progression, and various feedback systems. Coupled with a beautifully crafted environment, games can fully immerse players in the subject matter.
2. A safe space to experiment: In the real world your actions have consequences, sometimes this can lead to damaged material or hurt feelings. Games provide a safe, virtual environment where players can experiment freely without the risk of real-world repercussions.
3. Positive emotions improve learning: Serious games are fun! Studies have shown that students who use games to learn, experience more positive emotions. This leads to an improved learning experience compared to traditional learning methods and video tutorials.

These advantages make serious games a valuable tool for education and training.

How do serious games work?

So how does it work? Why are people more engaged when they are playing a game? And how does this improved engagement enhance learning? Below are four core elements commonly found in games. These elements contribute to both the entertainment value and the effectiveness of their serious purpose.

Interactivity: gameplay

At the core of all games is the concept of ‘gameplay’. This can be described as the decisions and actions a player must take to overcome challenges. For example, in the Super Mario series, the player needs to learn how to control Mario to jump over tortoises and gaps to reach the end of the level. The interactive element is what makes games fun.

Unlike books, films or other one-way learning experiences, games allow players to interact with the subject matter. This enables players to experiment and explore different outcomes based on their actions. This mirrors how humans naturally learn. Children learn by interacting and experimenting with the objects around them, sometimes resulting in small injuries from touching a hot stove or falling down a couple of steps. Games provide a safe space for players to experiment with real-life situations without the risks, consequences, or physical damage associated with the real world.

The metaphor: story and setting

Explaining divisions is always more fun when it involves pie or pizza. A metaphor can help visualize complex subjects. Similarly, games use metaphors to provide context for the actions and decisions players must make. The story and setting of a game are powerful tools for creating an immersive experience. Players become more engaged with the characters and their journeys when they care about them. Often, these games also feature vast and beautiful worlds to explore, appealing to our fundamental desire to discover and gain new experiences.

In summary, beyond merely using metaphors to explain complex ideas, the story and setting of a game significantly enhance player engagement, immersion, and retention of knowledge or skills.

Progression and feedback: challenges and rewards

An important aspect of learning is that the challenge presented aligns with the student’s current skill level. If an 8-year-old has to learn advanced mathematics, they likely won’t have the required background knowledge, which can quickly result in frustration and loss of motivation.

Games use many different progression systems to engage and retain players from all skill levels. Most games have a difficulty setting for example. Some games even adapt the difficulty automatically based on the player’s performance.

In addition to aligning challenges with skill levels, games are also very rewarding. When a player overcomes a certain challenge, it triggers the release of endorphins which enhances their mood and self-esteem. This feeling encourages players to continue playing in pursuit of that endorphin rush. Have you ever experienced a rush of endorphins from learning Pythagoras’ theorem?

Social aspect: multiplayer

Learning in groups is generally more effective than learning alone. Multiplayer games allow players to interact with each other, whether online or in person. The ability to play or compete against other players is a significant motivation for many gamers, encouraging them to continue playing. The interaction creates unpredictable situations, which in turn can create interesting challenges or funny situations. Being able to compete or cooperate with other players, improves both learning and engagement.

Successes and examples

Serious games have been successfully applied to several fields. Here are some notable cases that highlight the impact of serious gaming:

• Sea Hero Quest: This innovative game collects data to detect dementia at an early stage. Remarkably, data that would typically take 176 centuries to gather was collected in just a few months through this game.
• Assassin’s Creed: Origins Discovery Tour: Although the title suggests otherwise, this special game mode focuses exclusively on exploring ancient Egypt, functioning as a virtual museum. A unique aspect of this example is that it serves as an addition to an existing entertainment game, making it accessible to a broad audience.
• Underground: This is one of the first publicly available games designed for the WiiU to train surgical procedures using a custom-made game controller. This controller simulates the movements of expensive hardware, providing an affordable and effective training tool. We have learned much of this experience and are now creating Laptitude, a complete platform with custom hardware and software that teaches laparoscopic core skills.

These are just a few examples of serious games. What defines these examples is that they all have a very strong entertaining component as well as a serious purpose. The more entertaining a serious game is, the more effective it becomes as a tool for training, education, or achieving other objectives.

Learn more about serious games

Now that you have a basic understanding of serious games and their applications, you might be interested in learning more about the topic. There has been extensive research on using games for purposes beyond entertainment. A good starting point for delving deeper into this subject is to explore terms closely related to serious games, such as gamification, game-based learning, and applied games.

Closely related to serious games are gamification, game-based learning, and a range of other terms to describe similar practices. If you want to know the differences between these terms, read our article on the differences between gamification, game-based learning and serious games.

How does behavioural change work?

Behavioural change doesn’t have to be difficult. For example, if you offer an employee a 20% bonus for walking for 30 minutes during their lunch break each day for a month, they are likely to do it. However, it’s unlikely that they will continue walking after the bonus period ends, and the motivation provided by the bonus may only be temporary.

Extrinsic motivation is heavily influenced by environmental and external factors, rather than an individual’s internal drive. Extrinsic motivation works through rewards or punishments. As soon as the reward or punishment disappears, so does the motivation.

That being said, this method can be effective in certain situations. For instance, when receiving a one-time discount when signing up for a monthly subscription.

Intrinsic motivation works differently. It is driven by your internal desire to make changes, rather than external rewards or pressures. Achieving intrinsic motivation requires self-awareness and an understanding why behavioural change is necessary.

These two types of motivation are not completely independent of one another. Extrinsic motivation can gradually transform into intrinsic motivation over an extended period.

Let’s go back to the example of the employee who is offered a 20% bonus for walking 30 minutes during their lunch break for one month. After the first month has ended, the employee will stop receiving the bonus. Studies reveal that it takes about 66 days to develop a new habit, meaning it takes this long for a new habit to be naturally integrated into daily life.

Now, imagine the employer decides to offer the reward for 3 months instead of just one. In that case, the employee is more likely to experience the benefits of exercising for 30 minutes every day. Perhaps they feel healthier, more focused, and happier. This helps to grow their intrinsic motivation. The employee becomes aware of the goal and has a personal reason to do it. As a result, there is a higher likelihood that the employee will continue walking even after the bonus period ends.

Behavioural change and games

Serious games provide external motivation to complete tasks. These games include a challenge, an action, and a reward. So why are games effective in promoting behavioural change, creating awareness, and growing intrinsic motivation? The answer: experience and engagement.

Experience: stories make memories

The impact of games on behavioural change has been widely studied. Researchers concluded that video games with storylines positively influence health-related behavioural change.

Storytelling in games helps people understand the importance of changing behaviour. By immersing the player in a virtual world filled with interesting characters and a compelling storyline, games make an impression and create lasting memories that help reinforce the ‘moral of the story.’ This makes the player less likely to revert to old habits and more likely to adopt new, positive behaviours.

Engagement: we love games

Games are fun. The higher the entertainment value, the more engaged we are. Several techniques increase engagement in games:

• Daily login bonus: players get a bonus every day they log in.
• Levels: serious games are often level-based. When players improve, they reach a higher level, which keeps the game challenging.
• Rewards: Successful actions are rewarded with in-game rewards (such as points).
• Leaderboards: a visual representation (ranking) that allows players to compete with each other.
• Feedback: players receive direct feedback on their actions. Even when making the wrong decision, the game ensures that the player will understand without feeling attacked.

At Grendel Games, we often create serious games to promote behavioural change. We typically deploy them for a minimum of three months. As mentioned before, learning a new habit takes an average of 66 days, which is a considerable amount of time. However, the engagement and enjoyable experiences games provide, ensure people continue to play. As a result, the message is delivered more effectively, increasing the likelihood that the player becomes intrinsically motivated to continue the desired behaviour.

In practice: Greenhabit

We make games aimed at behavioural change. A great example is Greenhabit: a game that makes improving your health fun.

In Greenhabit, players receive a daily challenge. This challenge, message or question is focused on one of the 5 pillars of a healthy lifestyle:

1. Healthy nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Relaxation
4. Positive thinking
5. Social environment

In a 12-week adventure, players complete as many daily challenges as possible. Points and badges serve as in-game progress rewards. You can also win physical rewards, such as a healthy food box from the local supermarket.

You’re not alone on this adventure. You play the game with a colleague and a buddy outside your company. By working together, the players keep each other motivated and return daily.

The game has a combination of teamwork, refreshing content and challenges, appropriate rewards and insight into your progress. This makes the game interesting to play, exposing players to the desired behavioural change for a longer period. This way, Greenhabit excitingly ensures a healthier lifestyle.

Let’s play!

A well-developed serious game is the perfect way to realize behavioural change. It can be applied in an infinite number of fields, like healthcare, education or sustainable projects.

Why Garfield?

The Grendel team wanted a relatable, fun character that children would love. Garfield, the world-famous cat known for his love of junk food and lounging, seemed like the perfect fit. When Tim approached Paws, Inc., the company founded by Garfield creator Jim Davis, the idea was met with enthusiasm. With permission secured, the team began developing a game where Garfield takes center stage.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Tim explains: “Garfield is hugely popular with kids. He’s not perfect—he loves lasagna, pizza, and hates exercise—which made him ideal for our approach. We didn’t want to create a game that told children what to do. Instead, we used humor and light-hearted gameplay to help young people learn about nutrition and healthy habits in an engaging way.”

Support from a Health Innovator

The Friesland Zorgverzekeraar health insurance company joined the project to support its development. Foppe Hemminga, innovation manager at the company, explains: “We’re focusing more on illness prevention, especially among children. If trends continue, over 30% of income will be spent on healthcare by 2040—up from the current 16% for the average Dutch citizen. According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), half of healthcare expenses are lifestyle-related. Teaching children about healthy habits benefits everyone: it improves their long-term health while helping us control healthcare costs.”

The Story: Garfield vs. Hot Dog

The game, titled Garfield vs. Hot Dog, follows Garfield, his owner Jon, and their loyal dog Odie as they travel the globe battling Hot Dog, a villain intent on conquering the world with his fast-food empire. Players complete missions and fun mini-games to reverse Hot Dog’s unhealthy influence, taking back neighborhoods, cities, and entire countries one step at a time.

Mini-Games with a Purpose

Garfield vs. Hot Dog features five cities and seven mini-games, each focused on a specific learning objective—such as understanding the impact of sugar or discovering the joy of exercising with others. The first city, New York, is available as a free download, allowing players to try the game before exploring more. Designed for children aged 6 to 11, the mini-games gradually increase in complexity to match their development.

A Scientifically Validated Game

The game was developed in collaboration with leading scientists and experts in fields such as nutrition, behavior, obesity, healthy living, and video game design. Partners included researchers from Belgrade, Israel, and Utrecht University. Tim adds: “This close cooperation ensured that our game is not only fun but also scientifically validated to help kids adopt healthier lifestyles.”

1. Underground: train surgeons in a risk-free environment

Practice makes perfect. However, in some professions, practising skills does not come easy. For surgical training, it’s impossible to practice on patients due to the risk of complications that would bring. So traditional surgical training methods make use of simulators. However, these simulators are expensive and not engaging.

The University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) noticed these simulators weren’t used often enough by trainee surgeons. On the other hand: the surgeons enjoyed playing games on their smartphones during their breaks. What if the simulator is transformed into an experience as exciting as Angry Birds?

Objective: to make training for surgeons as fun as Angry Birds

The UMCG and Grendel Games developed the game Underground. In an exciting world, the surgeons play Sari, a brave girl who must free her robot friend Sw4nk from the mines. With a customised laparoscopic controller, the surgeons must complete challenges that simultaneously train their motor skills.

The results of Underground

The implementation of Underground has brought many advantages for both UMCG and the trainee surgeons:

• For the hospital, a serious game is much more affordable than a simulator;
• Surgeons practise more often and therefore, are better prepared;
• Underground’s risk-free training environment and challenging storyline reduce performance pressure – players have a great time while practising;
• The effects of the game are

The serious game ‘Underground’ won the Dutch Game Award twice and has been proclaimed by Forbes as a ‘game that can change the world’.

2. Sea Hero Quest: effective dementia research

‘Sea Hero Quest’ is not just another game on your smartphone. Developed by ‘Deutsche Telekom Alzheimer’s Research UK’ and game developer ‘Glitchers’, it collects invaluable data for dementia research.

Objective: large-scale data collection

While you sail through winding canals in a boat on your way to the next checkpoint, the game is observing your performance. Sea Hero Quest uses a clever technique measuring your navigation abilities, which are among the first skills affected by dementia.

The collected data is used to better understand what ‘standard navigational skills’ are by establishing a baseline. From this baseline, researchers can see when someone’s navigation skills fall below average, which can indicate the onset of dementia.

The results of Sea Hero Quest

Sea Hero Quest has provided researchers with a wealth of data, unveiling early signs of dementia and shedding light on gender differences in navigation skills. Its gamified approach to data collection has proven to be both effective and engaging, with millions of players contributing to scientific research simply by playing the game.

3. Water Battle: safe water by helping cute creatures

Vitens, a water company, developed Water Battle to encourage water conservation in a fun and engaging way. The game involves whimsical water creatures and engages schoolchildren and residents of Leeuwarden to reduce water consumption.

In Water Battle, whimsical water creatures inhabit the water network of Leeuwarden. Their tiny homes frequently flood due to the excessive water consumption by the city’s residents. Schoolchildren join forces with citizens to help save the creatures’ home while learning about water and energy. Citizens can support children by spreading and measuring their water usage through a smart meter and app. As they adjust their behaviour, the water creatures are faced with less flooding.

The results of Water Battle

147 children participated in the pilot project. This led to an average water consumption reduction of 7%. This would save 2.500 litres of water per household per year. Top 10 players reduced their consumption by an impressive 25%.

Water Battle received 3 awards for its innovative and engaging approach to water reduction.

4. EndeavorRX: a video game as a treatment for ADHD

When thinking of medicine, you’re likely to think of pills. American company Akili has proven serious games can function as medicine just as well. After six years of scientific research, they developed the first FDA-approved game to treat children with ADHD: EndeavorRX.

The results of EndeavorRX

EndeavorRX challenges children to fly a craft through obstacle courses, where they must dodge obstacles while collecting rewards. According to research, the game helps improve attention and concentration in one-third of the participating children with ADHD. Additionally, as many as half of the parents reported a positive change in their child.

5. Reducept: reduce chronic pain with virtual reality

When people experience chronic pain, their body continuously sends pain signals to their brain even when it’s not necessary.

Together with Margryt Fennema, health scientist and digital healthcare innovator, and Louis Zantema, medical psychologist, Grendel Games developed a serious game to help patients understand and learn to cope with their pain: Reducept.

The results of Reducept

Virtual reality plays a significant role in Reducept, winner of a World Summit Award. It enables patients to become more aware of the source of their pain. The game also helps patients understand how to manage and reduce their pain through by learning about virtual reality, pain and psychology. Results from Reducept show that patients who play the game experience a significant reduction in chronic pain.

Serious games: endless possibilties!

Since the first attempt 200 years ago, serious games have become incredibly successful. Through research and technological advancements, the possibilities are endless. Serious games have made a significant impact on the world.

When developing a serious game, we combine the best of both worlds: the power of research and our expertise in game development. This combination enables us to make games that are entertaining and effective in accomplishing their goals. In other words: training through gaming. Read here how we do it.

The idea for this math game was developed by Ate de Boer and Marjon Huisman of Rekengames B.V., inspired by the ‘Rekenmuurtje’ (Math Wall) method. The Math Wall organizes exercises into layers, or ‘bricks,’ where each layer builds on the one below. Children focus on strengthening their understanding of the foundational layers before moving on to more complex challenges. Skipping steps can lead to difficulties with advanced exercises, making this step-by-step approach essential.

An Evidence-Based Learning Method

The Math Wall technique was developed by education experts Wolter Danhof and Piet Bandstra to support children who struggle with arithmetic. Both experts played an integral role in creating the educational foundation for Garfield’s Count Me In.

Track Progress in Real Time

While children enjoy the game, parents and teachers can monitor their progress through an intuitive dashboard. Teachers can review performance at both the class and individual levels, while parents can track their child’s achievements in detail.

The Story

Garfield’s friends have been captured by mischievous space dogs! Determined to save them, Garfield hops into his spaceship and heads to the planet where his friends are held captive. There, he encounters curious creatures with numbers on their bellies. Garfield discovers that solving math problems with the help of these creatures brings him closer to rescuing his friends.

Personalized Learning for Every Child

Every child learns differently, and the game adjusts to match the player’s unique pace and skill level. As they improve, they’re introduced to new planets with fresh challenges and slightly more difficult exercises. Each planet offers exciting math puzzles, and the level of difficulty increases gradually. The game is won when all planets are explored, and all of Garfield’s friends are safely rescued.

Collaborative Development

Garfield’s Count Me In was created by Grendel Games in collaboration with educational advisors Wolter Danhof and Piet Bandstra. The game was commissioned by Rekengames B.V., and Grendel Games is officially licensed to use the Garfield character, making learning both effective and entertaining.

Awards

Garfields Count me gained a Silver Award in 2018 at the Inernational Serious Play Congress

Availability

Garfields count me in underwent a visual redesign for the publisher Lexima and is now available in Dutch as Rekenheld.

https://lexima.nl/programma/rekenheld

But Gryphon Rider is the opposite of boring! This game was specifically designed for young clients rehabilitating after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), who have to perform multiple balance exercises. Young clients can play the game at the rehabilitation centre and at home with family members or friends. The technology behind Gryphon Rider automatically keeps track of all the data, giving the rehabilitation therapist insight into the client’s rehabilitation process.

How does Gryphon Rider work?

Gryphon Rider transports players into beautifully designed worlds. The game is just as appealing and challenging as other high-quality entertainment games. Riding on the back of a Gryphon, the player goes on an adventure in an enthralling fantasy world. The children operate the game by moving their body. For example, they steer the Gryphon by leaning to the left or right. The client’s movements are captured by a Kinect (a camera that detects movement, linked to a gaming console). The Kinect measures the client’s movements and translates them inside the game into instructions for the Gryphon.

Anyone can play Gryphon Rider

Clients can play Gryphon Rider at the rehabilitation centre or at home. The game can automatically perform any arm, leg or balance function a child is not (yet) capable of, enabling anyone to play the game. This means the client can also discover the amazing world of Gryphon Rider together with family members and friends.

“Gryphon Rider can be customized for every individual client.”

Maaike Brienne, therapist at rehabilitation centre RMC Groot Klimmendaal

Gryphon Rider: customized for individual clients

Every rehabilitation process is unique. That’s why the skills in the various components of the game can be set beforehand to the appropriate level for the client. The pace of rehabilitation can be adjusted too. After a client has played Gryphon Rider, they can save the game and continue next time at the level they previously reached. This flexibility makes Gryphon Rider suitable for all clients of all levels.

Data collection during the game, locally and remotely

While the young client enjoys playing the game, the Kinect detects their movements and pose. These data are automatically processed into graphs. This enables the therapist to supervise and direct the client while they play. If the client plays Gryphon Rider at home, the therapist can follow the rehabilitation remotely and determine whether the client needs to come to the clinic for extra supervision.

Gryphon Rider Partners

The game was designed as a result of requests from and in collaboration with rehabilitation professionals. The staff at Grendel Games know how to build appealing, exciting games, but they’re not rehabilitation specialists. That’s why we asked rehabilitation professionals as well as rehabilitation clients to assist in the development of Gryphon Rider. Their expertise gives the game content and ensures the rehabilitation is effective. Our additional partners who were involved in the development, funding and ultimate realization of Gryphon Rider:

Project goal

Reduce pain intensity by at least 30% for Dutch adult chronic pain patients who have used the game, for a period of 6 months after they use the game

Reducept

A journey through the body

Reducept is a serious game designed for patients to help manage their chronic pain as well as educate them on how pain originates. By providing this unique combination of gaming and education, patients are more able to manage their chronic pain, even after the game has ended. Through amazing visual graphics, patients will go on a journey through their body and they can be emerged within the experience virtual reality offers. By playing different games, patients learn different techniques that they can use to manage their chronic pain. The goal is to control pain through education. Added bonus: it is fun to play!

Partners

Reducept is developed together with Margryt Fennema, health scientist and digital healthcare innovator, and Louis Zantema, medical psychologist. Their aim is to provide treatments that are accessible to everyone through gaming.

Availability

Reducept is currently available for Pico G2, Android and iPhone. The game can be downloaded directly from their respective stores. Patients can also obtain the game with a pre-installed set made available by their therapist or practice. You can find more information on the official website.