GAME-BASED LEARNING: A REVOLUTION IN THE TEACHING OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study explores the profound influence of Gamified education on the enhancement of programming abilities and strategic cognition, with a specific focus on the real-time strategy massively multiplayer online game "Screeps." The research had 50 participants who already had expertise in JavaScript programming. The objective was to evaluate the impact of "Screeps" on coding skill and strategic decision-making. The study used a thorough methodology that included assessments before and after the game. It examined several facets, including programming proficiency, strategic cognition, game involvement, scripting intricacy, community participation, and real-time adaptation. The study's results indicate that "Screeps" offers an engaging and difficult environment, successfully improving participants' skill in JavaScript programming and strategic thinking. The participants, who had prior knowledge of JavaScript programming, were fully engaged in the MMO environment, where their coding proficiency and strategic cognition were comprehensively assessed. The pre- and post-game evaluations enabled a sophisticated comprehension of the influence of "Screeps" on the enhancement of players' skills. The study revealed enhancements in coding proficiency and strategic cognition, highlighting the effectiveness of Gamified education in promoting essential abilities in software development. The captivating and demanding character of "Screeps" was specifically acknowledged, highlighting its potential as a powerful instrument for honing and implementing coding expertise in a dynamic professional environment. The study focuses on quantifying different aspects, such as the complexity of scripting, interaction within the community, and the ability to adapt in real-time. This approach offers a comprehensive perspective on how game-based learning, specifically through "Screeps," can contribute to the diverse field of software development education. The immersive aspect of the MMO not only catered to individual learning requirements but also functioned as a strategic tool for promoting teamwork, a highly esteemed talent in the software development sector. Keywords: Game-Based Learning, Software Development Education, JavaScript Programming Skills, Strategic Thinking in Gaming Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, Screeps.