Serious gaming for port development as a learning tool: a case study of port constructor

Abstract

Ports play an essential role in nation’s economic growth by fostering trade and development. Making a master plan for port development includes several actions that need to be taken before a final master plan is decided. Implementing such actions in a real situation as a try out for port development will result in time and financial loss, not to mention the effect to the environment and availability of space. Port Constructor is introduced last year as the newest tool to simulate all the planning and development process of a port and see the result of every action in relatively short time. Port Constructor is a serious game, it looks like a game, but it also has a learning objective that needs to be achieved. The primary function of this game is that players can take several actions, undertake tasks, and experience situations which would be impossible to be tried in a real life situation. In addition, Port Constructor allows players to have a position as a port planner and developer, which may not be possible in reality, and experience a real situation within a short period of time. By developing their own port scenario (or real-port scenario) in the Port Constructor, the player will have a real experience as a port planner. This study was conducted to assess the Port Constructor game as a learning tool in port planning and development both for student and more experienced port developers. Furthermore, this study also provides a way of developing scenarios inside the Port Constructor game as well as ensuring that the aim of this game can be achieved by doing a game session together with students and professionals participants. The game sessions were held to prove the playability of the game as a single-player and multi-player game. Resulting in a better outcome when the game played as a multi-player game because players can have a discussion before deciding the next actions that they will take. Examples of several port layouts are provided to prove the flexibility of this game that can be used to accommodate uncertainty of port development when using in the future. In conclusion, developers believe that Port Constructor can be a useful instrument for the learning process of people at the educational level as well as for port developers on their port planning course and project.