CiteSaga: Lessons Learned in Serious Game Development for Academic Integrity Education

Authors

  • Lance Bunt Unit for Data Science and Computing (UDSC), North-West University
  • Byron Unit for Self-Directed Learning (USDL), North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2102-4381
  • Gordon Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA), North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3952-5413
  • Veruschka Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA), North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3870-5834

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecgbl.19.1.3900

Keywords:

academic integrity, citation education, serious games, game production, lessons learned

Abstract

CiteSaga, a serious game designed for academic integrity education, immerses students in interactive citation
challenges. This pedagogical approach offers an engaging alternative to traditional methods in higher education. The
development revealed key insights: the necessity of substantial institutional support, interdisciplinary collaboration
(including library services for resources), and the persistent resource demands of serious game creation despite AI
advancements. While AI can empower smaller teams for narrative richness, faculty engagement differed from students,
necessitating targeted training. Prioritizing player engagement, community, and interactive playtesting, drawing from UGC
and indie game strategies, proved essential. Moreover, modular design and creative funding addressed budget constraints.
CiteSaga demonstrates the potential of serious games for academic integrity, underscoring the need for institutional
alignment, stakeholder buy-in, and interactive design. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts, faculty
onboarding, and curricular integration.

Author Biographies

Lance Bunt, Unit for Data Science and Computing (UDSC), North-West University

Dr Lance Bunt, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & Information Systems at North-West University, focuses on player experience and gameful learning production. His research explores serious game design, UX, and stakeholder-centred frameworks, using physical games as rapid prototypes for digital experiences in higher learning contexts.

Byron, Unit for Self-Directed Learning (USDL), North-West University

Professor Byron Bunt is an Associate Professor of History Education at North-West University. His research centers on cognitive and history education, leveraging play-based and game-based learning to foster self-directed, critical, and creative thinking. He has published extensively on innovative pedagogical strategies, including game-based learning in education.

Gordon, Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA), North-West University

Dr Gordon Matthew serves as a Research Technologist in the School of Languages at North-West University, specializing in eye-tracking methodologies, cognitive load theory, and multimedia learning. He has published numerous studies on eye-tracking, subtitle processing, and multimedia educational design, advancing interdisciplinary insights in linguistics and learning sciences.

Veruschka, Technology Enhanced Learning and Innovative Education and Training in South Africa (TELIT-SA), North-West University

Veruschka Pelser-Carstens is an Associate Professor at North-West University whose research spans accounting education and technology-enhanced learning. She advocates for the use of serious games (particularly educational board games) to improve student engagement and skill acquisition. She has published widely on innovative teaching practices in higher education.

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Published

2025-09-26

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2025): The Proceedings of the 19th European Conference on Games Based Learning

Section

Academic Papers