Work

Game On: A Developmental Approach to UNSW Cyber Escape Room for Cybersecurity Governance and Policy Education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Serious games are increasingly recognized as powerful pedagogical tools, often offering engaging, interactive, and practical learning experiences. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 3D virtual serious game specifically tailored for cybersecurity governance and policy education. In particular, the nature of the game is an escape room, drawing on military training principles: players must solve a problem to escape one room before advancing to the next. Set within a virtual company environment, the game features three interactive zones that guide students through analyzing cyber risks, aligning security frameworks, and drafting appropriate policies. This structure cultivates critical thinking and decision-making skills and strengthens practical cybersecurity competencies. The primary contribution lies in the integration of game-based learning and 3D virtual technology to create robust, hands-on educational materials. The design incorporates structural features that create barriers to generative AI delegation to address challenges related to generative AI misuse, ensuring that the activities cannot be easily replicated and thereby supporting academic integrity. A post-activity perception survey (n = 20) suggests that students found this approach both engaging and effective, with participants self-reporting enhanced understanding and enthusiasm toward cybersecurity governance and policy concepts. These findings highlight the potential of gamified environments to bridge theory and practice in cybersecurity education, equipping learners with industry-relevant skills while fostering deeper engagement and active learning.

Source: Education Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/educsci16010133

Authors: Khondokar Fida Hasan, William Hughes, Adrita Rahman Tory, Chris Campbell, Selen Turkay

Institutions: University of Canberra, UNSW Canberra, Queensland University of Technology, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Educational Games and Gamification

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172