Ecosystem Simulator A Learning Game About Genetic Algorithms

Genetic algorithms (GA) are a subclass of machine learning methods that allow an automated determination of optimal points. Learning games seem to be very well suited for teaching GA principles, although learning games are still not state of the art. Accordingly, this article presents the development and evaluation of the learning game Ecosystem Simulator for teaching GA principles. The development cycle is described here, which includes the selection of a game theme, the identification of the learning content, the definition of the game mechanics to two subsequent iterations consisting each of development and evaluation. The evaluation of the second development iteration's prototype reveals attaining high scores both for learning motivation and intrinsic motivation along with a significant increase in knowledge. Thus, a learning game has been developed, which, in view of its rather young development timeline, seems to offer an appealing gaming experience combined with decent learning outcomes. All in all-as a motivating learning game-the Ecosystem Simulator enriches GA teaching.