Abstract
In contrast to the trend toward large scale, immersive games that aspire toward the polish and experience of conventional commercial games, the authors offer a design case study for the potential of microgames and assessment. Microgames are designed to be small, pointed experiences more analogous to a single question than an entire exam. Instead of offering diverse mechanics, microgames are small punctuated play experiences. Microgames are rapidly developed games, targeting a relatively narrow set of skills.
It is speculated that microgame based assessments can support contextualized, focused interaction that allows for situated decisions within a relatively short time frame. This paper outlines the design heuristics learned in a collaborative project to develop microgames for assessment between a major testing and assessment organization and their academic partner.
