Research Survival Game

Overview of the Research Survival Game

Through the use of playful learning, the Research Survival Game aims to develop an understanding of the possibilities, requirements, and best practices regarding Open Access, Research Data Management, and Information Retrieval. The game follows a researcher who is stranded on a deserted island and can only leave by acquiring knowledge. This knowledge is obtained by correctly answering and subsequently collecting the Q&A cards. As the players advance along the gameboard, both the spaces they land on and the Q&A cards will help familiarize them with some of the key concepts of a research project. The game is won by collecting the most cards, as this means enough skills have been obtained to properly conduct the research and the researcher is thus ready to leave the island.

The game fosters participation and creates an interactive learning environment where players can engage with these essential research concepts more profoundly. The game also creates a space where discussing research practices becomes a natural and enjoyable experience.

Credits

The Research Survival Game is developed by Laura Mesotten, Anouk D'Hont and Hanne Heirman in collaboration with Network Research @ KU Leuven Libraries. It builds on material from previous games (credited in the game guide). Design and illustration by Jenny Stieglitz. 

Clarifications for specific files

• RSG_bill_of_materials_v1: This file provides a detailed list of all the materials required to play the Research Survival Game. It includes information on how and where to print the game components.
• Game card files:
  • RSG_gamecards_general_v2: This file contains general questions suitable for use by any institution, with no institutional references.
  • RSG_gamecards_KUL_only_v2: This file includes questions and scenarios tailored to KU Leuven’s research practices, policies, and tools.
  • RSG_gamecards_KUL_complete_set_v2: This file contains all of the above questions, as used at KU Leuven, where some of the general questions have been amplified with institution-specific content.
• Card boxes files:
  • RSG_cardbox_blue_v2: For containing the Research Data Management cards, marked with a blue question mark.
  • RSG_cardbox_green_v2: For containing the Open Access cards, marked with a green question mark.
  • RSG_cardbox_pink_v2: For containing the Information Retrieval cards, marked with a pink question mark.