Abstract
One way to deal with complex situations is the simulation approach:
build a simplified model of this reality, learn from this simplified
model, and, finally, translate the findings or knowledge back to
the reality. Gaming is based on this idea. If we want to make inferences
about reality based on experiences and knowledge acquired in a game,
we have to be sure that the game model is a good, or valid, representation
of the real situation. In this article, the concept of validity is
explored in relation to games and simulations; four aspects of validity
that apply to simulations and games are distinguished. These aspects
are related to three applications of games. The article concludes
with factors that may threaten validity during the process of the
game design; a few suggestions are made to avert these threats.
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