DEVELOPMENT AND DIGITALIZATION OF EDUCATIONAL WARGAME “RACE FOR THE ARCTIC”

Abstract

This capstone aims to develop and optimize the award-winning educational wargame “The Race for the Arctic” by Howell and Leisinger, published in 2023. The conceptual approach has been to add further realism and learning objectives to the game without sacrificing its entertainment value. The capstone work consisted of extensive playtesting (board game and digital), field studies, consultations with subject matter experts in various Arctic disciplines, and literature research. Major findings include a redesign around the Svalbard Archipelago and Chinese activities in the Arctic, modeling fisheries as a separate resource, and a redesign of the game’s victory conditions. Minor suggested implementations include various enhancements to improve game mechanics and the overall game experience. Many of the recommended implementations offer scalable options, and future game development must adopt a holistic approach when determining which elements to include in future versions.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, Norwegian Arm