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A serious game is a game designed to teach players something. It can cover any subject: safety, teamwork or financial literacy. Instead of theory, participants are given an interactive experience in which they get to try things out for themselves.

Gamification is the application of game elements in a non-game environment. Examples include earning points by completing specific tasks or playing a serious game during a training course to learn about sustainable business practices, for instance.

In companies, gamification is often used to engage employees more actively and make learning processes more effective, but also to encourage behavioural change.

Developing an effective serious game requires expertise in both game design and learning strategies. An external partner such as Wakaaro brings experience in interactive training, gamification and practical case studies.

By working together, you benefit from:

• Proven methods that deliver real results
• Time and cost efficiency, as you don't have to start from scratch
• Tailor-made solutions that align with your company's specific learning objectives

It is technically possible to create a serious game yourself, but it takes a great deal of time and specialist knowledge to develop a game that truly engages employees and facilitates learning. Collaborating with an experienced partner significantly shortens this process and increases the impact of the training.

Gamification boosts engagement. Employees are more active, retain more information and apply what they've learnt in practice more quickly. Unlike traditional training courses, it is not a passive experience, but a learning process through doing.

We like to compare this to the work of a baker: you only really learn how to make a cake by actually making it. Not by reading a recipe or watching an instructional video. So why do we expect someone to be able to perform a certain task simply after viewing 30 slides? Gamification and serious games provide a safe environment in which players can acquire knowledge and must apply it immediately. You're given the recipe and have to get started straight away, which makes learning more practical, efficient and fun!

Yes! Serious games and gamification can be used in any business.

Bespoke solutions are fully tailored to the needs of the business and the objective to be achieved.

With off-the-shelf serious games, the subject matter is, of course, predetermined. However, it is often possible to apply a certain degree of personalisation. An example such as SDGame contains various case studies, meaning it can be used across a wide range of sectors.

A good serious game is developed with the target audience in mind. It is important to know who will be playing the game, what the learning objective is, and how best to reach the employees.

Colleagues from different departments or branches may find it difficult to gather physically around a single game board. For employees with limited time, a shorter or simpler version may be more suitable.

Serious games usually offer customisation options, such as different difficulty levels. This allows employees who already have more knowledge to play a more challenging version, whilst others learn at their own pace.

No. Gamification and serious games are developed based on the learning objective, not on the medium. Sometimes a digital solution is ideal, but often a card or board game, an escape room or a team-building activity works just as well. The objective determines which format is most effective.

The choice of format can also affect the budget, and this is usually taken into account during the design phase.

Experienced partners, such as Wakaaro, can utilise various formats to achieve the learning objective, from physical games to digital apps, ensuring that every project is delivered effectively and within budget.

The cost of a serious game or gamification initiative depends heavily on the project, and certainly on its scope, but a suitable solution can be found for virtually any budget. It goes without saying that a complex VR game will cost more than a simple card game, but both can achieve the same objective.

Off-the-shelf solutions such as SDGame or the Working Capital Challenge are usually cheaper than developing a new, fully bespoke serious game.

A suitable approach is available for every budget, and experienced partners can advise on the most effective solution within the available resources.

You play an entertainment game to have fun: the game itself is the goal. In gamification and serious games, the game is a means to an end: it facilitates a higher purpose such as learning, behavioural change or raising awareness. The game mechanics are deliberately designed to boost motivation and enhance the learning experience.

Of course, a good serious game will usually be enjoyable too, but entertainment is not the goal in itself.

No. Gamification is scalable. We develop programmes for SMEs, non-profit organisations, educational institutions and large corporations. We tailor our approach and budget to your specific context. From a simple gamification layer added to an existing training course to a fully bespoke serious game, anything is possible.

Absolutely. In fact, most of our applications are aimed at adults in the workplace. Adults respond just as strongly (and sometimes even more strongly) to game mechanics such as challenges, autonomy and visible progress.

That depends very much on the scope: a ready-made game is more accessible than a fully bespoke VR simulation, but rest assured that a suitable solution can be found for virtually any budget. As developers, we'll guide you through the process and clearly explain which choices will affect the budget.

Please get in touch for a no-obligation chat; we'd be delighted to discuss your challenges and the possibilities.

A simpler project can be completed within 6 to 8 weeks. More complex, bespoke games usually take 3 to 6 months. The development timeframe also generally depends on the number of ongoing projects and a number of external factors, such as: how quickly feedback is received from the client, delivery times for printed materials, game boxes or other game components... Wakaaro always works with a clear project plan and regular interim coordination.

Yes. In fact, gamification is most effective when dealing with complex topics. Think of safety training, compliance, financial literacy or change management. A serious game allows participants to experience the consequences of their choices for themselves in a safe environment, which leads to a quicker understanding and behavioural change than traditional training.

It is no coincidence that pilots, for example, spend hours practising in a flight simulator during their training. It is safer, less serious if a mistake is made, cheaper and easy to use. And it provides an excellent foundation for the 'real' job. With gamification, we can apply this principle to any subject: a safe environment where mistakes are allowed and which provides practical insights.

Yes. There is a wealth of scientific research available. Some of the studies we cite on the website are listed below. Countless other studies confirm these findings.

A comprehensive study by the American Psychological Association highlights the cognitive, motivational, emotional and social impact of games on human behaviour.

In addition, the Aberdeen Group study presents concrete ROI figures for gamification in an HR and sales context.

Wakaaro always works in an evidence-based way: the game choices we make are underpinned by learning psychology and behavioural science.

Gamification is not limited to any particular sector. Wakaaro has developed programmes for businesses, non-profit organisations, educational institutions, government bodies, healthcare organisations, and more. The approach varies depending on the context, but the principle, using game mechanics to influence learning and behaviour, is universally applicable.

Absolutely! The game is designed to be very accessible. You don't need any prior knowledge of finance to get started. The game doesn't use complex terms or concepts - instead, it explains them in a clear and practical way. Of course, this experience also offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the theory.

As a facilitator, you can also get started with the Working Capital Challenge in no time. Our comprehensive guide for facilitators ensures a valuable and informative debriefing after a game session. With our video instructions, players will grasp how the game works in no time, and the included one-pager naturally makes the link between the game and the theory.

Would you rather not provide the facilitation yourself? Or would you like to link the game to an even more in-depth training programme? That's possible too! In collaboration with Financial Media and Tilburg University, we can put together a fully bespoke training programme, taught by renowned lecturers with the game as a practical starting point, tailored entirely to your requirements.

Request a quote for a facilitated training programme.

The game itself is currently available in English. The accompanying training programme and toolkit can be provided in both Dutch and English. However, as the game is highly visual in nature, language is not really a barrier.

A Dutch-language version is not currently planned, but please feel free to contact us if this is a requirement for your organisation.

Yes! The lessons learned in the game are universally applicable. Players will have no trouble immersing themselves in the game's context and applying what they've learnt to their own work. Any exceptions specific to your sector can be discussed during the debrief.

Yes. The lessons learned from the game are universally applicable, but if required, we can tailor the Working Capital Challenge to the specific context of your company or sector, with customised scenarios, financial parameters or graphics. Request a quote via the order form above. A minimum order quantity may apply.

One game set is suitable for 2 to 8 players at a time. For larger groups - such as an entire department or an in-company training session - we recommend providing multiple sets so that everyone can actively participate. Please contact us for a group quote.

No. The game set can be used entirely independently thanks to the included rules and the downloadable toolkit. To maximise the learning experience, it is best to appoint an (in-house) game facilitator to lead the debriefing afterwards. With the included guide for game facilitators, you'll have no trouble at all.

Would you like a more in-depth learning experience with professional facilitation and a link to your specific financial context? We also offer guided sessions.

Absolutely. The game is already being used in financial training programmes. Special rates are available for educational institutions that require multiple sets. Please contact us for more information.

A learning escape room is an interactive learning experience in which participants work in teams to solve puzzles within a specific storyline, with the aim not only of "escaping", but above all of learning.

Unlike a traditional escape room, the focus here is not only on excitement and time pressure, but also on substantive insights, behavioural change and applicable knowledge.

Participants are immersed in a realistic mission or case. To make progress, they must:

• analyse information
• make decisions
• work together under time pressure
• and solve substantive issues

The puzzles are therefore not separate riddles, but are substantively linked to the learning objective (in the case of Mission Sustaire, this is sustainability).

In this way, we combine various proven learning principles:

• Active learning instead of passive listening
• Experience before theory
• Emotional involvement (urgency, story, challenge)
• Social interaction and discussion
• Reflection through a debrief

By experimenting and making mistakes themselves, insights stick much better than in a traditional training course.

Yes! In Mission Sustaire, teams discover important themes related to sustainability, such as:

• emissions (scope 1, 2 & 3)
• circularity
• materiality
• sustainable consumption
• social sustainability
• ... and more.

You will acquire knowledge about these themes, but you will also need to apply this knowledge in the puzzles throughout the escape room. The better you understand and apply the content, the easier it will be to complete the escape room. A debriefing afterwards ensures that the most important insights are translated into knowledge that you can use in practice.

In addition, the escape room also stimulates numerous soft skills, such as:

• communication within the team
• cooperation and coordination
• sharing information clearly under time pressure

It is also possible to combine the escape room with other activities such as in-depth training or workshops to enhance the learning experience.

Mission Sustaire is not a traditional training course in which employees passively listen to theory. It is an experience-based intervention in which teams discover for themselves why sustainability matters and what the impact of choices within an organisation is.

The escape room can be used in various ways:

• As a kick-off for a sustainability programme
• As an accessible way to raise awareness
• To bring different departments together

After the escape room, you can use our meeting rooms to discuss your sustainability strategy further, for example.

Or, an optional extra training course, workshop or keynote speech can add an extra layer to the experience.

Mission Sustaire is not really suitable for playing alone, so we do not recommend it. However, we can note your interest and pair you up with other people who want to play the escape room alone.

Yes! Prior knowledge of the subject is not required. All the necessary information can be found in the escape room itself.

People with no escape room experience are also welcome. Our experienced guides ensure that Mission Sustaire is a fun, safe and educational experience for everyone.

No. Because Mission Sustaire is a learning escape room, we have deliberately chosen not to impose any time restrictions. This gives everyone enough time to experience all the lessons.

From an organisational point of view, the escape room is limited to just under 3 hours, which means that almost all teams manage to solve the entire escape room in time.

Yes! The escape room has a limited capacity of up to 5 players to ensure an optimal experience. For larger groups (companies, consultants, schools...), we are happy to work out a tailor-made package. While one group is doing the escape room, another group can follow a training course or workshop, after which they switch places. At the end of the day, everyone will have completed several interactive sessions. Contact us for a tailor-made proposal!

Individuals can play the escape room in groups of up to 4 people.

Not at present. However, we do develop them to measure and could develop one for your company on a topic of your choice. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

No worries. An experienced supervisor will keep an eye on you throughout the entire game. If you get stuck or something goes wrong, they can quickly intervene to get you back on track. This ensures that the experience remains fun, safe and educational for everyone.

The learning escape room is located at Brouwerijstraat 26A in Aalter (Belgium).

Our building is within walking distance of Aalter station (15 minutes).

There is also ample (free) parking in the area.

No. You can leave the escape room at any time if necessary. You are never physically locked in.

Reservations can be made by filling in the form on the website or by contacting us (email/telephone). We will check whether the desired day is still available and let you know.

Please note that the reservation is only final after you have received a confirmation email. For last-minute requests, please contact us by telephone: +32 9 375 68 00.

This learning escape room is primarily aimed at companies and consultants. Private groups are always welcome too, after booking.

The escape room is designed for adults. No prior knowledge of sustainability is required.

We have tried to make this learning experience as inclusive as possible. Unfortunately, the escape room is only accessible by stairs (10 steps). There is no lift in the building.

The escape room is in Dutch.

Yes; Mission Sustaire not only tests your theoretical knowledge, but also challenges you to apply your insights in a realistic context. The unique combination of learning and escape room often leads to new insights or interesting discussions during the game or the debriefing.

Mission Sustaire also remains interesting for experienced escape room visitors. The substantive issues go beyond finding codes. Strategy, information analysis and team coordination play an important role, which adds an extra layer even for seasoned players.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.